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Position Announcement Susan Ross 21 May 1998 09:41 EST

DIRECTOR OF COST ANALYSIS

Summary:
Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Finance and Controller,
the Director is responsible for executing a wide range of analytical
tasks in the preparation, negotiation, explanation and implementation
of complex cost studies and their outcomes for both internal and
external University audiences. To accomplish this, the successful
candidate must interpret complex Federal legislation, regulations and
practices in the context of Northwestern University's unique
governance, practices, structure and history.

Northwestern University's sponsored program activity for fiscal year
1997 was 183.2 million.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

1. Possess a thorough working knowledge of OMB Circular A-21, Cost
Accounting Standards, and other applicable Federal regulations as they
relate to universities.

2. Responsible for the preparation of the University's periodic
Federal facilities and administration (F&A) cost reimbursement
proposal.  This responsibility includes the execution of a variety of
analyses, preparation of cost/benefit assessments of potential cost
studies approaches,  participation in policy formulation regarding all
cost proposal issues and assuring that the submitted proposal will
withstand  any Federally mandated audit, specifically, with respect to
conformance to the Cost Accounting Standard Disclosure Statement
submitted by the University. In addition, the Director will be
responsible for  researching, justifying and preparing any Requests
for Proposals (RFP) that may be necessary to obtain outside assistance
in the overall F&A proposal preparation.

3. Participation, as a member of a team,  in the negotiation of
Facilities and Administration rates with Federal government
representatives.

4. Assuring that the Cost Accounting Standards required Disclosure
Statement is always current and reflects the actual practices being
used by the University.

5. Assuring that all F&A related costs are billed, collected and
deposited correctly in conformance with the current negotiation
agreement terms and the University's accounting system.

6. Periodic reporting to the University administration of the status
of all current sponsored project activities, including comparative
data and estimates of future F&A recoveries.

7. Assist in the management and conduct of the University's required
OMB Circular A-133 mandated audit

8. Take a leading role in any University wide policy formulation,
education and training efforts as related to cost accounting issues.

9. Interact with both University and external policy and decision
makers at multiple levels in the explanation, application and internal
audit of a wide range of cost practices affecting the higher education
community.

10. As required, assist others, direct cost studies, perform external
reporting or other duties as may be required by the Associate Vice
President and Controller.

11. Recruit, train and supervise necessary staff  to assist in these
duties and responsibilities as required.

Required Skills, Attributes and Attitudes:

Ability to work independently and creatively in the application of
cost theory and practice to a broad array of problems and issues which
are many times ambiguous. An ability to work as part of a team or
committee is necessary. Must be capable of translating an
understanding of organizational structure into workable and sensible
cost accounting practices for all levels of the University's faculty,
staff and administration.  Must have the ability to understand and
analyze accounting and administrative records and synthesize complex
information beginning at the lowest level of detail. The incumbent has
to have the ability to write and speak clearly based on a thorough
knowledge of methodology to develop an auditable trail of assumptions
and  methods leading to clear conclusions.  In addition, the Director
must be able to work on multiple tasks simultaneously and meet strict
and difficult internally and externally imposed deadlines. A thorough
and demonstrated competence with a wide variety of  PC-based
spreadsheet,  data base and word processing tools is imperative along
with a continuing willingness to be familiar with and learn and
embrace new technology to enhance job effectiveness.

The successful candidate must be willing to make a continuing
commitment to the professional field of  university administration and
always demonstrate a dedication to attaining the highest order of
excellence in performing the many and varied associated tasks and
duties. Recognizing the inherent nature of the higher education
enterprise, the Director will have to exhibit the ability to maintain
a clear perspective and focus on goals in spite of inevitable
frustrations.

Job Qualifications:
Minimum of a Bachelors degree in business, accounting or a related
field required. CPA or  advanced degree preferred.  A minimum of  7 to
10 years of experience in cost  accounting or similar analytical
field, preferably in a major research university. Experience in staff
supervision is highly preferred.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action
Employer.

Please send resumes to Ingrid S. Stafford, Associate Vice President
for Finance and Controller, Northwestern University, 633 Clark Street,
1-661 Rebecca Crown, Evanston, Illinois 60208