Senior Research Accountant

AgUpdate; Santa Cruz (CA); Remote; USD 100,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

Job summary

UC Santa Cruz is seeking a Senior Research Accountant to independently monitor and reconcile extramural funding in compliance with UC and sponsor policies. The role involves complex award oversight, financial reporting, and closeout, with guidance to faculty and staff on procedures.

The position is fully remote, offering opportunities to work with multiple sponsors and campus units. Requires expertise in research administration, budgeting, and compliance, and provides full benefits with a salary

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of research administration concepts and compliance.
• Strong communication skills with PI and campus partners.
• Ability to interpret policy and provide guidance to others.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial award management and reporting for extramural funds.
• Manage transactions, closeouts, and ensure alignment with sponsor requirements.
• Provide policy guidance and training to staff and PIs on research administration.

Skills

Advanced written communication

Advanced verbal communication

Independent judgment

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related area

Job description

Senior Research Accountant

Location: Remote

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Office of Research has primary responsibility for research policy, planning and administration of the UC Santa Cruz Research enterprise. The Office of Research supports the research community through its core units: the Office of Sponsored Projects, Research Development, Office of Research Compliance Administration, Research Financial Services, Extramural Funds Accounting, Innovation and Business Engagement, and the Office of Research Business & Operations.

JOB SUMMARY

Under direction of unit leadership, uses advanced skills as a seasoned, experienced research administrator to independently monitor, reconcile, and manage extramural funding in compliance with UC, institution, and sponsor policies. Works on awards of diverse scope, which require a thorough understanding and application of complex regulations to minimize risk and ensure compliance. Responsible for sponsored award oversight, policy compliance, billing, financial reporting, and closeout. Manages high-complexity awards. Works independently to assess complex grant, contract and subcontract transactions where analysis requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors. May serve as a technical specialist in a particular area, such as a specific federal agency, type of funding mechanism, or information systems.

Provides guidance to faculty and research staff on standard operating procedures, university and sponsor policies, and processes, and provides decision support analysis, guidance, and reporting to meet sponsored projects requirements and ensure institutional financial oversight. Liaises with divisions and other campus units as needed.

Provides oversight and guidance to ensure allowability and allocability in accordance with funding sources. Supports financial activity for complex awards that may involve multiple investigators and / or multiple subawards. Guides less experienced staff. May review and approve transactions for less experienced staff.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $100,000 - $108,000/year. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.

Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

Full-time, Fixed Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week Days of the Week: Mon-Fri Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: Remote

Union Representation: RP Union

Job Code Classification: 005265 (RSCH ADM 4 RP)

Travel: Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

• 30% - Financial Award Management and Reporting

  Provides oversight for fiscal management of sponsored awards. Authorizes the establishment of fund accounts, including relevant activity codes, and coordinates approval with other authorized campus partners. Monitors and provides oversight to complex projects to ensure project expenses are in alignment with approved budgets, sponsor requirements, appropriate rates, and campus financial system records. Independently gathers information as needed to perform financial analysis. Provides guidance for actions requiring coordination with sponsors and campus authorized officials, and coordinates institutional action on such activities when needed. Assists in support of audit as directed by senior staff. Ensures the accuracy of records and financial files and that all appropriate documentation and authorizations are maintained to comply with federal and state agencies and university regulations. Independently oversees closeout of extramural fund accounts at the end of the period, works with campus partners to manage fund overdrafts and refunds, and ensures all institutional obligations have been met. Prepares and submits financial reports that are required by sponsor guidelines.

• 30% - Transactions and Processes

  Maintains a working knowledge of university procurement and financial management systems. Responsible for the accounting, financial reporting, letter of credit drawdowns, billing, application of revenue, and accurate and timely closeout for extramural awards within a designated assignment, as well as escalations for complex requirements or issues. Provides oversight for cost transfers and adjustments to ensure costs comply with sponsor and university policy. Identifies and corrects transactional discrepancies in collaboration with Research Financial Services, and ensures accurate application of institutional rates. Analyzes and applies agency guidelines and University policy when providing fund oversight, including review of journals, cost transfers, rebudgeting, and other account management adjustments. Identifies and recommends changes for systems and processes to improve efficiency and reduce administrative burden.

• 25% - Research Administration Policy

  Reviews and interprets award terms and conditions, provided by extramural sponsors, and ensures awards are set up and managed in accordance with relevant terms. Advises campus partners on the proper use of funds according to funder, institutional, and UC guidelines and policies. Reviews policies for discrepancies and updates, formulates strategies, and recommends changes. Provides support, expertise, and guidance to other Extramural Funds Accounting (EFA) team members. Analyzes and applies agency guidelines and University policy when approving expenditures. Maintains current knowledge of compliance regulations in research administration.

• 15% - Communication and Customer Service

  Provides guidance on highly complex research administration matters, including compliance regulations, to Principal Investigators (PIs) and campus partners. Develops training materials and provides training to PIs, research staff, and less experienced Extramural Funds Accounting (EFA) staff on topics of expertise. Ensures continuity of support, timely response, and resolution of inquiries and award actions. Serves as the first point of contact for portfolio management as assigned. Coordinates with the Office of Research, Research Financial Services, Financial Affairs, and other campus partners to resolve complex issues.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience and/or training.
• Extensive knowledge of sponsor, UC, and institutional research administration policies and guidelines, sponsor-specific policies, conflict of interest requirements, application of indirect cost rates, and other advanced concepts in research administration.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply complex research administration concepts to support research account management, and ability to interpret policy and concepts for others.
• Demonstrated advanced knowledge in financial planning, analysis, budgeting, and accounting ensure fiscal accountability and adherence to internal controls.
• Advanced knowledge of applicable research administration compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated advanced competence in the use of financial systems and tools, including spreadsheets and database software, in financial analysis, fiscal management, and financial reports.
• Demonstrated independent judgment, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills with the ability to assess a situation and provide a solution.
• Demonstrated organizational skills with the ability to manage a significant volume of work with a strong attention to detail.
• Advanced written communication skills with the ability to explain requirements in a comprehensive and organized manner.
• Advanced verbal communication skills, including the ability to train others on concepts and processes.
• Demonstrated customer service focus across broad and diverse subject areas, and solid interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective and professional relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a significant volume of transactions.
• Demonstrated ability to function independently and follow through on assignments with minimal direction.
• Ability to use discretion and good judgment when handling confidential information.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with campus systems, such as financial management, payroll/personnel software, purchasing, data warehouse, and reporting.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
• This is a fully remote position, and the selected candidate must be able to work successfully from a home/remote office and be able to fulfill the requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement.
• This position requires the ability to report to campus to work in-person as operationally required, with reasonable notice as determined by your manager; travel expenses not covered.
• Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.

MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct: UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy UC Anti-Discrimination Policy Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFSR) is available at: https://chancellor.ucsc.edu/annual-security-reports/. This report is published by October 1st of each year and includes current institutional policies and procedures concerning campus safety and security; fire safety and evacuation policies; sexual misconduct and relationship violence reporting and response protocols; and crime and fire statistics for the three previous calendar years. A paper copy of the ASFSR is available upon request by contacting the UCSC Police Department at 114 Carriage House Rd., Santa Cruz, CA 95064, or by calling 831-459-2231 Ext. 1.

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.