Lead Central Effort Analyst

Lead Central Effort Analyst Position: Lead Central Effort Analyst at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Office of Sponsored Programs – 2025 – Permanent Staff (EHRA Non‑Faculty) – Full‑Time, 40 hours per week – Remote. Department: Office of Sponsored Programs Posting Open Date: 11/18/2025 Application Deadline: 12/02/2025 Hiring Range: $70,000 - $75,000 Location: North Carolina, US (Remote work; employees required to reside in North Carolina) Proposed Start Date: 01/05/2026 Position Summary The Cost Analysis and Compliance Unit in the Office of Sponsored Programs is comprised in part by the Central Effort Administration team. The Lead Central Effort Analyst will perform day‑to‑day responsibilities for the Central Effort Administration team, provide mentorship and guidance to other team members, and work with the Cost Accounting and Central Effort Manager to administer effort reporting and compliance. The role also involves oversight of the biannual effort certification process, training campus constituents, reviewing and approving payroll transactions, and ensuring compliance within the team and the university research enterprise. Responsibilities Administer day‑to‑day aspects of the University effort reporting function, ensuring compliance with federal guidelines and University operating standards and procedures. Oversee and administer all activities related to the biannual effort certification process by facilitating the operation of the Effort Certification and Reporting Technology (ecrt) system, providing expert customer service and training to campus constituents, and ensuring the completion of all effort statements in the ecrt system. Serve as the first point of contact for the Central Effort Analysts regarding complex effort reporting problems. Lead the post‑certification review and analysis of all effort reports that require additional action to update the status or document system issues and limitations. Review and approve electronic Payroll Action Request (ePAR) and Payroll Accounting Adjustment Tool (PAAT) HR transactions in ConnectCarolina that impact sponsored projects. Develop and present potential solutions to the CA/CE Manager for complex issues and make decisions on how to resolve ePAR or PAAT transactions when appropriate. Serve as the first line of oversight to closely monitor compliance within the team and the university research enterprise, communicating concerns to leadership in OSP and the campus community. Coordinate with campus departments to obtain RSC rate proposal documentation; review and approve RSC proposals and summarize financial performance of individual RSCs. Perform other cost analysis functions and complete special projects including, but not limited to, assisting with the Facilities and Administrative (F&A) Cost rate proposal and calculating employee fringe benefit rates for sponsored agreement budgeting. Minimum Education and Experience Requirements Mid‑career with Masters and 1‑2 years experience; or Bachelors and 2‑4 years experience. Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience Effective communication, organization, planning, and financial analysis skills. Strong demonstrated fiscal/accounting skills. Demonstrated experience with and knowledge of finance, general accounting practices, business management, fund accounting, audit trails, and use of cost‑centers. Ability to organize and analyze data with attention to detail under pressured deadlines. Ability to use advanced techniques in Excel spreadsheets. Knowledge of computerized accounting systems and applications. Proven experience and ability to interpret and analyze financial transactions and develop/review financial reports and budgetary information, using complex data, rules, regulations, and resource materials. Excellent mathematical skills with the ability to perform complex calculations and to analyze expenditure reports for consistency, allocability, and accuracy. Strong knowledge of Microsoft products and demonstrated ability to adapt quickly to new applications and various computer information systems. Strong knowledge of Microsoft Excel and related functions. Demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills. Well organized, highly flexible, detail‑oriented, with a strong work initiative. Strong analytical and creative problem‑solving/troubleshooting skills. Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience Prefer candidates with previous payroll experience, as this position requires frequent interactions with university payroll staff and the resolution of payroll issues. Experience in a university sponsored programs or grant accounting office, post‑award administrative setting; in‑depth knowledge of federal and non‑federal agency requirements and regulations for sponsored research. Extensive knowledge of university policies and procedures regulating the administration of sponsored projects. Previous experience in administering federal regulations, federal sponsored agreements, effort reporting policies, and related functions such as cost sharing. Knowledge of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Uniform Guidance 2 CFR Part 200, Circular A‑133, and Circular A‑21; and federal funding agency award administration policies. PeopleSoft experience is preferred or experience with similar financial system. Ability to research, identify, and implement software applications to increase productivity. Certified Research Administrator credentials. Strong preference will be given to candidates with previous experience using ecrt for effort reporting. Work Schedule Monday – Friday | 8:00 – 5:00 pm Seniority level Mid‑Senior level Employment type Full‑time Job function Business Development and Sales Online Audio and Video Media #J-18808-Ljbffr