Research Reporting Analyst

University of Louisiana at Lafayette - Lafayette, LA

Full-time

Lafayette, LA

Educational Services

About the position

The Research Reporting Analyst position at the University of Louisiana Lafayette is a critical role within the Office of Sponsored Programs Finance Administration and Compliance (SPFAC). This position is designed for individuals who are committed to ensuring compliance with regulations, policies, and procedures related to sponsored programs funding. The successful candidate will be responsible for analyzing and reviewing financial reporting controls of sponsored programs to ensure adherence to applicable regulations, sponsor requirements, and institutional policies. This role requires a keen eye for detail and a strong understanding of financial transactions, as the analyst will evaluate expenditures and documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness, and appropriateness of charges to sponsored projects. In addition to compliance monitoring, the Research Reporting Analyst will review grant proposals, agreements, and award documents to verify compliance with sponsor guidelines and institutional policies. Collaboration is key in this role, as the analyst will work closely with sponsored programs staff, principal investigators, and departmental administrators to provide guidance on compliance requirements and best practices. The analyst will also be tasked with investigating allegations of financial irregularities, conflicts of interest, and other compliance concerns related to sponsored programs, ensuring that the university maintains its integrity and accountability in financial matters. Staying informed about changes in regulations, policies, and best practices related to sponsored programs administration is essential. The analyst will provide training and education to staff and faculty on compliance requirements and internal controls, fostering a culture of compliance within the university. Additionally, the role involves researching and evaluating new or changed accounting principles and practices, participating in process data testing as new financial system functionality is released, and collaborating with fellow employees to improve compliance and efficiency within the SPFAC department through new policies, procedures, and technological solutions. Other duties may be assigned as necessary to support the department's objectives.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and review financial reporting controls of sponsored programs to ensure compliance with applicable regulations, sponsor requirements, and institutional policies.
• Evaluate financial transactions, expenditures, and documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness, and appropriateness of charges to sponsored projects.
• Review grant proposals, agreements, and award documents to verify compliance with sponsor guidelines and institutional policies.
• Collaborate with sponsored programs staff, principal investigators, and departmental administrators to provide guidance on compliance requirements and best practices.
• Investigate allegations of financial irregularities, conflicts of interest, and other compliance concerns related to sponsored programs.
• Stay informed about changes in regulations, policies, and best practices related to sponsored programs administration.
• Provide training and education to staff and faculty on sponsored programs compliance requirements and internal controls.
• Research and evaluate new or changed accounting principles and practices.
• Participate in process data testing as new financial system functionality is released.
• Collaborate with fellow employees on improving compliance and efficiency within the SPFAC department through new policies, procedures, and technological solutions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field.
• 2 years of experience in fiscal operations in higher education or a governmental agency, or other business setting with prior experience in grant accounting.

Nice-to-haves

• Proficiency in Excel and a recognized accounting software application.
• Experience with Ellucian Banner or other ERP system.
• Audit experience with evaluating and documenting internal controls.
• Current Certified Public Accountant or equivalent professional certification or license.
• Comprehensive knowledge of accounting and internal auditing practices.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills to effectively present information and respond to questions from faculty and staff.
• Ability to work either independently or as a team member and team leader within a collaborative environment.