Financial Analyst I

Position Details

Dept Number/Name: 471000 - Florida Institute of Oceanography

Location: USF St. Petersburg

Salary Plan: Administrative

Job Code/Title: 4479 / Contract Financial Analyst I 

Hiring Salary/Salary Range: $50,000 - $55,000 

Position Number: 100009235                                                                               

Organizational Summary: 

The Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO) is an institute of the University of South Florida that connects Florida’s academic, public, and private partners to the marine environment through oceanographic research, education, workforce development, and applied maritime operations. As a regional marine science and technology resource, FIO provides access to research vessels, specialized marine equipment, field operations expertise, and the Keys Marine Laboratory to support discovery, student learning, environmental stewardship, and solutions to complex coastal and ocean challenges.

Through its vessels, facilities, and experienced maritime professionals, FIO enables researchers, students, agencies, and industry partners to conduct work on, in, and around the water safely and effectively. FIO supports oceanographic research while also serving as a broader platform for interdisciplinary education, experiential learning, marine technology testing, public-private collaboration, and workforce development. As part of USF, FIO strengthens the university’s role as a leader in ocean science, coastal resilience, and marine innovation while serving the needs of Florida and the broader ocean community.

Position Description: 

The Florida Institute of Oceanography is seeking a qualified, motivated professional to join our team as a Contract Financial Analyst I. The Contract Financial Analyst I is responsible for reviewing, administering, auditing and accounting for assigned contracts and awards made to the Institute from external vendors (e.g., Federal, state, and private industry.) This position monitors awards and contracts for regulatory and statutory compliance and proper fulfillment of vendor and University commitments made in the agreement. This position is also responsible for assisting departmental contacts such faculty, and administrative staff by providing budget and financial information for the contract, giving guidance and direction on proper budget/expenditure procedures and financial control. This position will report directly to the Budget Director on the USF St. Petersburg campus. 

Perform specialized and complex financial and administrative work related to the development, maintenance, monitoring, and analysis of contracts, awards, and associated budgets. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, preparation and distribution of funding allocations, budget amendments, financial reporting, forecasting, reconciliations, and analysis.

Serve as a key resource to Institute Leadership and stakeholders on matters related to contracts, agreements, and awards administration. Assist in the preparation, review, analysis, execution, and ongoing management of organizational agreements to ensure operational and financial compliance with university policies, sponsor requirements, and applicable regulations.

Develop, maintain, and oversee comprehensive contract and award tracking and reporting systems to monitor all related activity, including new agreements, amendments, renewals, invoicing, billing, expenditures, and closeout requirements from inception through execution and final reconciliation.

Monitor contract and award files and conduct internal compliance reviews to ensure appropriate documentation, approvals, financial accuracy, and adherence to institutional policies, sponsor guidelines, and contractual obligations.

Prepare and maintain financial reports, dashboards, presentations, correspondence, meeting agendas, and related documentation supporting unit contracts, awards, and financial operations. Coordinate communications with internal and external stakeholders regarding contractual and financial matters.

Perform monthly reconciliation and financial monitoring of awards and agreements, including payroll, expenditures, travel, procurement activity, and cost transfers. Oversee the Personnel Effort Reporting (PERT) process for payroll charged to sponsored funding sources and ensure timely resolution of discrepancies.

Review award financial activity in preparation for closeout to ensure expenditures are allowable, funding has been fully received, outstanding obligations are resolved, and all reporting and compliance requirements have been satisfied in accordance with university policies and agreement terms and conditions.

Assist in the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of departmental standard operating procedures (SOPs), internal controls, training materials, reconciliation tools, budget templates, and best practices related to contracts and award financial management.

Provide guidance, training, and technical support to departmental personnel regarding financial processes, contracts administration, budgeting, and compliance requirements.

Utilize institutional financial systems and reporting tools to compile, analyze, and interpret financial data to support operational decision-making, strategic planning, and leadership reporting.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

This position requires a Bachelor's degree in an Accounting or business field and one year of work experience in research, research administration, or a university financial function; or a Master's degree. Progressively responsible related experience may substitute for the required education on a year for year basis.

Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree.
• Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310) is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
• SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
• A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:
• (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
• (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree;
• (c) Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree;
• (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
• (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree
• Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.
• Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master degree in Business, Business Law, Finance, Accounting or other directly related field. Previous experience in academic research.  Excellent verbal and written communications skills. Thorough understanding of accounting and budgeting principles and practices, statistical methodology, generally accepted accounting principals, and generally accepted auditing standards.

Please provide the following documents when completing your application:

• Curriculum vitae / resume 
• A copy of academic transcripts 
• Contact information for three references (one must be your current/most recent supervisor).

The selected candidate must have a current work authorization in the United States. This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.