COST POLICY ANALYST

For UCOP internal applicants, please login to the internal candidate gateway at: Jobs at UCOP

UC OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

At the University of California (UC), your contributions make a difference. A world leader producing Nobel and Pulitzer Prize recipients with over 150 years of groundbreaking research transforming the world. Choose a career where you can leverage your knowledge, skills and aspirations to inspire and support some of the greatest minds in the world, and those who will follow in their footsteps. Working at the University of California is being part of a unique institution, and a vibrant and diverse community. At the University of California, Office of the President, we propel our mission through impactful work locally, in government centers and systemwide. We are passionate people, serving the greater good.

The University of California, one of the largest and most acclaimed institutions of higher learning in the world, is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and public service. The University of California Office of the President is the headquarters to the 10 campuses, six academic medical centers and three national laboratories and enrolls premier students from California, the nation and the world. Learn more about the UC Office of the President

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

Position Base
Oakland

Location
UCOP - Franklin Building

Department Overview
The Systemwide Controller provides strategic leadership and support of systemwide financial functions including corporate accounting, federal and extramural costing policy, benefit plan accounting, endowment and investment accounting, payroll policy and compliance and taxation. We deliver efficient and effective financial services, provide best practices and guidance to our campus and medical center communities, develop and administer systemwide policies and procedures, and ensure the University's financial systems are compliant with all University, State and Federal laws, rules and regulations.

Position Summary
Under the direction of the Director, Cost Policy and Analysis, Financial Accounting, this position performs complex costing and financial management analysis and assists in the development of policy and procedures on issues with Systemwide impact. The incumbent must utilize analytical, communication and computerized data management skills to assist the Director to 1) oversee the annual Uniform Guidance Single Audit process, 2) manage University's effort reporting process, 3) resolve audit findings related to federal funds received by the University, 4) ensure University's compliance with federal costing rules and regulations through review and development of appropriate University policies and procedures and through the preparation and distribution of information, guidance and training for campuses. In addition, will function as the acting Director for these subjects in the absence of the Director. The individual must communicate effectively and work closely with OP and campus personnel, the University's external auditors and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The duties and responsibilities of this position directly affect the University's relationship with the federal government. This position is also responsible for managing additional projects as assigned by the Director.

Key Responsibilities

• 25% External Audits and Reviews - Oversee the annual Uniform Guidance audit process, including preparation and reviewing files for the auditors, resolve audit findings related to federal funds received by the University, respond to prime institution's requests for details specific to findings, coordination with external auditors and campus liaisons, and circulation of the final report. - Assist in the partnership with the University Internal Audit Office in the overall management of University-wide audits or reviews conducted by federal agencies as well as reviews and audits of University policies, procedures, practices, and systems affecting federal regulatory compliance. - Develop strategy and initiate steps to minimize the University's audit exposure and provide guidance to campuses.
• 40% Manage University's Effort Reporting Process - Assist with the implementation of a new Effort Reporting System - Provide guidance and recommendations related to the effort reporting process and new system requirements/updates on an ongoing basis - Develop effort reporting policy - Clearly communicate expectations to key stakeholders and provide training - Ensure systemwide compliance with effort reporting - Perform other duties as assigned
• 20% Regulations, Policies, and Procedures - Ensure a thorough understanding of applicable University policies and procedures as they affect extramural funds, including accounting, budgeting, academic and other personnel, and compliance with federal and University policies - Determines whether new and ongoing university costing practices are in compliance with Office of Management and Budget Guidance (OMB 2 CFR Part 200) as well as specific agency requirements - Develops and makes recommendations on internal policy/procedural changes that affect functional areas - Complies with all policies and standards
• 15% Training - Trains staff and maintains an effective team environment - Develops and presents CAS orientation programs for management, faculty/academic department heads, department/divisional business officers, and other administrative staff - Pursues continuous professional growth through active participation in skill development and training as appropriate - Coordinates and facilitates the gatherings of system-wide extramural fund directors, managers, and analysts for information sharing, collaborations, trainings, and professional development. - Develops, documents processes, and makes recommendations on internal policy/procedural changes related to UCOP and UC System-wide costing policy. - Maintains system-wide costing policy systems licensing information to ensure systems and data access requirements of the unit are satisfied and adequately documented.

Experience
Required Qualifications

• Min 8 years Equivalent experience in financial and/or research administration

Skills and Abilities
Required Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of finance policies, practices, and systems.
• Ability to identify, collect, and analyze information from multiple sources. Expert analytical and computational skills and conceptual abilities. Demonstrated ability to develop financial feasibility calculations, analysis, amortization schedules, projections and recommendations. Extensive work experience in producing complex analytical, written and graphical reports and other documents that effectively communicate in a clear, organized and concise manner.
• Advanced ability to effectively present complex finance related information both verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner. Strong understanding of fund accounting systems, annual financial schedules, the definition and application of account fund attributes, and subsidiary systems and their operation.
• In depth ability to use multiple spreadsheet and database software tools to gather information for specialized, complex financial analysis, fiscal management, and financial reports. Competence in the development of special overhead rates for unique projects or units, and projection of the impact.
• Advanced interpersonal skills at all levels within the organization; advanced service orientation and critical thinking skills; and attention to detail. In depth ability to use organizational skills to multi-task in a high volume environment.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities. Demonstrated experience working independently in unstructured projects and situations, identifying priorities and applying creativity and originality in problem solving.
• Ability to function as a member of a team.
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of internal control practices and their impact on protecting University resources.
• Demonstrated understanding of federal regulations and principles, administrative and audit requirements and interpretations of those regulations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of: - Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) - Costing Accounting Standards (CAS) - Governmental Accounting Standards (GAS) - Federal grants policy (NIH, NSF, DOE) - Past and current trends and developments in Federal costing - Federal Agency funding policy and procedures (NIH, NSF, etc.) - Uniform Guidance regulations and audit requirements - Advanced understanding of financial internal controls and ability to ensure compliance
• Knowledge of or experience with UC systems, operations, policies, procedures, and UC information systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge of higher education accounting best practices
• Experience in financial management and analysis in the higher education sector
• Thorough knowledge of the Office of the President and University organizational structures, functions, policies, procedures, reporting relationships and hierarchies. Knowledge of campus organizations, student and employee FTE and headcount reporting, the relationship between administrative and support units and the activities which they support, and the relationship between costing, effort reporting and space utilization.

Education
Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced college degree in accounting, finance, or related field

Licenses and Certifications
Preferred Qualifications

• CPA or similar certification

Travel Requirements
10% Potential for visiting campuses

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. The person hired must report to work on-site at UC's Office of the President (UCOP) located in Oakland, CA, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, subject to change. The person hired will be required to reside in the state of California.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Job Title
Financial Analyst 4

Job Code
007710

Salary Grade
Grade 24

Payscale:
$126,000 - $141,500, commensurate with experience

Benefits: For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: Benefits of Belonging

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

Please be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume with your application.

APPLICATION REVIEW DATE

The first review date for this job is November 12, 2024. The position will be open until filled.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check Process: Successful completion of a background check is required for this critical position. Background check process at UCOP

Smoke Free Work Environment: The University of California, Office of the President, is smoke & tobacco-free as of January 1, 2014. UC Smoke & Tobacco Free Policy

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

EEO STATEMENT

The University of California, Office of the President, is an Equal 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. For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20. For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

The University of California, Office of the President, strives to make this job board accessible to any and all users. If you have comments regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us at: Accessibility or email the Human Resource Department at: epost@ucop.edu.