Financial Analyst 4 (Hybrid)

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 salary or hourly range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $100,000- $108,000.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around March 12th, 2025. Posting will remain open until filled.

This position is approved for a Hybrid work modality. Currently the department works 1-2 days per week in the Downtown Campus Center.

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.

This is a highly analytical position that utilizes advanced-level forecasting methodologies and analytical skills to aid leadership in developing their financial resource plans, budget management, budget strategies, and distribution of resources. Having wide-range experience, the Financial Analyst uses advanced professional concepts and organizational objectives to resolve complex issues in creative, innovative and highly effective ways. This position works on complex issues where analysis requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors and judgment in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.

Contacts are both internal and external to the department at all levels. The incumbent serves as a subject matter expert in budget, staffing, and allocation of a diverse fund pool.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Planning and Budget Management:

• Applies advanced professional financial concepts to perform complex technical analysis to understand past performance and determine present and future performance and the consequent resource allocations. This position will oversee all activities associated with creating, maintaining and reporting on operational and budget processes, budgeted FTE, the performance of financial planning (including problem definition, forecasting, data collection and development of alternative solutions), development of policy or action recommendations in the areas of budget and finance resource planning, and report preparation.
• Manages and implements department budget allocations and conceives of and maintains department chart of accounts, other data management tools, and related business processes. Prepares, reviews, and approves financial transactions.

Financial Analysis and Research:

• Responsible for providing analytical support for highly complex budget, financial, and resource projects dealing directly with department leadership, campus leadership, and/or outside constituents.
• Performs complex financial or resource research and studies for internal and external constituents. Examples include periodic financial reports, staff salary budgets and other allocations. Financial and/or resource analysis includes budgetary, financial, forecasts, projections, staff salary and FTE, student enrollment, recharge or general rate, and student fees analyses, endowment income, fungibility of funds, working capital, depreciation, new building funds, etc.

Financial and Budgetary Data Collection:

• Coordinates the gathering of budgetary and resource requirements information during planning stages, such as the annual budget process and fiscal close, through the coordination of efforts of financial services employees in campus units and other departments on campus. In-depth ability to use multiple spreadsheet and database software tools to gather information for specialized, complex financial analysis, fiscal management, financial activity approvals, and financial reports.

Financial Forecasting, Planning, and Policy Recommendations:

• Gathers, analyzes, prepares, summarizes and presents recommendations for complex financial and/or resource plans, including annual resource allocation approaches, trended future requirements, operating forecasts, sources and uses, etc. Examples include generating, modifying, and conceiving of new financial or other resource reports, strategic planning and modeling, analyzing and forecasting staff salary budgets and other allocations, and making recommendations for maximizing financial or other resource outcomes.

Other duties to support the campus as assigned.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related area. (Required)
• Minimum of 5-8 years of progressively responsible experience in financial analysis, budgeting, and reporting. (Required)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Advanced knowledge of finance policies, practices, and systems.
• Ability to identify, collect, and analyze information from multiple sources.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, budget development, and financial management in a complex organizational environment. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
• In depth ability to use multiple spreadsheet and database software tools to gather information for specialized, complex financial analysis, fiscal management, and financial reports.
• Advanced interpersonal skills at all levels within the organization; advanced service orientation and critical thinking skills; and attention to detail. In depth ability to use organizational skills to multitask in a high volume environment.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and collaborate effectively across departments.
• Ability to function as a member of a team.
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of internal control practices and their impact on protecting University resources.

Background check 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.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

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.