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, 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 Central Effort Analyst position will be tasked with performing, where needed, all day-to-day responsibilities assigned to the Central Effort Administration team.

Primary job responsibilities for the Central Effort Analyst position include working with the Lead Central Effort Analyst and 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 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 position will also assist with 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. All ePARs and PAATs must be approved timely and accurately to ensure that employees receive proper pay on the correct funding sources.

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

* Strong communication skills
* Excellent customer service skills
* Sound knowledge of accounting principles and ability to analyze operational and financial data
* Strong knowledge of ledger systems, spreadsheets, databases, and word processing applications
* Ability to complete responsibilities independently with a high level of accuracy

* Previous experience with the effort reporting function in a university setting
* Experience with accounting and other information systems in a university setting
* Post-award administration of sponsored projects
* Working knowledge of applicable federal circulars (Uniform Guidance) and state regulations
* Previous experience reviewing and approving HR transactions that impact sponsored projects

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.