Job Description

What You Will Do:

Background:  The Research Applications Laboratory is a large, complex organization that conducts scientific research, development and technology transfer efforts on behalf of the National Science Foundation and a diverse group of state, other federal agencies, private sector organizations, non-profit organizations, and foreign governments.  Currently there are approximately 200 persons on staff, and a Lab budget  in excess of $60M annually.

To meet the diverse, dynamic needs of RAL in a period of constrained indirect cost budgets, a team of administrators and budget analysts, works collaboratively with, and under the direction of, the Laboratory Administrator.  Each of these individuals has primary responsibility for a centralized set of duties and responsibilities which support the Lab as a whole, as well as focused responsibilities for designated Programs within the Lab.

Specific Focus of this Job:  They will be responsible for overall management and analytics of the Laboratory budget, ensuring that tools, processes and procedures are effective, accurate and appropriately aligned with those of UCAR and NCAR. They will produce standard financial reports and serve as an expert resource in interpreting these reports and other financial data; provides budget and finance input and guidance to a variety of RAL, NCAR and UCAR programs and projects.  In addition to these centralized duties, they will be responsible for hands-on proposal, contract, and account management for two RAL Programs:  Aviation Applications Program (AAP: estimated annual expenditures of ~$6.5M) and the Joint Numerical Testbed (JNT: estimated annual expenditures of ~$7M).

Responsibilities:

Distributed Duties and Responsibilities:

Has lead responsibility for budget and finance management for the Aviation Applications Program (AAP:  ~$6.5M annual expenditures) and the Joint Numerical Testbed (JNT: ~$7M annual expenditures); They:

Assist RAL’s Proposal Coordinator in submitting proposals from AAP and JNT, P.I.s.  Prepares complex budgets and rate schedules; fixed price contracts, and meeting other special requirements.

Manage a variety of contracts, grants, Cooperative Agreements, and InterAgency Agreements within AAP, and JNT.  These range from small grants to 5-year, $50M awards. Works closely with P.I.s, RAL Program Director, sponsors and UCAR F&A to establish, monitor, reconcile, invoice, and ultimately close out these agreements in compliance with both internal and external policies and procedures.  Assists P.I.s in managing accounts by preparing specialized reports, spending projections, generating reports and deliverables, answering questions and troubleshooting problems. 

Communicate regularly with other members of the Administrative Team to ensure that best practices are consistently employed across the Lab.

Work with UCAR Contracts with sponsors such as the FAA (both in writing and verbally) on required reporting and any other special requests.

Centralized Duties and Responsibilities:

Manages the RAL budget at the highest level, ensuring the integrity, accuracy and consistency of budgeting practices across the Lab:

Creates, maintains, improves and has oversight on all financial tools used in the Lab, in order to manage the $605M+ Lab annual budget

Creates, maintains, and improves budgeting processes, procedures and practices

Ensures that financial data, tools, processes and procedures are appropriately aligned with those of UCAR and NCAR

Provides detailed, Lab wide information to NCAR and UCAR as requested

Manages financial reporting processes for the Lab, ensuring the production and delivery of consistent, timely, accurate reports

Assesses user needs for specific information and understands timelines for receipt of reports

Produces standard reports, reconciled to UCAR data, to provide a consistent baseline understanding of funding levels and expense/encumbrance activity

Serves as expert resource to RAL administrative staff in designing more specialized reports to address different users and sponsor needs; ensures that these reports are consistent with data in standard reports

Serves as an expert resource to RAL administrative staff in interpreting financial data, troubleshooting complex problems, reconciliation tasks, and recommending solutions to project leaders and RAL management

Provides budget and finance expertise for a variety of reports and special projects required by RAL management, the NCAR Directorate and UCAR F&A.  These include but are not limited to:

The NCAR Annual Budget Review process

Assists with the establishment of the RAL Computing Service Center annual rate

Establishment of the indirect cost templates

Partners with Lab Admin on estimation of the Lab’s Modified Total Direct Costs 3-4 times per year. Runs multiple reports on spending trends throughout the year

General Duties and Responsibilities:

Maintains high-level of knowledge and proficiency in the use of UCAR financial computing system and laboratory computing system hardware and software; provides in-house training for staff on these systems for financial applications.  Participates in RAL management meetings and serves as an expert resource for the Lab on budget and finance issues.  Represents RAL on various NCAR and UCAR committees.  Provides back-up support for other members of the administrator team as needed.

What You Need:

Education and Years of Experience:

Bachelor's degree in accounting, business, or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience

At least 8 years' relevant experience with demonstrated progression in job responsibilities and knowledge

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Advanced understanding of standard cost accounting principles and procedures.

Advanced knowledge of government contract/agreement requirements, policies and procedures.

Expert skill in using Microsoft/Google spreadsheets, word processing and database software in a networked computing environment.

Expert skill in budget development and analysis.

Advanced knowledge of proposal submission procedures.

Demonstrated skill in planning, implementing and evaluating projects.

Experience in effectively supervising and mentoring staff.

Effective oral and written communication skills.

Demonstrated skill in working effectively, both independently and as part of a diverse team of administrative, scientific and engineering staff.

Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills.

Desired but not required:

Expert skill in the use of the UCAR IFAS and Financial, Analysis and Budgeting (FAB) financial systems.

Expert knowledge of UCAR policies and procedures.

Applicant Notes:

A cover letter is required when applying to this position.

Pre-employment screenings and background checks are conducted in conjunction with an offer for employment into risk-based positions. This screening may involve verifying or reviewing any of the following relevant information: restricted parties screening, employment verification, education verification, reference checks, verification of professional licenses, certifications, and Motor Vehicle Records. Risk-based positions require pre-employment screening, a criminal background check, and Sex Offender Registry screening (for positions working with vulnerable populations). UCAR complies with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer that strives to develop and maintain a diverse workforce. UCAR is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy.

Whatever your intersection of identities, you are welcome at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR). We are committed to inclusivity and promoting an equitable environment that values and respects the uniqueness of all members of our organization.