Research Accountant

NOTIFICATIONS

This position may work on-campus, hybrid or fully remote between the hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time and must be located in the United States of America. UCSC is not able to sponsor a work visa for this staff position.

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our Talent Acquisition website.

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz staff jobs are posted until filled. Application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring unit for consideration. Materials submitted after the IRD will ONLY be forwarded at the request of the hiring unit. To ensure your application is routed for consideration, submit your materials before 11:59 p.m. on the IRD. Talent Acquisition cannot accept application materials outside of the jobs portal, and is unable to update submitted applications on an applicant's behalf, or forward communications to the hiring units. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 07-29-2024

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

Physical and Biological Sciences (PBSci) Research Accounting is responsible for management of all research funds within the Division. We value teamwork and strive to provide high-quality post-award support for our Principal Investigators (PIs). The PBSci Division and the research accounting team are dedicated to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for our faculty, staff and students.

The Division of Physical and Biological Sciences (PBSci) extramural income, generated from over 175 distinct funding agencies, is currently $90 million annually. Including university-wide research funding, the unit manages 1,400 accounts for 300 principal investigators.

Client Population: The departments of Astronomy, Ecological and Evolutionary Biology, Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Planetary Sciences, Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, Mathematics, Ocean Sciences, and Physics, and the Institute of Marine Sciences, Institute for Particle Physics, ACCESS Program, CAMP Program, Minority Access to Research Careers/Minority Biomedical Research Support, UC LEADS, Center for Molecular Biology of RNA, and the research affiliates at the National Marine Fisheries Service Santa Cruz Laboratory and the Santa Cruz branch of the United States Geological Service.

More information can be found at https://science.ucsc.edu

JOB SUMMARY

Under general supervision of the Research Accounting Manager, the Research Accountant is responsible for the budgetary and financial management and administration of extramural contracts, grants, cooperative agreements and gifts from a wide variety of funding sources and all university generated research funds and cost share commitments for the Division of Physical and Biological Sciences. The Research Accountant proactively manages a portion of the Physical and Biological Sciences Division's approximately 1400 research awards from over 175 distinct funding agencies, for an estimated 300 principal investigators totaling approximately $90 million annually in extramural awards.

The Research Accountant provides input in developing processes for the Division, and provides budgetary analysis and innovative solutions to diverse types of problems and situations by applying university, state, federal, and private sector policies and procedures. The Research Accountant also ensures that costs to a research fund are reasonable, allowable and allocable under all cost principles.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $80,000 - $90,000/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: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus.

Union Representation: Non-Represented

Job Code Classification: 006206 (RSCH ADM 3)

Travel: Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

35% - Post-Award Administration

• Provide post-award financial administration and management for extramural funds by analyzing and applying complex granting agency and UC guidelines to ensure proper usage of funds, prevent fund overdrafts and audit disallowances.

35% - Report Preparation/Analysis

• Prepare and analyze complex reports on a regular basis; consult with PIs as necessary to interpret/explain reports and assist PI in maintaining proper financial stability on funding sources. Prepare ad hoc reports as needed to meet PI needs or campus unit or funding agency requirements.

15% - Fiscal Management/Control

• Apply professional knowledge and experience to prepare, review and approve financial transactions.

5% - Collaborative Fund Administration

• Collaborate with PIs and various campus offices (e.g. Office of Sponsored Projects, Accounting, Departments, Graduate Division, etc.) to ensure proper administration of grants and contracts.

5% - Award Review/Analysis

• Ensure grants are processed and allocated correctly according to award documents and University policy and procedure; review award documentation for limiting and restrictive terms and conditions and advise PI accordingly.

5% - Payroll Review/Analysis

• Coordinate with divisional and campus colleagues to ensure employees are paid appropriately and accurately. Consult on compensation mechanisms.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Thorough understanding of research administration guidelines of extramural sponsors supporting research and educational activities, preferably in a university environment.
• Demonstrated skill in financial planning, analysis, and budgeting, with proven skills to interpret and apply complex university, state and federal regulations as they pertain to research administration.
• Strong negotiating and decision-making skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly, verbally and in writing. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for working with a wide variety of individuals at various levels.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze problems and develop or collaborate on innovative solutions.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize a heavy workload with the pressure of deadlines and constant interruptions.
• Ability to function independently, be resourceful, and follow through on assignments with minimal direction.
• Ability to use discretion and good judgment when handling confidential information.
• Demonstrated competence in the use of spreadsheet and database software in financial analysis, fiscal management and financial reports.
• Ability to manage a significant volume of transactions.
• Ability to learn campus-specific systems related to finance, purchasing, and reports.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience using campus financial system (Banner/FIS), campus payroll/personnel software's inquiry module (UCPath), UCSC purchasing system (CruzBuy) and campus Data Warehouse systems (InfoView).

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
• Ability to perform essential physical job functions.
• Will be required to work a hybrid work schedule, days of the week and number of days to be determined, and be able to fulfill requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.
• The University of California has implemented a COVID-19 Vaccination Policy covering all employees. To be compliant with the policy, covered employees must submit proof of vaccination or have an approved exception or deferral, eight (8) weeks from date of hire.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.

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 Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFSR) is available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hUBiz3WS3zErEGOhSOu7KZZPzGkTwr_2/view?usp=sharing. 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 Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.