Budget Analyst III

The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) - Office of the CFO is seeking for a Budget Analyst III. This matrixed position resides within the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) and is embedded within UCAR's Community Programs (UCP). The position provides senior-level financial leadership and subject matter expertise in the financial management of sponsored research programs, integrating institutional financial planning and analysis with the specialized requirements of research administration.
Working in partnership with UCP leadership, the UCP Business Shared Services (BSS) team, and OCFO, the position oversees and strengthens financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, award financial management, reporting, and compliance practices across UCP Centers and Programs. The position applies an understanding of the full sponsored research lifecycle—from proposal development and award acceptance through execution, financial monitoring, reporting, and closeout—to promote effective stewardship of sponsored funds, sound financial decision-making, and compliance with sponsor requirements and institutional policies.
The position serves as a strategic financial partner to UCP leadership and BSS, translating complex financial and award-related information into actionable insights, identifying financial and compliance risks, and developing consistent practices and controls across UCP. It provides leadership in the development and oversight of UCP's indirect cost budget, including forecasting Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC), and supports strategic and annual planning for the UCP Directorate and its Centers and Programs.
Within OCFO, the position partners with Financial Planning and Analysis to develop reliable forecasts of UCP financial performance, indirect spending, and MTDC generation and contributes research portfolio expertise to institutional budgeting, planning, and financial reporting. The position serves as a key connection between institutional financial strategy and the operational realities of sponsored research administration.

Where You Will Work:

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Master’s degree in finance, accounting or business-related discipline preferred.
• Expert skill in budget development and analysis, cost control and development of relevant statistics.
• Advanced knowledge of the Uniform Guidance and Federal Sponsor guidelines.
• Proven experience in budgeting and forecasting with direct and indirect costs in a complex federal funding environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to communicate complex ideas and information effectively using both oral and written presentations to a wide audience from different technical disciplines and backgrounds; experience working with senior leaders on complex financial planning and reporting issues.

Additional Information

Work Location Expectations:  This position is open to candidates seeking in-person and hybrid (combination of 3 days in-person and 2 days of remote) opportunities. UCAR requires ALL positions to be performed within the U.S., excluding U.S. Territories.

Responsibilities

Sponsored Research Financial Management and Compliance:

• Provides senior-level financial expertise and strategic guidance on sponsored research throughout the award lifecycle, including proposal budgeting, award financial management, forecasting, financial reporting, and closeout.
• Advises UCP leadership and BSS on sponsor requirements, award terms and conditions, financial risks, and compliance considerations affecting sponsored programs.
• Evaluates the financial health and sustainability of UCP research portfolios and recommends strategies to support effective financial stewardship and program decision-making.
• Develops and strengthens financial management standards, internal controls, and procedures to promote compliance with applicable federal regulations, sponsor requirements, and UCAR policies.
• Provides financial expertise for audits and compliance reviews and partners with institutional offices to resolve complex financial and regulatory issues.

 

Financial Planning, Analysis, and Reporting:

• Leads development, monitoring, and forecasting of the UCP indirect cost budget, including MTDC generation, indirect spending, and resource allocation recommendations.
• Partners with UCP leadership and OCFO Financial Planning and Analysis on strategic and annual planning, financial projections, scenario analysis, and assessment of organizational financial performance.
• Communicates complex financial information to diverse audiences, developing actionable insights that inform leadership decision-making. 
• Clearly and effectively develops and interprets financial analyses, forecasts, and key performance metrics to identify trends and anticipate risks.
• Establishes effective financial reporting methodologies and promotes data integrity, consistent reporting, and the effective use of financial systems across UCP and OCFO.

 Strategic Partnership and Process Improvement:

• Serves as a strategic financial partner to UCP leadership, BSS, and OCFO, translating complex financial and sponsored award information into actionable insights and recommendations.
• Leads improvements to sponsored award financial management practices, reporting, and workflows to promote consistency, accountability, and operational effectiveness across UCP.
• Contributes specialized research finance expertise to institutional budgeting, reporting, and other financial initiatives as needed.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant academic discipline;
• 8 years related experience;
  • Or a Masters degree with 6 years;
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience which qualifies the individual to perform the duties as described.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Experience supporting a research institution, federally funded research organization, university, nonprofit research organization, or other complex sponsored research environments.
• Experience with federal research awards and contracts, including complex or multi-year agreements, multiple funding streams, and indirect cost recovery.
• Knowledge of indirect cost rate development, Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC), cost allocation, and the relationship between sponsored research activity and institutional financial planning.
• Experience with federal contract vehicles, including indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts, and the associated financial monitoring and reporting requirements.
• Experience with enterprise financial systems, sponsored project management systems, and financial reporting or data analysis tools; advanced knowledge of Excel.
• Experience partnering with central finance, research administration, compliance, contracts, and program leadership teams to resolve complex financial management issues.

The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer that strives to develop and maintain a diverse workforce. UCAR is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy. 

Whatever your intersection of identities, you are welcome at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR). We are committed to inclusivity and promoting an equitable environment that values and respects the uniqueness of all members of our organization.