Cost Analyst

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The Office of Sponsored Research (OSR) partners with the research community to support and advance the University’s research mission by providing leadership and expertise in research administration. OSR 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. OSR 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. OSR 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 Research, 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).

OSR 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. OSR’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.

Position Summary

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 Analyst position will be a part of the Research Core Development Team within the Office of Sponsored Programs. The Cost Analyst position will be tasked with performing, where needed, all day-to-day responsibilities assigned to the Cost Analyst position.

Primary job responsibilities for the Cost Analyst position include ensuring institutional Research Service Centers (RSC) operate in compliance with federal guidelines and University operating standards and procedures. This position coordinates with departments on campus to conduct detailed analyses using ConnectCarolina and Infoporte to complete financial compliance and rate reviews at minimum, once every two years for all University Research Service Centers. The Cost Analyst provides effective customer service, technical support, and consulting services to the RSCs, administrators, and institutional stakeholders to ensure RSCs maintain operational effectiveness, efficiency, and compliance in the rate development and review process. Responsibilities also include ensuring the timely tracking and filing of all RSC related updates and documentation.

The position also performs other functions related to Research Core Development, including, but not limited to, updating information in relevant databases and information systems related to core facilities.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

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

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Ability to analyze operational and financial data
• Sound knowledge of accounting principles
• Strong Communication Skills
• Strong knowledge of ledger systems, spreadsheets, databases, and word processing applications
• Ability to prioritize and complete responsibilities independently with a high level of accuracy

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Previous experience with Research Service Centers (core facilities) and rate review/oversight
• Experience with accounting systems in a university setting
• Experience with federal grants and post-award administration, including knowledge of Uniform Guidance
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certification preferred