Budget Analyst IV, W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation

The W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation invites applications for a Budget Analyst IV to join their team. As the senior research grants account manager for FCFC, this position provides leadership and oversight for FCFC’s grants administration process. The Budget Analyst IV serves as the principal liaison between FCFC and the University of Montana (UM) OSP to ensure that FCFC compliance with UM and external policies in grants management and administration. This position is responsible for developing the training materials and providing training in FCFC grant administration process for FCFC Accounting Associates, Budget Analysts and faculty/principal investigators. The Budget Analyst IV reports directly to the FCFC Director of Accounting and Fiscal Operations, suggests refinements to FCFC processes, guidelines and policies regarding grants management and implements any changes. This position also supports the College by providing support in other accounting functions (such as administration of sales and service, SPABA, departmental and Foundation accounts) as needed and assigned by FCFC’s Director of Accounting and Fiscal Operations.

Key duties and responsibilities include:

• Provide direct input to FCFC Dean’s office regarding annual performance reviews of FCFC’s accounting unit positions with respect to effectiveness of grants administration support.
• Provide input to the FCFC Dean’s office regarding faculty/PI effectiveness in complying with the FCFC grants administration/management processes.
• Analysis and in-depth management of the overall grants budgeting process for a large number of grants within FCFC.
• Conduct a periodic evaluation (at least annually) of the overall quality and effectiveness of FCFC’s grants administration, and suggest refinements about potential improvements and implements any changes.
• Address principal investigator concerns about the accounting unit’s grant administration processes.
• Oversight of the overall grants processes for the College as a whole (over 200 research grants are administered for more than 50 principal investigators per year).
• Assist faculty with preparation and administration of individual grants, from the proposal stage through the closeout, including tasks like budget creation, developing projections plans and periodic reports to the principal investigator on grant status.
• Prepare the annual REEport for McIntire Stennis funds, which is required due to the federal research funds received by FCFC.
• Provide ad hoc analytical support needed to develop plans, produce assessment reports, respond to audits and resolve problems that may be encountered related to grants administration.
• Oversight of the personnel activity record support and cost match tracking for FCFC.
• Assist in the preparation of the annual FCFC operating budget.
• Assess financial information, projects fund balances and uses problem solving skills to interpret data and provide reports.
• Communicate relevant changes in fiscal policies and procedures to FCFC employees, provide training workshops as necessary.

Upon completion of training, the incumbent will have:

• Knowledge and application of University of Montana and Franke College of Forestry & Conservation policies and procedures.
• Proficiency in the use of UMDW, Banner, GrizMart, E-Prop, Cayuse, U-Approve, InfoGriz and other University of Montana computer programs and applications.
• Ability to work proficiently in REEport database and reporting system.

Required Skills

• Advanced knowledge of budgeting and accounting methodology.
• Knowledge of Montana University System, University of Montana and the Office of Sponsored Programs policies and procedures related to grants, budgets and other fiscal matters.
• Ability to understand and interpret state, federal and sponsor policies and/or agreements, including the Uniform Guidance.
• Ability to interpret and communicate these policies for FCFC, demonstrating clarity and good verbal and written skills, to a diverse group of individuals.
• Thorough understanding of FCFC’s mission and policies.
• Ability to work with employees at all levels throughout FCFC, being creative as needed.
• Ability to provide leadership in creating a teamwork-oriented and customer service like atmosphere in the accounting unit, constructively supervise employees, train newly hired employees and guide their professional development with respect to effective grants management; independently develop and deliver training with respect to grants management to members of the accounting unit and principal investigators.
• Ability to meet deadlines in a high-volume office with frequent interruptions, ability to prioritize work, ability to work independently with limited or no supervision.
• Ability to identify problems, interpret policies and develop solutions to complex grants administration problems.
• Ability to assess effectiveness of existing FCFC grants administration policies and procedures and to make recommendations about changes to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• High degree of proficiency in use of Excel, Word, Access and Banner.
• Knowledge of federal forms required to submit budgets and ability to review a completed proposal prior to submission to OSP.
• Ability to work with faculty to achieve the goals of their projects, while meeting all requirements of the sponsor.
• High degree of individual initiative, autonomy and ability to work independently.

Minimum Required Experience

• High School diploma and two (2) years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Accounting (or equivalent education and work experience), including accounting coursework and three to four (3-4) years of experience in accounting with experience in performing accounting functions and computer output.
• Knowledge in processing grant proposals, including development of grant budget reports to Principal Investigators and general grant maintenance.
• Knowledge in contract management.
• Knowledge of accounting and budget management practices and procedures.
• Demonstrated organizational, time management and multi-tasking skills and ability to meet deadlines in a busy high-volume transactional environment.
• Ability to understand University, state, federal and accounting practices and budget processes and develop solutions to complex grant problems.
• Ability to act as a team leader and provide effective training.

About the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation and UM

The mission of the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation is to advance research and education that fosters sustainability and empowers a holistic understanding of social-ecological systems.

The University of Montana is flagship, research institution with approximately 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students. It is located in Missoula, a culturally vibrant community of about 75,000, surrounded by mountains and three rivers converge. Abundant recreational opportunities in surrounding state and national forests and nearby Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park complement a thriving intellectual atmosphere. The University of Montana offers eligible employees a generous benefits package that positively separates UM from other local employers and offers many programs and policies to support work-life balance for its employees.

The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action : Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

To learn more about the University of Montana, please visit the links below.

• University of Montana
• Video: Mission First, People Always
• UM on YouTube

Position Details

Position Title: Budget Analyst IV

Position Number: 070120

Department: College of Forestry

Work Schedule: Full-time, 1.0 FTE (40 Hours a week), Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 12 months/year.

Salary: $27.563/hr –Current employee’s rate of pay for this position will be determined by the staff compensation plan and will minimally be this posted salary. For questions and details regarding the staff compensation plan, email the Compensation Department .

Union Affiliation: Out of Union

Probationary Period: Six months minimum

Benefits Include : Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the Offer of Employment In accordance with University regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations. ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions. Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).

How to Apply

Priority Application Date: Wednesday, January 5, 2022 by 11:59 PM (Mountain Time)

Complete applications received by the ‘Priority Application Date’ will be guaranteed consideration. The position will remain open until filled. Candidates are required to submit the following materials online via "New Resume/CV" button below

*Please note, only five (5) attachments allowed per application. Please combine documents accordingly.

A complete application Includes:

1. Letter of Interest – addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as “Dear Search Committee” or “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable.
2. Detailed Resume – listing education and describing work experience.
3. Professional References – names and contact information for three (3) professional references.

Job Location Missoula, Montana, United States
Position Type Full-Time/Regular