Lead Central Effort Analyst

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

The Office of Sponsored Programs ( OSP) partners with the research community to support and advance the University's research mission by providing leadership and expertise in research administration. OSP facilitates and manages all aspects of sponsored research administration for over $1B in sponsored awards each year while developing and maintaining strong relationships with campus partners and external sponsors. OSP is responsible for the following primary functions: (1) proposal review and submission, (2) award negotiation, (3) award management, (4) financial reporting and cash management, (5) F&A rate development, negotiation, and review, (6) cost analysis and research service center (recharge) rate development, (7) monitoring and oversight of time and effort reporting, (8) oversight of regulatory compliance, (9) training and development for research administration personnel, and (10) Project closeout and final reporting requirements. OSP provides complete sponsored project life cycle support (sometimes known as pre-award and post-award services) to faculty and staff.

There are four functional areas of responsibility within the Office of Sponsored Programs ( OSP), which have the following types of positions: (1) program administration; (2) accounting, financial reporting, and cash management; (3) data management reporting and analysis; and (4) financial compliance, effort reporting, cost studies, and cost accounting standards ( CAS).

OSP serves as the official institutional signatory for the Chancellor and is responsible for reviewing and authorizing proposal submissions, as well as negotiating and administering awards on behalf of the University. These activities include monitoring institutional compliance for research and training activities, pre-award services, billing and financial reporting, cash management, cost analysis and compliance of research-related activities, verification of technical report and patent & invention report submissions by principal investigators (PIs), award closeout, and the implementation of information technology into research administration activities. OSP's centralized administrative functions facilitate the development and implementation of standardized policies & procedures across the University. They also provide training opportunities to improve University-wide efficiencies and communication to increase the quality of research administration.

This position is a 100% remote work arrangement, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

The Cost Analysis and Compliance Unit in the Office of Sponsored Programs is comprised in part by the Central Effort Administration team. The Lead Central Effort Analyst position will be tasked with performing, where needed, all day-to-day responsibilities assigned to the Central Effort Administration team. Additionally, the position will provide mentorship and guidance to other team members, when necessary.

Primary job responsibilities for the Lead Central Effort Analyst position include working with the Cost Accounting and Central Effort (CA/CE) Manager to administer the day-to-day aspects of the University effort reporting function to ensure compliance with federal guidelines and University operating standards and procedures. The position will assist with overseeing and administering all activities related to the biannual effort certification process by facilitating the operation of the Effort Certification and Reporting Technology (ecrt) system, providing expert customer service and training to campus constituents, and ensuring the completion of all effort statements in the ecrt system. The Lead Central Effort Analyst will also serve as the first point of contact for the Central Effort Analysts regarding complex effort reporting problems. The position will also lead the post-certification review and analysis of all effort reports that require additional action to update the status or to document system issues and limitations.

Responsibilities also include reviewing and approving electronic Payroll Action Request (ePAR) and Payroll Accounting Adjustment Tool ( PAAT) HR transactions in ConnectCarolina that impact sponsored projects. When complex issues arise, this position will be expected to develop and present potential solutions to the CA/CE Manager to determine an appropriate course of action. During high volume work periods, the Lead CA/CE Analyst will have the authority to make decisions regarding the proper approach to resolve ePAR or PAAT transactions.

The Lead Central Effort Analyst will serve as the first line of oversight to closely monitor compliance within the team and the university research enterprise. The position will utilize strong communication skills to accurately identify and describe any concerns to leadership in OSP and within the campus community. Position 20039526 was originally created to serve both the Cost Accounting and Central Effort Administration teams that comprise, in part, the Cost Analysis and Compliance Unit within the Office of Sponsored Programs.

Primary job responsibilities for the Cost Accounting portion of the position include ensuring institutional Research Service Centers ( RSC) operate in compliance with federal guidelines and University operating standards and procedures. This position coordinates with departments on campus to obtain RSC rate proposal documentation and then utilizes information systems, such as InfoPorte and ConnectCarolina, to review and approve RSC proposals, along with summarizing the financial performance of individual RSCs. The position also performs other cost analysis functions and completes special projects including, but not limited to, assisting with the Facilities and Administrative (F&A) Cost rate proposal and calculating employee fringe benefit rates for sponsored agreement budgeting.

Mid-career with Masters and 1-2 yrs experience; or Bachelors and 2-4 yrs experience

Selected candidate must demonstrate the following:
* Effective communication, organization, planning, and financial analysis skills.
* Strong demonstrated fiscal/accounting skills. Demonstrated experience with and knowledge of finance, general accounting practices, business management, fund accounting, audit trails, and use of cost-centers.
* Ability to organize and analyze data with attention to detail under pressured deadlines.
* Ability to use advanced techniques in Excel spreadsheets.
* Knowledge of computerized accounting systems and applications.
* Proven experience and ability to interpret and analyze financial transactions and develop/review financial reports and budgetary information, using complex data, rules, regulations, and resource materials.
* Excellent mathematical skills with the ability to perform complex calculations and to analyze expenditure reports for consistency, allocability, and accuracy.
* Strong knowledge of Microsoft products and demonstrated ability to adapt quickly to new applications and various computer information systems.
* Strong knowledge of Microsoft Excel and related functions.
* Demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills.
* Well organized, highly flexible, detail-oriented, with a strong work initiative.
* Strong analytical and creative problem-solving/troubleshooting skills.

* Prefer candidates with previous payroll experience, as this position requires frequent interactions with university payroll staff and the resolution of payroll issues.
* Experience in a university sponsored programs or grant accounting office, post-award administrative setting; in-depth knowledge of federal and non-federal agency requirements and regulations for sponsored research.
* Extensive knowledge of university policies and procedures regulating the administration of sponsored projects.
* Previous experience in administering federal regulations, federal sponsored agreements, effort reporting policies, and related functions such as cost sharing.
* Knowledge of Office of Management and Budget ( OMB) Uniform Guidance 2 CFR Part 200, Circular A-133, and Circular A- 21; and federal funding agency award administration policies.
* PeopleSoft experience is preferred or experience with similar financial system.
* Ability to research, identify, and implement software applications to increase productivity.
* Certified Research Administrator credentials.
* Strong preference will be given to candidates with previous experience using ecrt for effort reporting.

Work Schedule
Monday - Friday | 8:00 - 5:00pm

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.