Student Financial Services Analyst (Hybrid)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is $24,76- $33.72.  The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $26.28/hr -$29.70/hr.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around April 18th, 2024. Posting will remain open until filled.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: This position is hybrid with Graduate Division staff currently working in-person 3 days per week and remote 2 days per week.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university’s mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced’s evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

This position provides critical student financial services for graduate education within the Graduate Division. Using skills as an experienced professional, this position provides a full range of financial student services while simultaneously supporting the Graduate Division's growth and development of current and new graduate programs at UC Merced. The range of activities includes, but is not limited to, one-time lump-sum fellowships, monthly fellowship stipends, tuition & fee coverage fellowships, and/or academic student employment-related tuition & fee remissions. This position will be responsible for identifying and resolving student financial issues, which can range from academic to employment-based issues while ensuring the timely distribution of all financial packages as assigned. This position will utilize various information systems to accomplish their tasks, including the student information system (Banner), payroll system (UCPATH), Graduate & Lecturer Academic Appointment System (GLAAS), graduate admission application system (Slate), graduate fellowship application system, as well as custom Excel spreadsheets associated with fee remissions and fellowship awards. 

Independently resolves common academic/student services-related issues inherent within the organization. As a liaison to campus and external agencies for graduate student funding, responsibilities will also include maintaining effective communications with internal and external constituents, which includes but is not limited to, leading workshops, presentations, meetings, and writing campus communications to students, staff, and faculty.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides analytical support in administering common and/or moderate financial packages for graduate students. These packages will consist of, but are not limited to, external & internal one-time lump-sum fellowships, monthly fellowship stipends, tuition & fee coverage fellowships, and/or academic student employment-related tuition & fee remissions. Identifies and resolves common and/or moderate student financial issues, ranging from academic to employment-based issues. Ensures timely and accurate processing and reporting of graduate student financial support by performing data processes, reviews, and works directly with Graduate Group Coordinators and other campus units as needed. Uses various information systems to accomplish their tasks, including the student information system (Banner), payroll system (UCPATH), Graduate & Lecturer Academic Appointment System (GLAAS), graduate admission application system (Slate), graduate fellowship application system (SLATE) as well as custom Excel spreadsheets associated with fee remissions and fellowship awards. 
• Reviews and processes student fellowships and other graduate student financial awards; Reviews and processes academic student employment related tuition & fee remissions; advises Graduate Chairs and students on financial aid options on campus and extramural fellowship opportunities. 
• Assists in monitoring Graduate Division internal graduate student financial support budget allocations, including the University Student Aid Program (USAP), which is budgeted at over five million dollars alone, and ensures compliance, accuracy, and effective management of such funds. Reviews eligibility reports, expenditures, and requirements, performs reconciliations, and works with any units involved to resolve issues identified during the process. This may also include monitoring other budget allocations, as needed. Responsibilities will also include maintaining effective communications with internal and external constituents. The incumbent will interact and collaborate frequently with other campus units, including Academic Personnel, Graduate Groups, Faculty and Staff, Financial Aid & Scholarships, Student Business Services, Registrar's Office, Campus Cashiering, and UC systemwide colleagues. Creates, maintains, and distributes information regarding award opportunities, requirements, and deadlines through various communication methods, including but not limited to leading workshops, presentations, meetings, and written communications. Updates website information regarding graduate funding; prepares written materials and announcements and distributes them timely to graduate students, graduate programs, and the general public about graduate student funding opportunities, requirements, and deadlines; may take the lead in creating and updating graduate student support forms. 
• Proactive in identifying, developing, and maintaining analytical reports and other materials for internal or external use that support graduate programs and Graduate Division priorities. Works collegially with the campus-wide units and their senior staff to ensure the free flow of information and coordinate a timely entry of required items for the success of graduate programs and graduate students at UC Merced, including all employment requirements for domestic and international students. 
• Interprets federal, state, and university policy to ensure compliance through developing, modifying, and implementing policies and procedures related to student financial support. Explains standard policies and procedures to students, staff, and faculty and assists in developing those policies and procedures as needed. This position requires a thorough understanding of the funding aspects formalized in the Graduate Advisor’s Handbook and unformalized campus norms and how those interact with changing federal, state, and university policy. 
• Other duties as assigned critical to the Graduate Division programs and strategic initiatives. 

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Management, Economics, or a related field. (Required)
• One (1) year of directly related, progressively responsible experience or five years of equivalent experience/training. A master's degree is preferred but may not substitute the required year of experience. (Required)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Basic knowledge of financial or accounting concepts, processes and procedures. 
• Strong knowledge of financial data management and reporting systems. 
• Proficiency in the use of spreadsheet and database software. 
• Strong interpersonal skills, analytical skills, service orientation, active listening, critical thinking, attention to detail, ability to multi-task in a high volume environment, organizational skills, effective verbal and written communication skills, sound judgment and decision making. 
• Ability to function effectively as a member of a team. 
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities. 
• Intermediate knowledge and understanding of internal control practices and their impact on protecting University resources. 
• Skills to provide coaching and mentoring to support staff. 
• Ability to work with diverse populations.

Background check will be required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact [email protected].

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy . UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.  

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy .  All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline.  For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment. 

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace.  Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu .

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an  Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland  Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:

Step 5 of 7    (on the application)              Referrals          

How did you hear about the job?              (select) “other”

Additional information?                            (select) “other”

Specific Referral Source?                        (write in) first and last name of referring employee  

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility.