Assistant Director of Cost Analysis
Northwestern University

Overview:  The Assistant Director of Cost Analysis is responsible for
executing analytical tasks in the preparation and negotiation of cost
studies for the University.  Of particular importance is the function
of applying federal cost reimbursement principles and regulations to
University policies and practices in order to assure that the
University maintains compliance with these regulations.  This position
will assist the Director of Cost Analysis in the determination,
interpretation and application of cost principles to a wide variety of
institutional settings.  This position will carry out the duties and
responsibilities of the Director in the absence of the Director.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

1.  Have a working knowledge of OMB Circular A-21 and Cost Accounting
Standards and their applicability to universities.

2. Assist in the preparation of the University's federal cost
reimbursement proposal, including execution of analyses, preparation
of cost/benefit assessments of various cost study approaches,
participate in the policy formulation regarding cost proposal issues,
assure that the resulting proposal is satisfactory from an audit
perspective.

3.  Assist in the negotiation of the University's federal cost
reimbursement proposal and cost policy disclosure statement.

4.  Assist in the application of concluded cost reimbursement and
policy agreements to University administrative environments, including
participation in policy development, training and internal audit
programs.

5. Assist in the management of the University's required A-133 audit
submission to the federal government.

6. Interact with University decision-makers at multiple levels in the
explanation, application and internal audit of cost practices.

7. As assigned, assist or direct cost studies on University
activities.

8. Carry out other duties as assigned by Director.

Required Skills and Attributes:

Ability to work independently and creatively in the application of
cost theory and practice to broadly stated, sometimes ambiguous
problems or issues.  Must be able to translate understanding of
organizational structure to development of cost paradigms.  Ability to
analyze accounting and administrative records, and deal with complex
information at a low level of detail.  Ability to document methodology
and develop auditable trail of assumptions and methods.  Must be able
to work on multiple tasks with multiple deadlines.  Demonstrated
competence with pc-based spreadsheet and database tools; willingness
to learn new tools to enhance job effectiveness.  Oral and written
communication skills essential.

Must be willing to make a commitment to the professional field of
University cost reimbursement practices demonstrating a dedication to
developing the highest order expertise in this field.

Job Qualifications:

Minimum Requirements: BA in business, accounting or related field; 3-5
years of work experience in cost accounting or comparable analytical
field of expertise.  Demonstrated competence in accounting theory,
analytical methods, computing tools.

Preferred Requirements:  Experience in University environments,
especially research intensive organizations, with working knowledge of
required federal regulations that bind upon cost policy studies.

Northwestern University is a comprehensive private research university
located in Evanston and Chicago, Illinois.  The University receives
sponsored awards totalling $170 million.  The total annual operating
budget of the University is $700 million.  The University has five
undergraduate colleges, a graduate school in the liberal arts and
professional programs in medicine, law, dentistry and management.
Full time enrollment approximates 13,000 students and there are
approximately 1,200 faculty.

To Apply: You may e-mail your resume in either ascii or MSWord
to xxxxxx@nwu.edu and reference exempt opening #E96-0386.
See also http://nuinfo.nwu.edu/hr/recruiting/hropleex.htm
for additional information.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action
Employer.