Data Management Analyst

$63,565 - $75,462/Yr

University of California - Santa Cruz, CA

Part-time - Entry Level

Remote - Santa Cruz, CA

Educational Services

About the position

The Data Management Analyst at the University of California Santa Cruz plays a crucial role in the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office (FASO), which is dedicated to providing high-quality service to students and their families. This position utilizes professional financial services concepts to complete various transactional tasks, ensuring the accurate and timely delivery of financial aid funds to eligible students. The analyst will be responsible for reconciling federal, state, and institutional funds, as well as student award data across multiple databases, including campus financial and student systems, as well as federal and state databases. The incumbent will share responsibility for the receipt and reconciliation of financial aid funds from external agencies, which includes state, federal, and private sources. This role requires a thorough understanding of financial processes and the ability to analyze data to resolve problems of moderate scope. The Data Management Analyst will also assist in ensuring that financial processing functions, such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll, are performed accurately and efficiently. In addition to transactional responsibilities, the analyst will serve as a resource for staff, providing support on complex financial discrepancies and customer service issues. The role may involve training staff and fostering a collaborative team environment. The analyst will also assess and recommend changes to maintain compliance with federal and state requirements, participate in audits, and document processes related to financial activities. This position is essential in developing and implementing new business processes to enhance the administration of financial aid funds.

Responsibilities

• Applies professional financial and accounting concepts to independently perform analyses of moderately complex financial services such as researching fund and transaction discrepancies, the transfer of expenses, return of funds to outside agencies, and compliance with external regulations and internal policies.
• Assists with ensuring that financial processing functions which may include accounts payable, accounts receivable, recharge billing, payroll, and cashiering are performed with accuracy and that daily operations run smoothly. Reviews, processes, and approves standardized financial data and transactions.
• Under general supervision, researches and gathers information from a variety of sources; prepares and summarizes information and reports relative to financial and student level transactions, current and new services for management review and regulatory/compliance issues and vendor selection and support activities.
• Functions as a resource to support staff on issues such as researching complex financial discrepancies, escalated customer service problems and state agency concerns. May act as team leader for support staff. Trains staff and creates an effective teamwork environment.
• Assesses and recommends changes to maintain compliance with federal and state requirements and internal financial/audit policies. Participates in audits of internal records and processes and prepares recommendations for changes as needed. Documents processes and procedures for financial activities used in the administration of financial aid funds.
• Conducts or assists with researching, developing, and implementing new and changing business processes. Ensures that the appropriate internal controls are addressed, maintained, and strengthened to protect University resources.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Working knowledge of financial processes and financial services transactions, policies and procedures.
• Strong knowledge of financial data management and reporting systems.
• Proficiency in the use of spreadsheet and database software.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Effective verbal communication skills.
• Effective written communication skills.
• Experience reconciling financial transactions or records between multiple databases.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• Intermediate knowledge and understanding of internal control practices and their impact.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team setting.
• Strong organization and analytical skills.
• Experience with multi-tasking in a high volume environment.
• Experience with projects/tasks that require attention to detail and concentrated focus.

Nice-to-haves

• Skills to provide coaching and mentoring to support staff.
• Experience in service orientation organization.
• Familiarity with federal and state aid programs such as Federal Work Study, Cal Grant, Middle Class scholarship, LAEP.

Benefits

• Full benefits package including health insurance, dental insurance, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan options including 401k.
• Paid holidays and vacation time.
• Flexible work schedule options including hybrid work arrangements.
• Professional development opportunities and training programs.