Manager, Research Costing

Job Summary

The University of Utah is recognized as one of the nation's premier R1 research institutions, generating over $700 million annually in research activity that drives innovation, discovery, and economic growth. Within this vibrant environment, the Office of Research Management & Compliance (RMC) plays a vital role in ensuring that research is supported with strong financial stewardship, integrity, and accountability.

We are expanding our financial post-award team significantly to support the University's growing research portfolio, and it is an exciting time to join us. The Manager for Research Costing will directly contribute to this mission by overseeing the University's indirect cost recovery mechanisms and leading compliance for Service and Recharge Centers. This role requires deep knowledge of federal costing principles, exceptional analytical skills, and the ability to anticipate and proactively respond to a rapidly evolving F&A policy landscape.

Under minimal supervision, this position is responsible for planning, organizing, directing and controlling accounting and finance functions related to the development, submission and negotiation of the University's Facilities & Administrative (F&A) rate proposal. The Manager will also oversee compliance and policy administration for Service & Recharge Centers, ensuring alignment with federal costing principles, institutional policy, and audit standards. The successful candidate will be a proactive problem solver with the ability to lead teams, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and advance process improvements that strengthen the University's financial and compliance infrastructure.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong customer-service mindset, be a proactive problem solver, and bring experience leading teams in a dynamic, compliance-driven environment where accuracy and timeliness are critical. This position is supervisory and will oversee a team of analysts. The role will also be responsible for developing, tracking, and reporting new key performance indicators (KPIs) for research accounts receivable at both the team and institutional levels. Candidates with prior experience in research administration—particularly in the billing and receivables space—are strongly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Oversees preparation, submission, and negotiation of the University's F&A rate proposal, ensuring compliance with federal cost principles, audit requirements, and institutional objectives.
• Monitors evolving federal guidance and policy changes related to indirect cost recovery; proactively develops institutional strategies and communicates impacts to leadership.
• Provides oversight, policy development, and compliance monitoring for Service and Recharge Centers, ensuring proper rate setting, cost allocation, and alignment with institutional and federal standards.
• Leads data analytics and reporting functions related to costing, including development of models, dashboards, and reports that inform leadership decisions.
• Advises University leadership and working groups on data infrastructure and chart of accounts design to support institutional costing strategies.
• Leads, mentors, and evaluates assigned staff; fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous professional development.
• Partners with faculty, administrators, and central offices to address complex costing issues, ensuring both compliance and support for the University's research mission.
• Identifies opportunities for process improvement and technology enhancements; leads or participates in initiatives to streamline workflows and improve efficiency in costing operations.
• Represents Research Management & Compliance on University-wide committees and working groups related to costing, F&A, and recharge policy.
• Promotes RMC's mission and vision by fostering cooperative relationships and strengthening the University's reputation for excellence in research administration and financial stewardship.

Problem Solving

This position requires the ability to analyze complex and often ambiguous issues that arise in the administration of research costing. Unlike standard financial management roles, this position must navigate the interplay of evolving federal policies, complex institutional cost structures, and competing priorities across academic, research, and administrative units.

The Manager must exercise sound judgment in applying institutional policy, sponsor regulations, and federal cost principles to novel situations, often developing solutions where no clear precedent exists. The role requires anticipating and interpreting the downstream impacts of federal and institutional policy changes on indirect cost recovery, Service and Recharge Center operations, and overall research funding sustainability.

Problems are escalated to senior leadership only when they involve changes to institutional policy, significant financial risk, or issues outside established federal or sponsor guidelines.

Comments

Work Environment and Level of Frequency typically required Nearly Continuously: Office environment. Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required Nearly Continuously: Sitting, hearing, listening, talking. Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking. Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a related area or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience). Four to six years of progressively more responsible management experience. Background knowledge of hiring department's area of specialization in order to analyze, plan and draw conclusions for recommendations to superiors. Demonstrated leadership skills in planning and directing employees and processes in order to effectively monitor and develop subordinates and to ensure the smooth operation of department. Master's degree in a related area may be preferred.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Preferences

• Experience working with PeopleSoft or a comparable ERP financial system
• Prior experience in the development and/or negotiation of an F&A proposal
• Knowledge of federal cost principles (Uniform Guidance, Cost Accounting Standards) and their application in higher education
• Experience managing or auditing Service and Recharge Centers
• Strong background in data analytics; SQL proficiency or a degree in data/analytics, information systems, or related field
• Demonstrated skill in financial modeling, cost allocation, and translating complex financial data into actionable insights
• Experience advising senior leadership on financial data infrastructure, including chart of accounts design to support costing functions
• Supervisory or team-lead experience, with demonstrated ability to coach and develop staff
• Strong customer-service orientation, with proven ability to collaborate effectively across diverse stakeholder groups
• Proactive problem-solving skills, with a record of improving processes and implementing solutions in a complex organization
• Master's degree in a related area

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN42976B Full Time or Part Time? Full Time Work Schedule Summary: Monday - Friday, 8:00 - 5:00 Department: 00359 - Grants & Contracts Accounting Location: Campus Pay Rate Range: $102,709 Close Date: 11/29/2025 Open Until Filled: To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/188084