Research Accountant [CAMPUS ONLY recruitment]

This is a CAMPUS ONLY recruitment. Only current employees, or former employees with current Preferential Rehire rights will be considered for this position. Former employees with Preferential Rehire rights should apply through the external candidate gateway and identify themselves as such in their application to be considered for this position.

Current UCSC employees must apply to the job posting in the Internal Candidate Gateway. If you accessed this recruitment through the Internal UCSC gateway, you can apply via the "Apply" button at the bottom of this job posting. If you accessed this recruitment through the external gateway, you should access the internal job posting by going to the jobs.ucsc.edu weblink and clicking the "Internal Staff Applicants" button.

If you are a current UCSC employee and apply through the External Candidate Gateway, you will not be considered for this position.

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our website.

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 09-28-2026

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Office of Research has primary responsibility for research policy, planning and administration of the UC Santa Cruz Research enterprise. The Office of Research supports the research community through its core units: the Office of Sponsored Projects, Research Development, Office of Research Compliance Administration, Research Financial Services, Extramural Funds Accounting, Innovation and Business Engagement, and the Office of Research Business & Operations.

JOB SUMMARY

Under general supervision by unit leadership, uses skills as a seasoned, experienced research administrator to independently monitor, reconcile, and manage extramural funding in compliance with UC, institution, and sponsor policies. Works on awards of diverse scope, which require a thorough understanding and application of complex regulations to minimize risk and ensure compliance. Responsible for sponsored award set-up, oversight, policy compliance, billing, financial reporting, and closeout.

Provides guidance to faculty and research staff on standard operating procedures, university and sponsor policies, and processes, and provides decision support analysis, guidance, and reporting to meet sponsored projects requirements and ensure institutional financial oversight. Liaises with divisions and other campus units as needed.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $72,000 - $80,000/year. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: Remote

Union Representation: RP Union

Job Code Classification: 005264 (RSCH ADM 3 RP)

Travel: Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

40% - Financial Award Management and Reporting

• As directed by supervisor, provides oversight for fiscal management of sponsored awards.
• Authorizes the establishment of fund accounts, including relevant activity codes, and coordinates approval with other authorized campus partners.
• Set-up of sponsored awards in the campus financial system, including accurate IDC.
• Monitors and provides oversight to ensure project expenses are in alignment with approved budgets, sponsor requirements, and campus financial system records.
• Independently gathers information as needed to perform financial analysis.
• Provides guidance for actions requiring coordination with sponsors and campus authorized officials, and coordinates such institutional actions when needed.
• Assists in support of audit as directed by senior staff.
• Ensures the accuracy of records and financial files and that all appropriate documentation and authorizations are maintained to comply with federal and state agencies and university regulations.
• Closes out extramural fund accounts at the end of the project period, and ensures all institutional obligations have been met.
• Prepares and submits financial reports that are required by sponsor guidelines.

25% - Transactions and Processes

• Maintains a working knowledge of university procurement and financial management systems.
• Responsible for the accounting, financial reporting, letter of credit drawdowns, billing, application of revenue, and accurate and timely closeout for extramural awards within a designated assignment.
• Provides oversight for cost transfers and adjustments to ensure costs comply with sponsor and university policy.
• Identifies and corrects transactional discrepancies in collaboration with Research Financial Services, and ensures accurate application of institutional rates.
• Coordinates research-related interlocation transfers.
• Suggests changes for systems and processes to improve efficiency and reduce administrative burden.

20% - Research Administration Policy

• Reviews and interprets award terms and conditions provided by extramural sponsors, and ensures awards are set up and managed in accordance with relevant terms.
• Advises campus partners in determining proper use of funds according to funder, institutional, and UC guidelines and policy.
• Analyzes and applies agency guidelines and University policy when providing fund oversight, including review of journals, cost transfers, rebudgeting, and other account management adjustments.
• Maintains current knowledge of compliance regulations in research administration.

15% - Communication and Customer Service

• Provides guidance on complex research administration matters, including compliance regulations, to PIs and campus partners.
• Ensures continuity of support, timely response, and resolution of inquiries and award actions.
• Serves as the first point of contact for portfolio management as assigned.
• Coordinates with the Office of Research, Research Financial Services, Financial Affairs, and other campus partners to resolve issues.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience and/or training.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of sponsor, UC, and institutional research administration policies and guidelines, with ability to interpret and apply to research portfolio management.
• Demonstrated experience in financial planning, analysis, budgeting, and accounting to ensure fiscal accountability and adherence to internal controls.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable research administration compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated competence in the use of financial systems and tools, including spreadsheets and database software, in financial analysis, fiscal management, and financial reports.
• Demonstrated independent judgement, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills with the ability to assess a situation and provide a solution.
• Demonstrated organizational skills with the ability to manage a significant volume of work with a strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrated written communication skills with the ability to explain requirements in a comprehensive and organized manner.
• Demonstrated verbal communication skills.
• Customer service focus and solid interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective and professional relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to function independently and follow through on assignments with minimal direction.
• Demonstrated ability to use discretion and good judgment when handling confidential information.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with campus systems, such as financial management, payroll/personnel software, purchasing, data warehouse, and reporting.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
• This is a fully remote position, and the selected candidate must be able to work successfully from a home/remote office and be able to fulfill the requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement.
• The selected candidate has the option to work a hybrid work schedule. If a hybrid work schedule is confirmed, the selected candidate must be able to work successfully from a home/remote office and be able to fulfill the requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement.
• This position requires the ability to report to campus to work in-person as operationally required, with reasonable notice as determined by your manager; travel expenses not covered.
• Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.

MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

• "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

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.