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