Hiring Range
The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The salary or hourly range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $28.49/hr.
Job Closing Date
Initial applicant review will begin on or around September 3rd, 2025. Posting will remain open until filled. This position is full on-site. This union position is represented by the bargaining unit Clerical & Allied Services - CX Teamsters Local 2010.
About UC Merced
The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff. Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.
About the Job
This position provides critical student financial services for graduate education within the Graduate Division. Using skills as an experienced professional, this position provides a full range of financial student services while simultaneously supporting the Graduate Division's growth and development of current and new graduate programs at UC Merced. The range of activities includes but is not limited to, one-time lump-sum fellowships, monthly fellowship stipends, tuition & fee coverage fellowships, and/or academic student employment-related tuition & fee remissions. This position will be responsible for identifying and resolving student financial issues, which can range from academic to employment-based issues, while assuring timely distribution of all financial packages as assigned. This position will utilize various information systems to accomplish their tasks, including the student information system (Banner), payroll system (UCPATH), Graduate & Lecturer Academic Appointment System (GLAAS), graduate admission application system (Slate), graduate fellowship application system as well as custom Excel spreadsheets associated with fee remissions and fellowship awards. Independently resolves common academic/student services-related issues inherent within the organization. As a liaison to campus and external agencies for graduate student funding, responsibilities will also include maintaining effective communications with internal and external constituents, which includes but is not limited to, leading workshops, presentations, meetings, and writing campus communications to students, staff, and faculty. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provides analytical support in administering common and/or moderate financial packages for graduate students. These packages will consist of, but are not limited to, external & internal one-time lump-sum fellowships, monthly fellowship stipends, tuition & fee coverage fellowships, and/or academic student employment-related tuition & fee remissions. Identifies and resolves common and/or moderate student financial issues, ranging from academic to employment-based issues. Ensures timely and accurate processing and reporting of graduate student financial support by performing data processes, reviews, and works directly with Graduate Group Coordinators and other campus units as needed. Uses various information systems to accomplish their tasks, including the student information system (Banner), payroll system (UCPATH), Graduate & Lecturer Academic Appointment System (GLAAS), graduate admission application system (Slate), graduate fellowship application system (SLATE), as well as custom Excel spreadsheets associated with fee remissions and fellowship awards.
- Reviews and processes student fellowships and other graduate student financial awards; Reviews and processes academic student employment-related tuition & fee remissions; advises Graduate Chairs and students on financial aid options on campus and extramural fellowship opportunities.
- Assists in monitoring Graduate Division internal graduate student financial support budget allocations, including University Student Aid Program (USAP), which is budgeted at over five million dollars alone, and ensures compliance, accuracy, and effective management of such funds. Reviews eligibility reports, expenditures, and requirements, performs reconciliations, and works with any units involved to resolve issues identified during the process. This may also include monitoring other budget allocations, as needed. Responsibilities will also include maintaining effective communications with internal and external constituents. The incumbent will interact and collaborate frequently with other campus units, including Academic Personnel, Graduate Groups, Faculty and Staff, Financial Aid & Scholarships, Student Business Services, Registrar's Office, Campus Cashiering, and UC systemwide colleagues. Creates, maintains, and distributes information regarding award opportunities, requirements, and deadlines through various communication methods, including but not limited to leading workshops, presentations, meetings, and written communications. Updates website information regarding graduate funding; prepares written materials and announcements and distributes them in a timely manner to graduate students, graduate programs, and the general public about graduate student funding opportunities, requirements, and deadlines; may take the lead in creating and updating graduate student support forms. Be proactive in identifying, developing, and maintaining analytical reports and other materials for internal or external use that support graduate programs and Graduate Division priorities. Works collegially with the campus-wide units and their senior staff to ensure the free flow of information and coordinate a timely entry of required items for the success of graduate programs and graduate students at UC Merced, including all employment requirements for domestic and international students.
- Interprets federal, state, and university policy to ensure compliance through developing, modifying, and implementing policies and procedures related to student financial support. Explains standard policies and procedures to students, staff, and faculty, as well as assists in developing those policies and procedures as needed. This requires the position to have a thorough understanding of the funding aspects formalized in the Graduate Advisor's Handbook, as well as informal campus norms, and how those interact with changing federal, state, and university policies.
- Other duties as assigned critical to the Graduate Division programs and strategic initiatives.
Qualifications
EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Management, Economics, or a related field. (Required)
- One (1) year of directly related, progressively responsible experience or five years of equivalent experience/training. A master's degree is preferred but may not substitute the required year of experience. (Required)
CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
- Basic knowledge of financial or accounting concepts, processes and procedures.
- Strong knowledge of financial data management and reporting systems.
- Proficiency in the use of spreadsheet and database software.
- Strong interpersonal skills, analytical skills, service orientation, active listening, critical thinking, attention to detail, ability to multi-task in a high-volume environment, organizational skills, effective verbal and written communication skills, sound judgment and decision making.
- Ability to function effectively as a member of a team.
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities.
- Intermediate knowledge and understanding of internal control practices and their impact on protecting University resources.
- Skills to provide coaching and mentoring to support staff.
- Ability to work with diverse populations. (Preferred)
Background Check
Background check will be required.
Policy Statement
How to Apply: An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu. 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. Equal Employment Opportunity: 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. Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy: The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu. E-Verify: All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check. Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule: For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/
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