Lead Central Effort Analyst

Company: UNC-Chapel Hill
Location: Chapel Hill
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

Position Summary 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. The Cost Analysis and Compliance Unit in the Office of Sponsored Programs is comprised in part by the Central Effort Administration team. The Lead Central Effort Analyst position will be tasked with performing, where needed, all day-to-day responsibilities assigned to the Central Effort Administration team. Additionally, the position will provide mentorship and guidance to other team members, when necessary. Primary job responsibilities for the Lead Central Effort Analyst position include working with the Cost Accounting and Central Effort (CA/CE) Manager to administer the day-to-day aspects of the University effort reporting function to ensure compliance with federal guidelines and University operating standards and procedures. The position will assist with overseeing and administering all activities related to the biannual effort certification process by facilitating the operation of the Effort Certification and Reporting Technology (ecrt) system, providing expert customer service and training to campus constituents, and ensuring the completion of all effort statements in the ecrt system. The Lead Central Effort Analyst will also serve as the first point of contact for the Central Effort Analysts regarding complex effort reporting problems. The position will also lead the post-certification review and analysis of all effort reports that require additional action to update the status or to document system issues and limitations. Responsibilities also include reviewing and approving electronic Payroll Action Request (ePAR) and Payroll Accounting Adjustment Tool ( PAAT ) HR transactions in ConnectCarolina that impact sponsored projects. When complex issues arise, this position will be expected to develop and present potential solutions to the CA/CE Manager to determine an appropriate course of action. During high volume work periods, the Lead CA/CE Analyst will have the authority to make decisions regarding the proper approach to resolve ePAR or PAAT transactions. The Lead Central Effort 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. Required Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience Selected candidate must demonstrate the following: * Excellent communication and customer service skills. * Ability to organize and analyze data with attention to detail under pressured deadlines. * Knowledge of financial systems and subsystems. * Sound knowledge of accounting principles and demonstrated ability to analyze operational and financial data. * Strong knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint along with a demonstrated ability to adapt quickly to new applications and various computer information systems. * Well organized, highly flexible, detail-oriented, with a strong work initiative. * Strong analytical and creative problem-solving/troubleshooting skills. Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience * Prefer candidates with previous payroll experience, as this position requires frequent interactions with university payroll staff and the resolution of payroll issues. * Experience in a university sponsored programs or grant accounting office, post-award administrative setting; in-depth knowledge of federal and non-federal agency requirements and regulations for sponsored research. * Extensive knowledge of university policies and procedures regulating the administration of sponsored projects. * Previous experience in administering federal regulations, federal sponsored agreements, effort reporting policies, and related functions such as cost sharing. * Knowledge of Office of Management and Budget ( OMB ) Uniform Guidance 2 CFR Part 200, Circular A-133, and Circular A- 21; and federal funding agency award administration policies. * PeopleSoft experience is preferred or experience with similar financial system. * Ability to research, identify, and implement software applications to increase productivity. * Certified Research Administrator credentials. * Strong preference will be given to candidates with previous experience using ecrt for effort reporting.

Keywords: UNC-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill , Lead Central Effort Analyst, Accounting, Auditing , Chapel Hill, North Carolina