Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. The University of California, Santa Cruz is a unique public university known for its innovative spirit and beautiful campus. They are seeking an Associate Research Administrator to manage award transactions and maintain compliance with research funding policies, while supporting faculty and research staff in various financial and administrative tasks.
Responsibilities
- Maintains a working knowledge of university procurement, travel, and financial management systems
- Provides data entry support for the Research Financial Services (RFS) team, including UC Path entry
- Processes transactions in campus financial systems as directed, including salary cost transfers
- Monitors campus system approval queues and direct reports according to RFS work assignments
- 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
- Analyzes transactions, expenditures, identifies and resolves discrepancies, financial and inventory reports. Applies agency guidelines and University policy when approving transactions
- Maintains working knowledge of compliance regulations in research administration
- Assists in support of audits as directed by senior staff
- Monitors fiscal budget control of gifts, and other institutionally-funded projects, or single investigator awards for faculty research programs
- Requests the establishment of fund accounts, including relevant activity codes, and coordinates approval with other authorized campus partners
- Reviews, reconciles, monitors, and forecasts project expenses against project budgets and campus financial system records
- Develops and distributes timely financial reports to Principal Investigators to support accurate and informed project management and financial decision-making
- Gathers information as needed to perform financial analysis
- 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
- Closes out extramural and intramural fund accounts at the end of the period, as needed
- Supports the preparation of proposal and award documents and reports that are required by sponsor guidelines, as needed
- Provides guidance and counsel on research administration matters, including campus policy and processes, compliance regulations, to principal investigators and relevant campus partners
- Communicates regularly with RFS colleagues, principal investigators and divisional liaisons, to ensure continuity of support, timely response, and resolution of inquiries and award actions
- May serve as a point of contact for portfolio management, as assigned
- Coordinates with the Office of Research, Extramural Funds Accounting, and other campus partners to resolve issues, as needed
Skills
- Bachelor's degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience and/or training
- Knowledge of sponsor, UC, and institutional research administration policies and guidelines, with ability to interpret and apply to research portfolio management
- Knowledge of financial planning, analysis, budgeting, and accounting to administer research portfolios, including projects with multiple funding sources
- Knowledge of applicable research administration compliance requirements
- Demonstrated competence in the use of financial systems and tools, including spreadsheets and database software, in financial analysis, fiscal management, and financial reports
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Organizational skills with the ability to manage a significant volume of transactions with strong attention to detail
- Written communication skills with the ability to explain requirements in a comprehensive and organized manner
- Verbal communication skills
- Customer service focus and solid interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective and professional relationships
- Ability to use discretion and good judgment when handling confidential information
- Knowledge with campus systems, such as financial management, payroll/personnel software, purchasing, data warehouse, and reporting
Benefits
- Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits
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