Budget Analyst III

Budget Analyst III

The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) - Office of the CFO is seeking for a Budget Analyst III to be integrated into UCAR's Community Programs (UCP). This individual will provide leadership and subject-matter expertise to promote consistent and sound budgeting, pre- and post-award, financial management, and compliance practices across UCP Centers and Programs. They will work closely with the UCP Director of Business Operations to support strategic and annual planning for the UCP Directorate and Centers, including detailed indirect budget development and oversight.

They will also work closely with the UCP Business Shared Services (BSS) team to provide senior-level financial and administrative support for UCP-sponsored research programs and research portfolios and contribute to the development and continuous improvement of award management processes, controls, reporting practices, and research administration standards across UCP. Within the Office of the CFO, the position directly supports the Lead, Financial Planning and Analysis role by providing timely, accurate forecasts of indirect spending and MTDC generation and providing ad hoc support to the UCAR Budget and Planning team as needed.

Here is a brief summary of what one would expect to be generally responsible for in this role.

Integration and Development:

• Supports the UCP BSS in providing UCP Programs with financial analysis, strategies and metrics for program management and decision-making
• Designs and implements best practices of budget planning and development procedures and guidelines for UCP in coordination with the UCAR Budget & Planning office and the financial functional area teams within the UCP BSS
• Participates in recurring triage meetings and serves as the liaison between UCP's programs and the Office of the CFO, focusing on budgetary support and ad-hoc reporting needs
• Collaborates with BSS teams to support proposal development, including budget development, financial analysis, and alignment with applicable UCAR and sponsor requirements.
• Applies contract management expertise, including experience with IDIQ contracts, to support UCP programs by monitoring contract budgets and expenditures, financial and progress reporting, performance milestones, and deliverable requirements; collaborates with the Contracts Office and UCP programs to identify and proactively address issues and escalate risks as appropriate.
• Develops and monitors successful internal financial controls and guidance in compliance with Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Uniform Guidance and UCAR policies and procedures
• Develops and produces financial reports, analyses, and special projects as determined by the UCAR Financial Planning and Analysis and UCP Leadership
• Develops a strong understanding of UCAR's financial and business applications and leverages these systems to support accurate, efficient, and consistent financial planning and reporting
• Develop the components of the indirect cost budget and indirect cost rate for UCP, including estimates for Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC), and provides recommendations to executive teams on the allocation of indirect funds to the UCP Programs
• Provides expert financial guidance and serves as a strategic partner to the BSS team, promoting consistent financial practices, strengthening analytical capabilities, and supporting effective financial award management across UCP.

Analysis and Reporting:

• Analyzes financial data and translates into high-value, actionable insights for UCP Directorate and Programs, developing and refining new analyses in response to changing business needs; anticipates and advises on budget strategies
• Provides expert guidance and direction on the…