Director, Extramural Funds Accounting

This position may be considered for hybrid or remote work, subject to the terms of a telecommuting agreement and dependent on the needs of OR leadership and the research community. Preference for this position will be given to applicants who are able to work a hybrid schedule.

HOW TO APPLY

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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: 08-26-2026

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

Under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor for Research, the Office of Research holds primary responsibility for research policy, planning, and administration of the UC Santa Cruz research enterprise. It supports the campus research community through it's core units: the Office of Sponsored Projects, Research Development, the Office of Research Compliance Administration, Research Financial services, Extramural Funds Accounting, Innovation & Business Engagement, and the Office of Research Business & Operations. Together, these units deliver coordinated services that enable faculty, staff, and researchers to successfully develop, fund, and manage research initiatives.

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Extramural Funds Accounting provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and expert guidance for the University's extramural accounting activities. The Director manages a team responsible for account set-up in alignment with award terms, institutional funds management, financial reporting, billing and invoicing, revenue management, drawdowns, and closeout of sponsored awards. The role ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, UC policies, cost accounting standards, sponsor terms, and audit requirements. Provides on interpretation of complex policy and award terms, and trains staff to interpret award terms, manage project changes, and ensure compliance.

The Director operates with a high degree of autonomy and is responsible for unit-wide decision-making, ensuring comprehensive and effective fiduciary compliance, and achievement of unit goals and priorities. Manages and mentors a team of financial research administration professionals. Contributes to development, enhancement, and implementation of organization policies governing post-award administration. The Director ensures strong internal controls and serves as a primary financial policy expert in the Office of Research.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $150,000 - $160,000/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: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: Non-Represented

Job Code Classification: 000381 (CONTRACTS AND GRANTS MGR 1) - Grade 25

Travel: Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

40% - Funds Accounting Management

• Ensures campus compliance with federal cost principles, UC policies, federal and state regulations, sponsor terms, and campus reporting requirements.
• Maintains the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of sponsored accounting and financial information.
• Supports processes and controls that ensure effective financial stewardship for sponsored projects.
• Provides oversight for general ledger reconciliations, journal entries, overdraft resolution, receivables monitoring, and financial reporting activities related to sponsored projects.
• Manages and resolves award management-related escalations related to accounting, compliance, and system-related issues, ensuring timely and effective resolution.
• Collaborates with the Office of Sponsored Projects, University Relations, Planning & Budget, Research Financial Services, Financial Affairs, and other campus partners on sponsored award and gift administration.
• Provides support to other campus units responsible for UCOP reporting, fiscal year-end close processes, evaluation of accounting procedures, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) compliance.

30% - Unit Management and Leadership

• Establishes and communicates unit goals, priorities and objectives for the team; works with subordinate managers to achieve them. Ensures unit objectives align with departmental, organizational and campus goals.
• Coordinates operations of the unit; responsible for organizational planning and unit workflow.
• Ensures staff perform their duties in a manner consistent with campus and University policies and procedures.
• Conducts performance evaluations and establishes measurable goals for direct reports. Provides coaching and feedback to team members.
• Identifies training needs and coordinates professional development opportunities.
• Provides training, either formally or on-the-job, for staff to ensure subject matter knowledge in post-award administration.
• In partnership with the Employee Relations Analyst, initiates disciplinary actions in compliance with university policies, collective bargaining agreements and campus procedures.
• Makes final hiring decisions for unit staff.
• Effectively recommends salary and reclassifications actions.
• Contributes to the identification, development and reporting of metrics, trends and statistical analysis. Uses this data to recommend and implement process improvements to optimize productivity, reduce costs, and streamline workflow.
• Fosters an environment that promotes a culture of professionalism, inclusion, and respect within the team.
• Effectively uses and strategically deploys technology to improve the quality and relevance of services.
• Participates in the OR leadership team.

20% - Policy and Process Development

• Provides policy analysis, consultation, and technical guidance related to the administration and accounting of sponsored projects.
• Functions as point person for policies and procedures related to sponsored projects accounting; interprets complex award terms and conditions and provides expert guidance to campus departments and stakeholders.
• Identifies, recommends, and implements process and system improvements and cost-effective technology solutions to enhance service quality, operational efficiency, and compliance.

10% - Training

• Communicates and/or teaches advanced research administration concepts at campus, national, and organization-level meetings.
• Develops new training programs and/or resources on special or emerging areas of interest or concern.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in a related field and/or equivalent experience and/or training.
• Experience interpreting and applying generally accepted accounting principles, federal regulations, sponsor policies, and university policies governing sponsored research, including the Uniform Guidance (2 C.F.R. Part 200), Federal Acquisition Regulation, and Code of Federal Regulations.
• Experience in supervising, mentoring, training and evaluating professional staff.
• Demonstrated knowledge of financial systems and technologies used in accounting and research administration.
• Demonstrated knowledge of industry best practices in a university environment with the ability to implement and manage broad-based grant management best practices and procedures.
• Sound judgement and decision making skills.
• Strong critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills.
• Strong verbal communication skills.
• Strong written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to apply organizational development, strategic planning, change management, and team priority-setting skills to support effective operations and organizational goals.
• Demonstrated ability to perform highly complex financial analysis and customized reporting.
• Ability to develop unit-wide plans and policies to improve post-award operations and resolve complex compliance or fiscal issues.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree in related area.
• Experience with campus systems, including financial management, payroll/personnel software, data warehouse, and reporting.
• Experience interfacing with auditors and managing compliance for sponsored programs.
• Experience in managing a team responsible for a complex and high volume portfolio, including funds management, and ensuring expenditures align with award terms and university policies.
• Experience as a seasoned accountant, preferably in a state or university accounting management position.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

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.
• The selected candidate will be required to work a hybrid work schedule and must be able to work successfully from a home/remote office and fulfill the requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement.
• Ability to travel to multiple work locations on and off campus.
• 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.
• 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 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.