Department Overview

Birch Aquarium at Scripps is the non-profit public exploration center for world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the aquarium features more than 60 habitats of fish and invertebrates from the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest to the tropical waters of Mexico and beyond. An interactive museum showcases research discoveries by Scripps scientists on climate, earth and ocean science and features five-dozen interactive elements. Birch Aquarium has an annual attendance of more than 460,000. The aquarium is the largest provider of K-12 ocean science education in San Diego County, reaching more than 55,000 school children each year through its on- and off-site programs. At the Birch Aquarium at Scripps, we connect understanding to protecting our ocean planet. As the public outreach center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, we share the spirit of curiosity that drives Scripps’ global research to understand our planet. We engage people in science and invite them to ask questions, explore, and observe to better understand how our world works - Earth, ocean, atmosphere, and life - and our unique role in our global ecosystem. We use science to guide conservation action to support a healthy thriving planet where we feel hope for the future and empowered to make positive change. We connect people with each other, with nature, with science, and with a shared sense of purpose to care for our amazing one-and-only planet Earth.

Our values can be found here: https://aquarium.ucsd.edu/about/mission

Job Location:
Birch Aquarium is located at 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037

Posting Description

Under the general direction of the Director of Finance/HR, the Business and Fiscal Analyst at the Birch Aquarium analyzes the historical financial data of the organization, monitors and reconciles accounts, and helps to spot trends and assess risks. Using this information, helps to predict outcomes for current and future business decisions and identifies opportunities to support sound business actions. The financial analyst will gather data to understand the trends affecting various business segments and make recommendations to the Director of Finance and CFO informed by that research.

The Business and Fiscall Analyst will administer the Aquarium's self-supporting, gift(s), and sponsored research funding, review ledger expenditures, provide projections, forecasting, analysis, and problem-solve account issues. Analyze cost requirements of proposed projects, develop and recommend proposal budgets and budget justifications, as well as fiscal documentation preparation of various gifts and contracts/grants for federal, state, and private organizations. Resolve discrepancies, formulate alternatives and make recommendations in accordance with departmental, SIO, University, and agency regulations.

The Business and Fiscal Analyst serve as a resource for financial, gift, and contract/grant administration, providing fiscal management and advice concerning overall funding. Responsible for all fund management processes, working closely with Financial Unit Directors, project managers, and/or PI's in reviewing and monitoring the fiscal status of funding, making recommendations, and offering solutions to resolve fiscal matters. Responsible for all pre-and post-fund management functions, including analysis of financial data and reporting for department PI's and/or their designees. Consult with PI's regarding proposal applications. Support the broader impact initiatives for the Director, Scripps Educational Alliances, and The Hub Scripps Science.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Two years experience with accounting in a university or related field.

• Demonstrated experience in principles and practices of fund accounting, cost analysis, and audit procedures.

• Proven ability to analyze complex financial issues, recognize potential impact, identify creative and alternative solutions, and make recommendations.

• Working knowledge of finance policies, practices, and systems.

• Demonstrated experience working with gift donation, understanding donor intent, annual giving, and special gifts.

• Proven knowledge of federal and non-federal agency requirements and regulations for sponsored research from proposal preparation through close out, including but not limited to Cost Accounting Standards Uniform Guidance, Federal Demonstration Partnership (FDP), etc.

• Proven ability to gather reasonably retrievable information to organize, and perform basic financial analysis assignments.

• Demonstrated ability using spreadsheet and database software for moderately complex financial analysis, fiscal management, and financial reports.

• Demonstrated ability to effectively present information verbally and in writing clearly and concisely.

• Demonstrated interpersonal skills at all levels within the unit; excellent service orientation and critical thinking skills; and attention to detail.

• Proven ability to adapt to changing priorities.

• Intermediate knowledge and understanding of internal control practices and their impact on protecting University resources.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

Duties may require direct contact with children (defined as individuals under the age of 18); completion of the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA) training will be required. Must meet CANRA compliance requirement per California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act ("CANRA," Penal Code sections 11164-11174.4).

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.