Special Instructions to Applicants: Please provide a cover letter and resume.

Position Summary

The Research and Cost Accounting (RCA) Business Analyst, under general supervision, performs research and analysis to support business operations. Identifies best practices and recommends solutions to business operations. May perform special projects upon request. Assists in the monitoring and analysis of the Sponsored Projects and Faculty Funds (SPFF) dashboard, cost and rate analysis, other business analyses and provides analytical support to the RCA Team and Controller’s Office.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter capable of thriving in a team environment. They will have intermediate to advanced Excel skills, experience analyzing financial data, an understanding of excellent customer service, and excellent written and oral communication skills.

This position offers a flexible work schedule.

Proposed Hiring Range: $65,000 to $72,200 annually, contingent upon qualifications and experience.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis may be substituted
• 3 years of related experience
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis may be substituted

Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, specifically Excel analytical capability;
• Proficient analytical skills to arrange information or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules
• Problem sensitivity to know when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong; not solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem
• Active listening to give full attention to what is being said, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting
• Proficient verbal and written communications skills including report preparation and presentation to gather information and share recommendation and outcome
• Proficient document and specification skills to share information in a clear and concise manner
• Proficient critical thinking skills to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
• Deductive reasoning ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers to make sense
• Proficient judgment and decision-making skills to consider the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one

Essential Functions

• Plans and conducts analyses and studies of business processes, functions, organizations and teams
• Interviews business leaders, stakeholders, staff, and subject matter experts to gain an understanding of their needs and objectives
• Advises supervisors, managers, and other business stakeholders on technical, systems, or process-related topics
• Identifies, analyzes, creates, and recommends solutions to improve business processes and operations
• Designs and develops models and practices to support sound business decisions
• Participates in the design and modification of business and IT systems
• Creates and manages project plans, including change management and technical implementation
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions

• Work with Enterprise System staff to assist in the resolution of Sponsored Projects & Faculty Funds (SPFF) dashboard issues via service tickets in Jira. Provide analytical support that will be utilized to drive critical business decisions.
• Resolve labor distribution errors associated with sponsored projects, and compile and distribute error lists to HR, Payroll, and the departments on a semi-monthly basis.
• Create custom SPFF dashboard analyses and other ad-hoc reports via Oracle Transactional Business Intelligence (OTBI).
• Assist with supporting the development and monitoring of the University’s service centers.
• Support the development, documentation, and implementation of new policies & procedures.
• Assist in creating and developing the monthly invoice list for the RCA Post-Award Team.
• Assist in the annual preparation of Fringe Benefits Proposal, and the periodic preparation of the Facilities & Administrative (F&A) Cost Rate Proposal.

Preferences

• Five or more years of related experience
• CRA certification
• Experience working in an open office setting
• Experience in higher education
• Experience with Oracle ERP

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.

Faculty and staff are expected (but not required) to have completed a full vaccination series for COVID-19 (currently defined as full course COVID-19 Vaccine (typically two shots of a WHO-approved COVID-19 Vaccine or one J&J) and a COVID-19 booster. Rice does not require documentation for COVID 19 vaccination at this time for faculty and staff. More information can be found here: https://coronavirus.rice.edu/policies

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.