Employee Compensation Compliance provides a more transparent and efficient way to certify salaries charged to sponsored projects.
Updated Aug. 6, 2026
Project Overview
ECC, or Employee Compensation Compliance, is part of a systemwide initiative led by the University of California Office of the President to modernize how the university confirms that salaries accurately reflect work performed.
Beginning in October 2026, UC Davis will transition from ERS, or Effort Reporting System, to the new ECC system. This transition is overseen locally by Contracts and Grants Accounting.
From Effort Percentages to Salary Certification
ECC is moving away from percentage-based effort certification. The focus is now on salary certification, confirming that the actual dollars charged to an award reasonably reflect the work performed.
This changes the certification question:
- Previous ERS Question: “Did this employee spend 25% of their effort on this project?”
- New ECC Question: “Does the salary charged to this project (for example $25,000) reasonably reflect the work this employee performed?”
New Certification Timing
Certifications will no longer follow a single, annual campus-wide cycle. Instead, they will be due based on the budget period of each individual sponsored award.
- One-Year Award: For a one-year federally sponsored award beginning May 1, 2026, certification tasks will begin April 30, 2027, to be completed within 60 calendar days.
- Multi-Year Awards: For a three-year award beginning July 1, 2027, certifications will begin on June 30 of 2028, 2029, and 2030, and are due 60 days from each start date.
New Notification and Approval Workflow
Once salary information is imported into ECC, departmental reviewers will review certifications before they are routed to the Principal Investigator (PI) for final certification.
- ECC Notification and Approval Workflow Steps
1. Data Imported to ECC: Compensation data enters the review workflow.
2. Department Coordinator Notified: ECC notifies assigned department coordinators that review can begin.
3. Department Coordinator Reviews Data: Department coordinators check certification data for accuracy and resolve discrepancies. Mark certifications as ready for review by PI.
4. PI Notified Data Ready for Certification: PI is notified that certification data is ready for them to review and approve.
5. PI Reviews and Approves: PI confirms compensation data is accurate and reasonable.
Why the Change?
While the fundamental purpose of federally required certification remains the same, the move to ECC provides several key improvements:
- Improved Visibility: Enhanced transparency into salary information and fund sources.
- Modern Experience: A more intuitive and contemporary user interface.
- Streamlined Workflows: Reduced administrative burden for department staff through more efficient processes.
Training and Support
Comprehensive resources will be provided to ensure all users are prepared for the transition:
- Learning Materials: How-to videos and job aids (knowledge base articles) will be available before launch.
- Interactive Sessions: The Contracts and Grants Accounting team will host webinars to provide updates and answer questions.
- Direct Support: Office hours will be offered both before and after implementation for one-on-one assistance. Support will also be available via email.
What You Need to Do
No action is required at this time. Please continue to use ERS for current requirements and watch for future communications regarding training registration and readiness resources.
Additional details about roles, responsibilities and timelines will be shared as implementation approaches.
For questions regarding the ECC transition, email Contracts and Grants Accounting.