Lead Research Finance Analyst

Ucsf Medical Center - San Francisco, CA

Full-time - Mid Level

San Francisco, CA

Hospitals

About the position

The Lead Research Finance Analyst (RFA) at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a pivotal role responsible for the post-award administration of grants and contracts for active Principal Investigators within the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics. This position not only involves managing the financial aspects of research projects but also supervising a team of Research Finance Analysts (RFAs) to ensure compliance with established policies and best practices in grants management. The Lead RFA will implement workflows that streamline grant management operations and facilitate the financial approval processes necessary for Principal Investigator projects. In this role, the Lead RFA will be tasked with training and developing junior RFAs, providing guidance on complex portfolio issues, and ensuring that the team operates efficiently. The Lead RFA will supervise support staff, including a finance assistant, and will be responsible for overseeing their work in accordance with defined internal controls. The position requires a high level of judgment and decision-making within established procedures, as well as the ability to identify and mitigate risks associated with financial transactions. The Lead RFA will also engage in priority setting and workflow analysis to manage a high volume of complex transactions effectively. The Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics is a large and dynamic teaching and research department within UCSF's School of Medicine, offering a collaborative environment that fosters outstanding research across various biological disciplines. The Lead RFA will play a crucial role in maintaining this collaborative spirit while ensuring that financial operations align with the department's goals and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage post-award administration for active Principal Investigators.
• Supervise and train other Research Finance Analysts (RFAs) in the department.
• Implement best practices for grants management operations and financial approval processes.
• Facilitate the resolution of complex portfolio problems for the post-award team.
• Oversee support staff working on grants or contracts according to established policies and internal controls.
• Exercise judgment within defined procedures to determine appropriate actions for financial transactions.
• Identify risks associated with financial operations and respond accordingly.
• Conduct priority setting and workflow analysis for high volume and complex transactions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related area or equivalent experience/training.
• Minimum of 5 years of related experience in finance or grants administration.
• At least 3 years of experience in a lead, supervisory, or managerial role.
• Thorough knowledge of contracts and grants transactions and applicable financial systems.
• Ability to manage high volume and complex financial transactions.
• Experience performing complex financial analysis and customized reporting.
• Advanced knowledge of accounting, fiscal, and reporting principles.
• Proficiency in spreadsheet and database software for financial analysis and reporting.
• Strong interpersonal skills and service orientation with the ability to multi-task effectively.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly.

Nice-to-haves

• Knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulation and Code of Federal Regulations.
• Ability to interpret and apply sponsor, institutional, and departmental policies.
• Experience in screening applicants and making hiring recommendations.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Retirement savings plan options.
• Tuition reimbursement for further education.
• Paid holidays and vacation time.
• Flexible scheduling options.
• Professional development opportunities.