Job description

Financial Services Analyst (4627U), BEST Region - 51521 About Berkeley

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are committed to creating a community that fosters equity of experience and opportunity, and ensures that students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel safe, welcome and included. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

The University of California, Berkeley, is one of the world's leading institutions of higher education, distinguished by its combination of internationally recognized academic and research excellence; the transformative opportunity it provides to a large and diverse student body; its public mission and commitment to equity and social justice; and its roots in the California experience, animated by such values as innovation, questioning the status quo, and respect for the environment and nature. Since its founding in 1868, Berkeley has fueled a perpetual renaissance, generating unparalleled intellectual, economic and social value in California, the United States and the world.

We are looking for equity-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at Berkeley, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice that requires broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at Berkeley, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles , our Principles of Community , and our Strategic Plan .

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. To find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley, visit grow.berkeley.edu .

Departmental Overview

Berkeley Regional Services (BRS) is comprised of five (5) Regions that provide services to specific clusters of schools, colleges, and organized research units (4 academics, 1 administrative). This regional approach to providing administrative services is intended to improve service quality by re-establishing personal connections and to develop more local expertise.

The Biological, Environmental, Science & Technology (BEST) Region serves the Rausser College of Natural Resources, the Division of Biological Sciences in the College of Letters and Science, and related Organizational Research Units, museums and field stations. Our aim is to build an administrative support team that is 100% committed to our clients. Over time, BEST team members are determined to become familiar with the unique issues and terminology, funders, sponsors, vendors, and circumstances in the biological sciences that will enable us to provide service that you'll find responsive, meaningful, and relevant.

We will work hard to establish relationships with you as well as processes and services that will create a productive environment in support of the university's mission of excellence in teaching and research.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 04/17/2023.

Responsibilities

Applies professional financial and accounting concepts to independently perform analyses of moderately complex financial services such as researching discrepancies and tax implications and compliance with external regulations and internal policies.
This position will need to review all discrepancies for the region where the invoice does not match the purchase order. Will need to work with vendors to honor contracts in the event of price discrepancy. Ensure the partial sales tax is invoiced correctly. Work with AP to fix discrepancies on the voucher, including prices, tax, and modifying what purchase order lines are charged. This position will also need to review/analyze discrepancies between purchase orders and General Ledgers to assist departments in finding a resolution, whenever possible. Uses UC policy and state/federal purchasing and tax regulation to help assess issues such as if the vendor would be considered an employee or if the vendor is providing a service covered by a bargaining unit.
Functions as a resource to support staff on issues such as researching financial discrepancies, escalated customer service problems and vendor concerns.

Assists with ensuring that financial processing, functions which may include accounts payable, accounts receivable, purchasing, recharge billing, travel/entertainment, gift accounting, cashiering and collections are performed with accuracy and that daily operations run smoothly.
This position will involve working with shoppers, department managers, RAs, FAs, and accounts payable to make sure all financial & purchasing policies are followed. They approve vouchers to pay vendors.
Conducts or assists with researching, developing and implementing new and changing business processes.
Assesses and recommends changes to maintain compliance with federal and state requirements and internal financial/audit policies. This position will assist the supervisor in change management and process; the process is constantly changing in purchasing. Assist, educate, and train department on new purchasing policies and procedures. Recognize patterns of errors creating unnecessary excess work in match exceptions and change orders, and implement solutions to stop them from occurring.
Reviews, processes, and approves standardized financial data and transactions.
Effectively address difficult and complex customer inquiries. This position will be reviewing general ledger spreadsheets to assist with closing encumbrances and amending purchases to meet current budgets and award requirements. Review and approve BluCard transactions in BFS for multiple people. Approve payments to vendors. Answer all questions related to purchasing, including gift policy, petty cash, human subjects, honoraria, travel, and entertainment, and paying vendors. Complex questions include purchases outside of policy, conflict of interests, data security, purchases involving ADA requirements, and requesting exceptional approvals. Analyze BearBuy and bfs errors and fix them through change orders and purchase orders.
Participates in audits of internal records and processes and prepares recommendations for changes as needed.
Ensures that the appropriate internal controls are addressed, maintained and strengthened to protect University resources.
Participates in professional development.

Required Qualifications
Working knowledge of financial processes, policies and procedures. Proficiency in the use of spreadsheet and database software. Strong interpersonal skills, analytical skills, service orientation, active listening, critical thinking, attention to detail, ability to multi-task in a high-volume environment, organizational skills, effective verbal and written communication skills, sound judgment and decision making. Ability to function effectively as a member of a team. Ability to adapt to changing priorities. Intermediate knowledge and understanding of internal control practices and their impact on protecting University resources.
Preferred Qualifications
Strong knowledge of financial data management and reporting systems. Skills to provide coaching and mentoring to support staff.
Salary & Benefits

This is a 100% full-time (40 hrs a week) non-exempt career position, which is paid hourly and eligible for full UC Benefits.

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. 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, analysis of internal equity, 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 budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $31.13 - $37.36.

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