Finance and Compliance Analyst
About the position Stanford Engineering has been at the forefront of innovation for nearly a century, creating pivotal technologies that have transformed the worlds of information technology, communications, health care, energy, business and beyond. Our faculty and students are creative risk-takers who pursue excellence across a breadth of disciplines. Our alumni include some of the world's most successful leaders in technology and business. Our staff are critical to enabling Stanford Engineering to accomplish its mission: seeking solutions to some of the world's most urgent challenges and educating leaders who will make the world a better place through the power of engineering principles, techniques and systems. Engineering Research Administration (ERA) is looking for an experienced Finance and Compliance Analyst who is excited to be part of a team in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Reporting to the Associate Director, the Finance and Compliance Analyst will take the lead in constructing and assembling complex data for budgeting and decision making, conducting data analysis and recognizing exceptions, and meeting organizational reporting needs. This position will monitor, report on, and assure quality control related to School of Engineering (SoE) compliance with university research administration policies and guidance, including suspense, overdraft, faculty effort, cost-sharing, closeouts, AP default, and expenditure certifications. The analyst will execute internal control programs and participate in developing solutions that may require the development of new processes, assist in developing the annual budget for ERA, and work with the SoE Finance Team on the annual School budget and variance reports. This position will lead internal financial reporting and management, conduct internal process and procedure audits, and support ERA's administration with related duties as needed. The analyst will also assist in interpretation of complex university and government policies (FAR, Cost Accounting Standards, Uniform Guidance, sponsor guidelines, etc.) and serve as the compliance subject matter expert within ERA. The ideal candidate will be experienced in managing research and operational budgets, financial and federal grant compliance, plus possess the following characteristics: strong customer service abilities, exceptional attention to detail, resourcefulness and skill in issue-spotting and problem solving, and excellent time management and prioritization. Responsibilities • Construct and assemble data for budgeting and decision making; develop conclusions, and present high-level summary of recommendations. May develop annual budget for individual department/unit. • Conduct analysis and resolution, and recognize exceptions. Participate in developing solutions that may require policy changes or the development of new processes; maintain broader organizational perspective in decision making. • Execute internal control programs established by management, research new regulations, and recommend and implement approved changes. May manage compliance program for area of responsibility, and create complex compliance reports. • Develop reports and presentations of complex financial data and metrics for management and third parties. • Participate in critical analysis of existing systems and processes, and identify opportunities for process improvement. • May supervise, train, coach, and review the work of other staff, as needed. Contribute primarily through applying individual expertise. • Coordinate and oversee internal reporting and quarterly certification process and annual cost-share funding and provide support to staff in maintaining compliance and achieving organizational goals. • Participate in development of and provide support for budgeting and variance processes, including annual organization budget and sponsored expenditure projections for SoE. Monitor and approve expenditures. May perform forecasting and provide additional recommendations that determine the budget. • Perform occasional audits of internal processes and work products for accuracy and consistency. • Process and approve financial transactions as needed. • Oversee sponsored faculty salary allocation and labor schedule entry in coordination with HR and/or payroll processes. • May represent ERA in meetings with internal and external stakeholders. • Collect and analyze data, create reports, review and explain trends; assist in formulating and evaluating recommendations to achieve and advance the goals of ERA. • Participate as a member of a team to make decisions determining approach to effectively managing and completing processes. Identify opportunities for process improvement. • Contribute to unit and organization strategy; assist in the development of change management plans and materials as needed. • Develop and maintain desktop procedures and process documentation for area of responsibility. • May direct staff to perform various tasks and assignments, particularly as related to audits. Requirements • Bachelor's degree and four years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience. • Advanced proficiency in business applications, such as Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel. • Demonstrated knowledge of financial systems; internet and computer literacy. • Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). • Strong communication skills, including ability to prepare materials for and clearly and effectively communicate information to internal and external audiences and client groups. • Demonstrated project management skills and ability to contribute to or lead part of a multi-functional team. Nice-to-haves • Demonstrated oral, written, and analytical skills exhibiting fluency in research administration finance and compliance. • Demonstrated expertise with financial accounting, reporting, and budgeting. • Familiarity with Stanford reporting and tracking software: Oracle, SeRA, Axess, Peoplesoft, etc. • Familiarity with sponsored research tracking and reporting and corresponding US federal regulations (Uniform Guidance, FAR, etc.) • Expertise with Microsoft Office (particularly Microsoft Excel) and Google Drive Suite (specifically Google Sheets) • Ability to clearly communicate complex financial data to non-financial faculty and staff • Strong organizational skills with the ability to pivot between tasks and manage multiple competing priorities in a constantly shifting environment • Team player who is comfortable guiding and coordinating staff in a non-supervisory capacity • Highly detail-oriented with the ability to identify and solve problems creatively • Ability to independently exercise sound judgment in making decisions. • Demonstrated experience working both independently and as part of a team. • Familiarity with major federal sponsors such as DoD, NSF, DoE and NIH Benefits • Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak. • A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources. • A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits. • Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums. • Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more! Apply tot his job