Financial Analyst

About The Department

Provost URA:
Billing & Collections

University Research Administration has the responsibility to review and provide institutional endorsement for all proposals to federal and other external sponsors (excluding gifts), assuring compliance with University policies and sponsor terms and conditions. URA is the institutional authority for the negotiation and acceptance of financial support or other contractually-binding obligations in the form of a contract, grant, or agreement, including material transfer agreements and clinical trials.

The Financial Analyst is responsible for activities associated with billing and collecting payments associated with sponsored projects at the University of Chicago. The successful candidate will be analytical, proactive, solution-oriented, and possess exceptional communication skills. This individual will be self-motivated and have the ability to exercise sound judgement in prioritizing tasks.

Responsibilities for this position include: identifying funds to be drawn from Federal sponsors, issuing bills to non-Federal sponsors, confirming all accounts are billed in accordance with the designated payment terms, claiming incoming wires, receiving payment and depositing accordingly.

This position requires rapid proficiency in University of Chicago systems such as AURA, Oracle, Orbit, Business Objects, PMS, Research.gov, Grants.gov and other external agency systems strongly preferred as well as a high level of proficiency in Excel. Incumbents are expected to review Sponsor payment terms.

The position requires direct contact with administrative staff at the University, with faculty, and with sponsors. Customer service is a high priority of the office and civility and professionalism are required at all times.

Requires knowledge and experience in own discipline, while still acquiring higher-level knowledge and skills. Builds knowledge of the organization, processes, and customers. Solves a range of problems. Analyzes possible solutions using standard procedures. Receives a moderate level of guidance and direction.

• Facilitates fiscal operations for federal funding (direct and pass through).
• Liaisons between federal financial managers and university faculty and their program officers, regarding award modifications.
• Coordinates between department administrators and URA Post Award Administrators.
• Applies independent judgement and knowledge of Uniform Guidance, GAAP, and university policies and procedures in performing all tasks to ensure compliance to federal sponsor requirements.
• Reconciles university and federal systems related to expenditures and income.
• Responsible for all university billing related to a specific sponsor.
• Identifies and resolves invoicing problems and issues.
• Performs detailed analysis of projects to proactively manage timely billing process, using university business intelligence reporting tools.
• Analyzes key reports for data integrity; diagnose errors and make necessary correcting errors.
• Collaborates with the Credit Union, Treasury, and Bursar’s Office to ensure cash is appropriately applied.
• Partners with Post Award Research Administrators, URA Contracting, and business units/departments as needed. Addresses questions and issues related to billing and collections of sponsored projects.
• Maintains appropriate data entry into institutional systems and database for work related to the billing and collections of sponsored projects.
• Gains and maintains thorough understanding of university and sponsor regulations.
• Continuously seeks opportunities and provides input toward improvement of the billing and collection process.
• Performs a variety of operating or cost accounting activities which require moderate knowledge of accounting theories and principles.
• Interprets accounting records for the purpose of determining gains and losses, receipts and disbursements, and inventory.
• Has a moderate/high level of authority in drafting income and balance sheet statements, consolidated statements, and various other accounting statements and reports.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

• Bachelor's degree, in Accounting field strongly preferred.
• Advanced degree.

• Relevant experience interpreting sponsored research grants and contracts, and working with budgets, ledgers, invoices and fiscal reporting.
• Knowledge of the Uniform Guidance or interpretation of similar regulations strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Experience working in a sponsored…