Principal Associate (Sponsored Research Specialist)

Involves auditing for compliance with laws, policies, and good business practices, reporting findings and making recommendations to implement improvements. Evaluates the adequacy of internal controls; the effectiveness of policies and procedures; searches for value-added recommendations to improve the efficiency and contribution of the function under review.

Under the general direction of Audit and Advisory Services management, the Principal Associate is responsible for leading and executing audits of sponsored research activities to ensure compliance with federal, state, sponsor, and institutional requirements. This role evaluates internal controls, financial and operational processes, and regulatory compliance related to externally funded research awards. The Principal Associate serves as a subject matter expert on sponsored programs and provides consultative guidance to research administration, principal investigators (PIs), and institutional leadership. This position requires deep knowledge of federal regulations governing sponsored research, strong analytical skills, and the ability to communicate complex compliance matters clearly and effectively. The Principal Associate is expected to exercise individual judgment in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for developing audit conclusions. Normally receives high level oversight on audit assignments with general instruction provided on new or more complex audit work.
The Principal Associate provides functional advice, training and/ or guidance to less-experienced audit professionals.

This position will be communicating the results of work completed and presents potential actions to improve operational efficiency, effectiveness and strengthen systems of internal control, or result in other improvements. The Principal Associate maintains open communications with client operating and management personnel to promote exchanges of information and collaborate on potential actions to address identified control issues.
The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.

Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.

The salary range for this position is $115,900 - $173,800 (Annual Rate).

To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

• B.A. or B.S. degree in related area and 5-10 years relevant experience and /or equivalent experience/training
• 5 years of experience in auditing sponsored research, research administration, or related field.
• Professional auditing or accounting certification in one or more of the following: CIA, CPA, CISA, CFE.
• Advanced knowledge of the audit profession, theories and systems of internal control, and professional auditing standards.
• Broad and thorough knowledge of finance, accounting, business and systems operations.
• Thorough knowledge of federal and state requirements covering university research compliance activities.
• Advanced analytical skills to conduct analysis and develop recommendations.
• Skills to determine and apply appropriate policies and practices in the completion of audit assignments.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work independently with all levels of University personnel, including management and faculty, and to facilitate agreement on issues and corrective actions.
• Ability to multitask in getting assigned work completed timely and adapt to unexpected changes in work assignments and priorities

• Specialized expertise in enterprise software and relational databases; data analytical skills
• Experience working with computer assisted auditing tools (e.g. ACL) and automated workpapers.
• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills. Proficient working with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience in auditing in large research universities or academic medical centers.
• Professional Certification: CPA, Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Fraud Examiner or CISA
• Specialized certification in Healthcare, Sponsored Research and/or Compliance

• Professional auditing or accounting certification in one or more of the following: CIA, CPA, CISA, CFE.

Salary : $115,900 - $173,800