Contract Financial Analyst I

Job Description

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.

Responsibilities

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.

Qualifications

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 ( 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.

About Us

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:


The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.