The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is $59,000-$105,000. The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $67,800 - $84,600.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around May 16th, 2023. Posting will remain open until filled.

This 24 month contract appointment is eligible for full UC benefits.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: This position will be fully onsite.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university’s mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced’s evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

This position, funded in part by the Build Back Better America initiative, will be part of a dynamic, successful team to build the future in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. The mission of our team and this program is to deliver research, education, and outreach programming that contributes substantively to inclusive regional economic development, solutions for a climate resilient future, technological innovation for all, and the future of our food system. The programmatic portfolio has a strong focus on equity and justice with attention to climate, water resources, and inclusive innovation. The incumbent will have opportunities for training and professional growth, connecting with peers and partners, as well as intellectual freedom in problem solving, creativity, and exploration of options. UC Merced offers competitive benefits, substantial vacation and sick leave accrual, and consideration of individual needs. To learn more about the current work environment, visit citris.ucmerced.edu.

Reporting to the VISTA F3 Senior Program Manager, the Financial Services Analyst uses advanced financial services and accounting concepts to manage, coordinate, participate, and provide oversight of the daily financial operations of the Center and its multiple programs. This position has significant responsibility in organizing work to achieve broadly stated goals. Responsibilities include financial management of the Center's operations; strategic and short-range planning, implementation, and coordination; gift/foundation accounts, extramural accounts, sales, and service operations; develop internal controls and ensure compliance with university policies. The Center has 20 individual departmental and faculty chart of accounts with multiple complex fund types. The Financial Services Analyst is a key resource to Center management by providing strategic support with a strong understanding of business functions, ongoing programs, and future projects. The Financial Analyst will aid the VISTA F3 Senior Program Manager and senior leadership in administering and enhancing budget practices as well as resolving a range of fiscal issues in imaginative and practical ways. All assigned projects require demonstrating good judgment in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results and partnering with internal and external contacts. The incumbent must have strong communication and organizational skills and must be flexible and able to prioritize workload. Background and knowledge regarding travel and entertainment policy and procedures are highly desirable.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for developing annual budget projections based on historical trends, complex financial planning and analysis, management of VISTA budget allocations and budget to actual analysis on all financial account types and funds related to general operations and projects.

• Prepares detailed monthly and ad-hoc customized budget and financial reports for the Director of VISTA and senior leadership.

• Manages high volume and complex transactions, and expenditure reconciliation process which includes detailed monthly ledgers to ensure that expenses are supported by back up documentation.

• Responsible for the closing of accounts/funds during fiscal year-end closing.

• Responsible for providing analyses for highly complex budgetary, financial, and resource projects, often dealing directly with senior program personnel.

• Performs monthly staffing list reconciliations and provides workforce budgeting and planning for VISTA. This includes but is not limited to the reconciliation of position distributions, payroll allocation summaries, preparing staffing reports, reviewing internal recruitment requests, and tracking vacancy metrics.

• Provides guidance and counsel in the areas of finance and budget to VISTA senior leadership to ensure objectives are achieved. Interprets related policies and advises VISTA accordingly.

• Advises in the development, implementation, and evaluation of processes and procedures and coordinates with other campus units on issues that impact processes beyond the Center level.

• Collaborate and supports project team in meeting deadlines and resolves problems and inquires related to contracts and grants in a timely manner.

• Trains staff and creates an effective teamwork environment. Serves as a subject matter expert in finance and budgeting.

• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s from an accredited university in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or a related field. (Required)

• Three years of directly related, progressively responsible experience in a finance, accounting, or business operations job function, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. A Master’s degree is preferred, but may not substitute for the required years of experience. (Required)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Thorough knowledge of financial processes, policies and procedures.

• Thorough knowledge of financial data management and reporting systems.

• Strong proficiency in the use of spreadsheet and database software.

• Strong interpersonal skills, analytical skills, service orientation, active listening, critical thinking, attention to detail, ability to multi-task in a high volume environment, organizational skills, effective verbal and written communication skills, sound judgment and decision making; ability to develop original ideas to solve problems.

• Ability to function effectively as a member of a team.

• Ability to adapt to changing priorities.

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

• Leadership skills to provide guidance, coaching and mentoring to professional and support staff.

Background check and fingerprinting will be required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:

Step 5 of 7 (on the application) Referrals

How did you hear about the job? (select) “other”

Additional information? (select) “other”

Specific Referral Source? (write in) first and last name of referring employee

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility.