Inside Higher Ed
Lead Central Effort Analyst
Inside Higher Ed, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States, 27517
Lead Central Effort Analyst
Department:
Office of Sponsored Programs
Position Type:
Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
Location:
North Carolina, US
Hiring Range:
$70,000 - $75,000
Posting Open Date:
11/25/2025
Application Deadline:
01/02/2026
Position Number:
20039526
Full Time/Part Time:
Full-Time Permanent
Hours Per Week:
40
Proposed Start Date:
01/19/2026
Working Title:
Lead Central Effort Analyst
Appointment Type:
EHRA Non-Faculty
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities and offers a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans.
Position Summary The Cost Analysis and Compliance Unit in the Office of Sponsored Programs is comprised partially by the Central Effort Administration team. The Lead Central Effort Analyst will perform day‑to‑day responsibilities assigned to the team, provide mentorship, and work with the Cost Accounting and Central Effort Manager to administer the University effort reporting function. The role will oversee the bi‑annual effort certification process, operate the Effort Certification and Reporting Technology (ecrt) system, serve as the first point of contact for complex effort reporting issues, and lead post‑certification review of effort reports.
Responsibilities
Assist the CA/CE Manager with day‑to‑day aspects of the effort reporting function to ensure compliance with federal guidelines and University standards.
Administer all activities related to the bi‑annual effort certification process using the ecrt system, including customer service, training, and completion of all effort statements.
Serve as the first line of oversight for complex effort reporting problems and provide solutions to the CA/CE Manager.
Lead post‑certification review and analysis of all effort reports that require additional action.
Review and approve electronic Payroll Action Request (ePAR) and Payroll Accounting Adjustment Tool (PAAT) HR transactions in ConnectCarolina that impact sponsored projects.
Develop and present potential solutions for complex issues and exercise decision authority during high volume periods.
Monitor compliance within the team and the university research enterprise, communicating concerns to leadership in OSP and the campus community.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements Mid‑career with Masters and 1–2 years experience; or Bachelors and 2–4 years experience.
Required Qualifications
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, and adaptability to new applications.
Well organized, highly flexible, detail‑oriented, with a strong work initiative.
Strong analytical and creative problem‑solving/troubleshooting skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Previous payroll experience, engaging university payroll staff and resolving payroll issues.
Experience in a university sponsored programs or grant accounting office, post‑award administrative setting.
Extensive knowledge of university policies and procedures regulating the administration of sponsored projects.
Previous experience administering federal regulations and sponsor requirements for sponsored research.
Knowledge of OMB Uniform Guidance 2 CFR Part 200, Circulars A‑133 and A‑21, and federal funding agency award administration policies.
PeopleSoft experience or similar financial system.
Ability to research, identify, and implement software applications to increase productivity.
Certified Research Administrator credentials.
Strong preference for candidates with experience using ecrt for effort reporting.
Work Schedule Monday – Friday | 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
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Office of Sponsored Programs
Position Type:
Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
Location:
North Carolina, US
Hiring Range:
$70,000 - $75,000
Posting Open Date:
11/25/2025
Application Deadline:
01/02/2026
Position Number:
20039526
Full Time/Part Time:
Full-Time Permanent
Hours Per Week:
40
Proposed Start Date:
01/19/2026
Working Title:
Lead Central Effort Analyst
Appointment Type:
EHRA Non-Faculty
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities and offers a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans.
Position Summary The Cost Analysis and Compliance Unit in the Office of Sponsored Programs is comprised partially by the Central Effort Administration team. The Lead Central Effort Analyst will perform day‑to‑day responsibilities assigned to the team, provide mentorship, and work with the Cost Accounting and Central Effort Manager to administer the University effort reporting function. The role will oversee the bi‑annual effort certification process, operate the Effort Certification and Reporting Technology (ecrt) system, serve as the first point of contact for complex effort reporting issues, and lead post‑certification review of effort reports.
Responsibilities
Assist the CA/CE Manager with day‑to‑day aspects of the effort reporting function to ensure compliance with federal guidelines and University standards.
Administer all activities related to the bi‑annual effort certification process using the ecrt system, including customer service, training, and completion of all effort statements.
Serve as the first line of oversight for complex effort reporting problems and provide solutions to the CA/CE Manager.
Lead post‑certification review and analysis of all effort reports that require additional action.
Review and approve electronic Payroll Action Request (ePAR) and Payroll Accounting Adjustment Tool (PAAT) HR transactions in ConnectCarolina that impact sponsored projects.
Develop and present potential solutions for complex issues and exercise decision authority during high volume periods.
Monitor compliance within the team and the university research enterprise, communicating concerns to leadership in OSP and the campus community.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements Mid‑career with Masters and 1–2 years experience; or Bachelors and 2–4 years experience.
Required Qualifications
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, and adaptability to new applications.
Well organized, highly flexible, detail‑oriented, with a strong work initiative.
Strong analytical and creative problem‑solving/troubleshooting skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Previous payroll experience, engaging university payroll staff and resolving payroll issues.
Experience in a university sponsored programs or grant accounting office, post‑award administrative setting.
Extensive knowledge of university policies and procedures regulating the administration of sponsored projects.
Previous experience administering federal regulations and sponsor requirements for sponsored research.
Knowledge of OMB Uniform Guidance 2 CFR Part 200, Circulars A‑133 and A‑21, and federal funding agency award administration policies.
PeopleSoft experience or similar financial system.
Ability to research, identify, and implement software applications to increase productivity.
Certified Research Administrator credentials.
Strong preference for candidates with experience using ecrt for effort reporting.
Work Schedule Monday – Friday | 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
#J-18808-Ljbffr