Lead Cost Analyst

Posting Information Department Office of Sponsored Programs-621100 Career Area Research Professionals Posting Open Date 01/08/2026 Application Deadline 01/22/2026 Open Until Filled No Position Type Permanent Staff (EHRA NF) Working Title Lead Cost Analyst Appointment Type EHRA Non-Faculty Position Number 00060070 Vacancy ID NF0009476 Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Permanent FTE 1 Hours per week 40 Position Location North Carolina, US Hiring Range $70,000 - $75,000 Proposed Start Date 02/16/2026 Position Information Be a Tar Heel! This position is a 100% remote work arrangement, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station. A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn. One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community. University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) partners with the research community to support and advance the University’s research mission by providing leadership and expertise in research administration. OSP facilitates and manages all aspects of sponsored research administration for over $1B in sponsored awards each year while developing and maintaining strong relationships with campus partners and external sponsors. OSP is responsible for the following primary functions: (1) proposal review and submission, (2) award negotiation, (3) award management, (4) financial reporting and cash management, (5) F&A rate development, negotiation, and review, (6) cost analysis and research service center (recharge) rate development, (7) monitoring and oversight of time and effort reporting, (8) oversight of regulatory compliance, (9) training and development for research administration personnel, and (10) Project closeout and final reporting requirements. OSP provides complete sponsored project life cycle support (sometimes known as pre-award and post-award services) to faculty and staff. There are four functional areas of responsibility within the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP), which have the following types of positions: (1) program administration; (2) accounting, financial reporting, and cash management; (3) data management reporting and analysis; and (4) financial compliance, effort reporting, cost studies, and cost accounting standards (CAS). OSP serves as the official institutional signatory for the Chancellor and is responsible for reviewing and authorizing proposal submissions, as well as negotiating and administering awards on behalf of the University. These activities include monitoring institutional compliance for research and training activities, pre-award services, billing and financial reporting, cash management, cost analysis and compliance of research-related activities, verification of technical report and patent & invention report submissions by principal investigators (PIs), award closeout, and the implementation of information technology into research administration activities. OSP’s centralized administrative functions facilitate the development and implementation of standardized policies & procedures across the University. They also provide training opportunities to improve University-wide efficiencies and communication to increase the quality of research administration. Position Summary The Cost Analysis and Compliance Unit in the Office of Sponsored Programs is comprised in part by the Cost Accounting team. The Lead Cost Analyst position will be tasked with performing, where needed, all day-to-day responsibilities assigned to the Cost Accounting team. Additionally, the position will provide mentorship and guidance to other team members, when necessary. Primary job responsibilities for the Lead Cost Analyst position include ensuring institutional Research Service Centers (RSC) operate in compliance with federal guidelines and University operating standards and procedures. This position coordinates with departments on campus to conduct detailed analyses using ConnectCarolina and Infoporte to complete financial compliance and rate reviews at minimum, once every two years for all University Research Service Centers. The Lead Cost Analyst provides effective customer service, technical support, and consulting services to the RSCs, administrators, and institutional stakeholders to ensure RSCs maintain operational effectiveness, efficiency, and compliance in the rate development and review process. Responsibilities also include ensuring the timely tracking and filing of all RSC related updates and documentation. The position also performs other cost analysis functions and completes 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. The Lead Cost Analyst will serve as the first line of oversight to closely monitor compliance within the team and the university research enterprise. The position will utilize strong communication skills to accurately identify and describe any concerns to leadership in OSP and within the campus community. The position will collaborate with the Cost Accounting and Central Effort Manager to initiate, support, and implement corrective action to ensure and improve RSC compliance. The Lead Cost Analyst will also serve as the first line of oversight into the RSC tracking process, working with the Cost Analyst to identify and correct any errors to ensure that accurate data is derived from Smartsheet and that reviews are completed on schedule. Minimum Education and Experience Requirements Mid-career with Masters and 1-2 yrs experience; or Bachelors and 2-4 yrs experience Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience • Ability to analyze operational and financial data • Sound knowledge of accounting principles • Strong communication skills • Strong knowledge of ledger systems, spreadsheets, databases, and word processing applications • Ability to prioritize and complete responsibilities independently with a high level of accuracy Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience • Previous experience with Research Service Centers • Experience with accounting systems in a university setting • Experience with federal grants and post-award administration • Working knowledge of applicable federal Circulars (Uniform Guidance and A-21) and state regulations • Previous experience in F&A cost rate proposal development and rate oversight • Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certification preferred Special Physical/Mental Requirements Campus Security Authority Responsibilities Not Applicable. 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