Director, Extramural Funds Accounting

This position may be considered for hybrid or remote work, subject to the terms of a telecommuting agreement and dependent on the needs of UC Santa Cruz leadership and the research community. Preference will be given to applicants who are able to work a hybrid schedule.

Initial review date: August 26, 2026. Applications submitted by 11:59 pm on this date will receive first consideration; later submissions may still be reviewed if requested by the hiring team.

About UC Santa Cruz

UC Santa Cruz is a public university combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. Known for innovation and experimentation, the campus is renowned for its beauty and unconventional spirit.

Department Overview

Under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor for Research, the Office of Research is responsible for research policy, planning, and administration at UC Santa Cruz. Core units include the Office of Sponsored Projects, Research Development, the Office of Research Compliance Administration, Research Financial Services, Extramural Funds Accounting, Innovation & Business Engagement, and the Office of Research Business & Operations. These units deliver coordinated services to support faculty, staff, and researchers in developing, funding, and managing research initiatives.

About the Role

The Director of Extramural Funds Accounting provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the University's extramural accounting activities. The role manages a team responsible for account set-up, institutional funds management, financial reporting, billing and invoicing, revenue management, drawdowns, and closeout of sponsored awards. The Director ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, UC policies, cost accounting standards, sponsor terms, and audit requirements, while interpreting complex policy and award terms and training staff accordingly.

Responsibilities

• Funds Accounting Management (40%)
  • Ensures campus compliance with federal cost principles, UC policies, federal and state regulations, sponsor terms, and campus reporting requirements.
  • Maintains the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of sponsored accounting and financial information.
  • Supports processes and controls for effective financial stewardship of sponsored projects.
  • Provides oversight for general ledger reconciliations, journal entries, overdraft resolution, receivables monitoring, and financial reporting related to sponsored projects.
  • Manages and resolves award-related escalations in accounting, compliance, and system issues.
  • Collaborates with campus partners (e.g., Office of Sponsored Projects, University Relations, Planning & Budget, Research Financial Services) on sponsored award and gift administration.
  • Supports UCOP reporting, fiscal year-end close processes, and GAAP compliance.
• Unit Management and Leadership (30%)
  • Establishes and communicates unit goals, priorities, and objectives; ensures alignment with departmental and campus goals.
  • Coordinates unit operations, workflow, and organizational planning.
  • Ensures staff compliance with campus and University policies and procedures.
  • Conducts performance evaluations, provides coaching, and identifies training needs.
  • Makes final hiring decisions, recommends salary adjustments, and initiates disciplinary actions as needed.
  • Fosters a culture of professionalism, inclusion, and respect within the team.
  • Uses data and metrics to recommend process improvements for productivity and cost reduction.
  • Participates in the Office of Research leadership team.
• Policy and Process Development (20%)
  • Provides policy analysis, consultation, and technical guidance for sponsored projects accounting.
  • Interprets complex award terms and conditions and provides expert guidance to campus stakeholders.
  • Identifies and implements process and system improvements to enhance service quality, efficiency, and compliance.
• Training (10%)
  • Communicates and teaches advanced research administration concepts at campus, national, and organizational meetings.
  • Develops training programs and resources on emerging areas of interest or concern.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a related field, and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Experience interpreting and applying generally accepted accounting principles, federal regulations, sponsor policies, and university policies governing sponsored research (e.g., Uniform Guidance 2 C.F.R. Part 200, Federal Acquisition Regulation, Code of Federal Regulations).
• Experience supervising, mentoring, training, and evaluating professional staff.
• Knowledge of financial systems and technologies used in accounting and research administration.
• Knowledge of industry best practices in university grant management.
• Strong judgment, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to apply organizational development, strategic planning, change management, and team priority-setting skills.
• Ability to perform highly complex financial analysis and customized reporting.
• Ability to develop unit-wide plans and policies to improve post-award operations and resolve complex compliance or fiscal issues.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a related area.
• Experience with campus systems (e.g., financial management, payroll/personnel software, data warehouse, reporting).
• Experience interfacing with auditors and managing compliance for sponsored programs.
• Experience managing a high-volume portfolio, including funds management and expenditure alignment with award terms.
• Experience as a seasoned accountant, preferably in a state or university accounting management position.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Special Conditions of Employment

• Must pass a pre-employment criminal history background check and employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Ability to work long periods at a computer, with or without accommodation.
• Must work a hybrid schedule and fulfill requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement.
• Ability to travel to multiple work locations on and off campus.
• Must maintain professional appearance and conduct.
• Must complete required UC compliance training within established time frames.
• Must comply with UC vaccination policies.
• Must exercise discretion in handling sensitive information, including employee/student records, financial data, and proprietary information.

Pay

Budgeted salary: $150,000 – $160,000 per year, commensurate with skills, qualifications, and experience.

Schedule

• Full-time, fixed appointment.
• 100% time (40 hours per week).
• Monday–Friday, day shift.
• Career appointment (non-represented).