Research and Grants Finance Analyst

University of California - San Francisco, CA

Full-time - Mid Level

Hybrid - San Francisco, CA

Educational Services

About the position

The Research and Grants Finance Analyst at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) plays a crucial role in overseeing awards and transactions related to contract and grant management. This position requires a seasoned and experienced research administrator who can independently manage multiple awards with varying requirements, regulations, and deadlines. The analyst is responsible for maintaining accurate contract and grant records in compliance with institutional research sponsor policies. This includes completing and approving transactions for signature by the manager or other authorized institutional officials, as well as preparing and submitting invoices for fixed-price awards based on enrollment or milestones. The role involves collaboration with departmental Principal Investigators (PIs), team members, and colleagues across various departments to ensure smooth operations and compliance with all relevant guidelines. In addition to managing financial transactions, the analyst must possess a thorough understanding of research administration guidelines from both Federal and non-Federal sponsors. This includes the ability to interpret and apply policies and regulations related to indirect costs, federal cost principles, and agency guidelines. The position also requires a strong knowledge of compliance requirements concerning the use of human or animal subjects in research, financial conflict of interest, and biosafety. The analyst must be adept at performing complex financial analyses and generating customized reports, utilizing spreadsheet and database software effectively for fiscal management and financial reporting. The incumbent is expected to maintain independent judgment, demonstrate strong organizational and communication skills, and provide excellent customer service across diverse subject areas. Keeping current with compliance regulations in all areas of research administration is essential, as is a solid understanding of generally accepted accounting principles and effective grant funding processes. Strong writing skills are also necessary to draft persuasive texts that adhere to funding sponsors' guidelines, ensuring that all communications are clear and effective.

Responsibilities

• Independently oversee awards and transactions related to contract and grant management.
• Maintain contract and grant records in compliance with institutional research sponsor policies.
• Complete and approve transactions for signature by manager or other authorized institutional official.
• Manage several awards with different requirements, regulations, and deadlines.
• Prepare and submit invoices for fixed price awards based on enrollment or milestones.
• Collaborate with departmental PIs and other team members as well as colleagues in other departments.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in research administration.
• Thorough understanding of research administration guidelines of Federal and non-Federal sponsors supporting research and educational activities, preferably in a university environment.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies and/or regulations (e.g., indirect cost, federal cost principles, contract and grant policies, agency guidelines, etc.).
• Thorough knowledge of applicable compliance requirements related to use of human or animal subjects in research, financial conflict of interest, biosafety, etc.
• Ability to manage a significant volume of transactions.
• Ability to perform complex financial analysis and customized reporting.
• Demonstrated competence in the use of spreadsheet and database software in financial analysis, fiscal management, and financial reports.
• Ability to maintain independent judgment; strong organization and communication skills; and a customer service focus across broad and diverse subject areas.
• Maintains current knowledge of compliance regulations in all areas of research administration.
• Demonstrated knowledge of generally accepted accounting, fiscal and reporting principles.
• Demonstrated knowledge of effective grant funding processes, procedures, and techniques.
• Strong writing skills in a variety of styles to draft persuasive text for a variety of audiences while ensuring adherence to funding sponsor's guidelines.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage
• Dental and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plan (401k)
• Flexible work hours
• Paid holidays and vacation time
• Tuition reimbursement for further education
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee assistance programs
• Wellness programs