"Research Data Analyst 3 or 4 Oakland, CA, Job ID 80657"

Job Description

The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) seeks a Financial Data Analyst (classified as Research Data Analyst 4) to develop, maintain, and optimize financial software solutions that support the Division's financial operations. UC ANR is a complex organization with operations in 58 county offices, three campuses, and nine research and extension centers. As the land-grant arm of the UC system, ANR manages over $300 million in funding and employs over 1,600 academic and staff personnel.

The incumbent applies advanced data analytics, programming, and data integration skills to extract, clean, and analyze large and complex financial datasets from multiple enterprise sources.

This role will collaborate with Resource Planning and Management, Financial Services, IT, and administrative teams to customize and implement applications that enhance financial reporting, budgeting, and operational efficiency. The ideal candidate has a strong background with financial data systems in higher education, proficiency in tools such as SQL, R, SAS, Tableau, and Power BI, with a passion for improving processes in a large, complex academic institution.

This position is a contract appointment that is 100% fixed, and ends three years from date of hire with the possibility of extension if funding permits. This position is posted as a Research Data Analyst 4 but a Research Data Analyst 3 may be considered depending on the level of experience of the hired applicant. The home department is Resource, Planning & Management. While this position normally is based in Oakland, CA, this position is eligible for hybrid flexible work arrangements for applicants living in the State of California at this time. Please note that hybrid flexible work arrangements are subject to change by the University.

Pay Scale:

Research Data Analyst 3: $88,900.00/year to $126,400.00/year

Research Data Analyst 4: $109,200.00/year to $158,500.00/year

Key Responsibilities:

• 25% Financial Data Integration & Reporting: Create and maintain scripts, queries, and reports that integrate data from multiple systems to support cross-functional financial analysis. Build automated tools to extract, clean, and analyze large financial datasets from Oracle, Cognos, and other university financial systems. Translate complex reporting and analysis needs into scalable, user-friendly dashboards and visualizations using tools such as Tableau, Cognos, or Power BI.
• 20% Financial Application Design & Enhancement: Design and enhance financial applications that support budgeting, forecasting, and reporting within a university financial ecosystem. Implement financial models and process automation solutions to improve operational efficiency across departments.
• 15% Process Improvement & Operational Efficiency: Improve speed, accuracy, and efficiency of financial calculations and reporting systems. Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives with university finance and IT stakeholders.
• 15% Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure the use of all financial applications complies with university policies, state and federal regulations (GAAP, IFRS, OMB Uniform Guidance), and cybersecurity standards.
• 15% Technical Support & Issue Resolution: Diagnose and resolve system issues, provide technical support to finance teams, and ensure seamless financial operations across all campuses.
• 10% Stakeholder Collaboration & Documentation: Work with university finance and IT stakeholders, maintain clear documentation of system workflows, and support cross-campus coordination.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Finance, Data Science, Business Analytics, or a related field or equivalent experience.
• Proficiency in using programming or scripting languages (such as SQL, Python, or similar) to extract, analyze, and automate processes using data from financial systems.
• Experience with ERP platforms (Oracle, UCPath), and business intelligence tools (Cognos, Tableau, Power BI).
• Familiarity with data warehousing, cloud computing (AWS, Azure, GCP), and automation tools.
• Ability to analyze large datasets and develop financial reports that align with UC's financial reporting standards.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and collaboration skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Strong understanding of fund accounting, grant management, and UC financial policies.
• Experience working in higher education finance, UC financial operations, or public sector budgeting.
• Knowledge of UC policies related to finance, grants, and compliance.
• Certifications such as CPA, CFA, or data analytics certifications.

Special Conditions of Employment:

Must possess valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University vehicle. Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability damage insurance on vehicle used is required. Reimbursement of job-related travel will be reimbursed according to University policies. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check. This is a designated position requiring a background check and may require fingerprinting due to the nature of the job responsibilities. UC ANR does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. As of January 1, 2014, ANR is a smoke- and tobacco-free environment in which smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes), is strictly prohibited. Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information, and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations. 'Misconduct' means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct: UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy, UC Anti-Discrimination Policy, Abusive Conduct in the Workplace.