Lead Cost Analyst

Overview

Be a Tar Heel!: This position is a 100% remote work arrangement, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station. A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities.

Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn. University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Department: Office of Sponsored Programs-621100

Career Area: Research Professionals

Posting Open Date: 01/08/2026

Final date to receive applications: 01/22/2026

Open Until Filled: No

Position Type: Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Working Title: Lead Cost Analyst

Appointment Type: EHRA Non-Faculty

Position Number:

Vacancy : NF0009476

Full Time/Part Time: Full-Time Permanent

FTE: 1

Hours Per Week: 40

Position Location: North Carolina, US

Hiring Range: $70,000 - $77,000

Proposed

Start Date:

02/16/2026

The Cost Analysis and Compliance Unit in the Office of Sponsored Programs is comprised in part by the Cost Accounting team. The Lead Cost Analyst position will be tasked with performing, where needed, all day-to-day responsibilities assigned to the Cost Accounting team. Additionally, the position will provide mentorship and guidance to other team members, when necessary.

The Lead Cost Analyst will be responsible for ensuring institutional Research Service Centers (RSC) operate in compliance with federal guidelines and University operating standards and procedures. This role coordinates with campus departments to conduct detailed analyses using Connect Carolina and Infoporte to complete financial compliance and rate reviews at minimum once every two years for all University RSCs. It provides effective customer service, technical support, and consulting services to the RSCs, administrators, and institutional stakeholders to ensure RSCs maintain operational effectiveness, efficiency, and compliance in the rate development and review process.

The position also tracks and files all RSC related updates and documentation in a timely manner.

The Lead Cost Analyst may perform other cost analysis functions and complete special projects, including assisting with the Facilities and Administrative (F&A) Cost rate proposal and calculating employee fringe benefit rates for sponsored agreement budgeting.

The Lead Cost Analyst will serve as the first line of oversight to monitor compliance within the team and university research enterprise. The role uses strong communication skills to identify and describe concerns to leadership in OSP and within the campus community. It will collaborate with the Cost Accounting and Central Effort Manager to initiate, support, and implement corrective actions to ensure and improve RSC compliance.

It will also oversee the RSC tracking process, working with the Cost Analyst to identify and correct errors to ensure data accuracy in Smartsheet and timely reviews.

Mid-career with Masters and 1-2 years of experience; or Bachelor’s and 2-4 years of experience.

• Ability to analyze operational and financial data
• Sound knowledge of accounting principles
• Strong communication skills
• Strong knowledge of ledger systems, spreadsheets, databases, and word processing applications
• Ability to prioritize and complete responsibilities independently with a high level of accuracy

• Previous experience with Research Service Centers
• Experience with accounting systems in a university setting
• Experience with federal grants and post-award administration
• Working knowledge of applicable federal Circulars (Uniform Guidance and A-21) and state regulations
• Previous experience in F&A cost rate proposal development and rate oversight
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certification preferred

Not Applicable.

Work Schedule:

Monday – Friday | 8:00am – 5:00pm