Financial Analyst

Department

Provost URA: Billing & Collections

About the Department

University Research Administration (URA) has the responsibility to review and provide institutional endorsement for all proposals to federal and other external sponsors (excluding gifts), assuring compliance with University policies and sponsor terms and conditions. URA is the institutional authority for the negotiation and acceptance of financial support or other contractually-binding obligations in the form of a contract, grant, or agreement, including material transfer agreements and clinical trials.

Job Summary

The Financial Analyst is responsible for activities associated with billing and collecting payments associated with sponsored projects at the University of Chicago. The successful candidate will be analytical, proactive, solution-oriented, and possess exceptional communication skills. This individual will be self-motivated and have the ability to exercise sound judgement in prioritizing tasks

Responsibilities for this position include: identifying funds to be drawn from Federal sponsors, issuing bills to non-Federal sponsors, confirming all accounts are billed in accordance with the designated payment terms, claiming incoming wires, receiving payment and depositing accordingly. This requires knowledge and experience in own discipline, while still acquiring higher-level knowledge and skills. Builds knowledge of the organization, processes, and customers. Solves a range of problems. Analyzes possible solutions using standard procedures. Receives a moderate level of guidance and direction.

This position requires rapid proficiency in University of Chicago systems such as AURA, FAS, ACCTS, Business Objects, PMS, Research.gov, Grants.gov and other external agency systems, as well as a high level of proficiency in Excel. Incumbents are expected to review Sponsor payment terms. This role requires direct contact with administrative staff at the University, faculty, and sponsors. Customer service is a high priority of the office and civility and professionalism are required at all times.

Responsibilities

• Facilitates fiscal operations for federal funding, direct and pass through.

• Liaise between federal financial managers and University faculty and their program officers, regarding award modifications.

• Coordinates between department administrators and URA Post Award Administrators.

• Applies independent judgement and knowledge of Uniform Guidance, GAAP, and University policies and procedures in performing all tasks to ensure compliance to federal sponsor requirements.

• Reconciles University and federal systems related to expenditures and income.

• Responsible for all University billing related to a specific sponsor.

• Identifies and resolves invoicing problems and issues.

• Performs detailed analysis of projects to proactively manage timely billing process, using University business intelligence reporting tools.

• Analyzes key reports for data integrity by diagnosing errors and making necessary corrections.

• Collaborates with the Credit Union, Treasury, and Bursar's Office to ensure cash is appropriately applied.

• Partners with Post Award Research Administrators, URA Contracting, and business units/departments as needed. Addresses questions and issues related to billing and collections of sponsored projects.

• Maintains appropriate data entry into institutional systems and database for work related to the billing and collections of sponsored projects.

• Gains and maintains thorough understanding of University and sponsor regulations.

• Continuously seeks opportunities and provides input toward improvement of the billing and collection process.

• Examines accounting records for the purpose of determining gains and losses, receipts and disbursements, and inventory.

• Performs a variety of operating or cost accounting activities which require moderate knowledge of accounting theories and principles.

• Has a moderate/high level of authority in drafting income and balance sheet statements, consolidated statements, and various other accounting statements and reports.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree, in accounting field strongly preferred.

• Advanced degree.

Experience:

• Relevant experience interpreting sponsored research grants and contracts, and working with budgets, ledgers, invoices and fiscal reporting.

• Background working in a sponsored programs research administration office, or in an academic environment.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Knowledge of Federal Circulars applicable to universities (OMB A-21, A-110, A-133 or the Uniform Guidance) or interpretation of similar regulations.

• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

• Experience with University of Chicago systems such as AURA, FAS, ACCTS/PETS, and Business Objects.

• Strong technical skills including work in research administration systems, sponsor system portals, and help desk ticketing systems.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel (VlookUps, Index Match, Pivot Tables, custom formulas, etc.) along with Huron Research Suite (or similar).

• Experience and advanced level proficiency working in Business Objects. Able to quickly comprehend current reporting practices, troubleshoot issues, develop/create complex reports, and translate data once exported.

Preferred Competencies

• Work independently while being able to prioritize and accomplish objectives in a timely manner.

• Manage detail-oriented workload, to organize and prioritize during high-pressure, high-volume periods and manage stress.

• Excellent organizational skills with demonstrated ability to prioritize and efficiently manage multiple tasks.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Pay close attention to detail and provide reports with essentially no errors.

• Must be mature, self-motivated, responsible individual who is able to initiate and complete routine and non-routine tasks unassisted.

• Work effectively with individuals at various organizational levels, using tact, courtesy, and maintaining confidentiality.

• Handle multiple, concurrent tasks.

• Exhibit proper customer service in all interactions (civility and professionalism).

• Develop and manage interpersonal relationships.

• Interact by phone, email, online meetings or in-person with faculty and administrative staff at the University and occasionally with staff of federal government, non-federal sponsors, and other institutions and organizations.

• Keep composure during stressful situations and creatively troubleshoot technical issues to timely resolutions.

Working Conditions

• Sit for 4 hours or more.

• Use computers extensively for 4 hours or more.

• Use standard office equipment and troubleshoot IT equipment in a hybrid environment.

• Stay current with technology and digital tools.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• References Contact Information (3) (preferred)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Financial Management

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Frequency

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

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