DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Earth Section of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography encompasses research in the Cecil H. & Ida M. Green Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics (IGPP) and the Geosciences Research Division (GRD). Research in IGPP spans a broad range of topics in geophysics including seismology, geodynamics, geodesy and crustal deformation, geomorphology, planetary physics, geomagnetism and paleomagnetism, oceanography and electrical methods. The Cecil and Ida Green IGPP is recognized internationally as an outstanding research and teaching institution in geophysics with focus on maintaining modern infrastructure for conducting research including buildings, computer networks, computing mass storage, seagoing instrumentation, communications and global observatories. Research in GRD embraces atmospheric, marine and solid earth chemistry, cosmochemistry, paleoceanography and paleoclimate, stratigraphy, geobiology and paleoecology, hydrogeology, global and regional tectonics, and paleomagnetism.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Under direction of the Earth Section Financial Manager (Research Admin 3), the Earth Section Fund Manager is responsible for providing analysis and comprehensive administration for a full range of extramural grants, contracts, subcontracts and service agreements totaling approximately $11 million. Included in this responsibility is the management of the pre-award process (eligibility of investigators, preparation, review, routing and submission of proposal), the management of the award (initial setup in Oracle Award system, editing of budget amount, reconciliation, reporting, analysis of spending patterns, short and long range projections, rebudgeting of direct and indirect costs), management of closeout (financial closeout, required reporting to the funding agency), archiving, and eventually destruction of documents in accordance with the policies and procedures of the University and funding agencies. Responsible for management of self-supporting activities performing rate structure analysis, monitoring and forecasting trends, preparing rate revision proposals, equipment depreciation, and differential income distributions. Responsible for salary projections, UCPath funding entries for all academic/staff/students related to research groups assigned to this position and reconciliation of Distribution of Payroll Expenses (DOPEs).

QUALIFICATIONS

• In-depth knowledge of Federal, State, and university rules and regulations and agency guidelines to ensure strict compliance with auditing and reporting requirements and translate them into daily departmental practices. Examples include but are not limited to: Federal OMBs 133, 110; Uniform Guidance, federal registers (FDP and Expanded Authority); Cost Accounting Standards; federal and state agency guidelines (NSF, NOAA, DOE, NASA, CalFed, CEC, etc.); UC rules and regulations; state sales/use tax regulations; federal, state, and UC travel policies and procedures; and campus/departmental/local interpretations and policies.

• In-depth knowledge of financial accounting/bookkeeping principles, generally accepted accounting principles, budget planning and analysis, forecasting and projections, purchasing, inventory, and all related functions for post-award and consortia administration from inception through close-out.

• Demonstrated competence in the use of spreadsheet and database software in financial analysis, fiscal management and financial reports.

• Thorough understanding of research administration guidelines of Federal and non-Federal sponsors supporting research and educational activities, preferably in a university environment.

• Maintains current knowledge of compliance regulations in all areas of research administration.

• Proven ability to review accounts in relation to shifting income/expenditure, audit spending trends and historical expenditures, analyze statements for balance of funds, provide projections, audit for appropriateness of expenses against agency regulations, and make sound recommendations for budget adjustments.

• Ability to plan, organize, prepare and manage complex budgets for multiple projects, diverse disciplines, and involving multiple Principal Investigators.

• Demonstrated strong management, problem-solving, decision-making skills and organizational skills, with ability to prioritize job functions to meet multiple deadlines, ensure smooth workflow and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Ability to apply programmatic knowledge regarding research objectives of projects/programs in order to analyze data, evaluate next-step procedures, weigh consequences in financial modeling, and advise PIs of the best solutions to the problems or issues at hand.

• Ability to work independently, take ownership of work performance, follow through on assignments, identify problems and recommend course of action for resolution, and acknowledge those tasks/items/problems that need to be handled by self and those that need the Financial Manager or CAO's attention.

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills for effective written and oral communication to correspond with all levels of administration using correct rules of grammar, punctuation, and proper formats.

• Ability to interact constructively with a wide variety of personalities, exercising tact and diplomacy with emphasis on flexibility, professionalism and customer service.

• Ability to work within a team framework participating in group discussion regarding systems, procedures, and goals of the unit.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding financial, payroll, and personnel information.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

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

• Must have reliable internet connectivity in order to work remotely.