Finance Lead, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics

The Office of Financial Affairs and Physical Resources in the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health is seeking candidates for the position of Finance Lead. The ideal candidate has a professional demeanor, positive attitude, customer service, enjoys teamwork and learning new things and can communicate financial information to different stakeholders.

As a member of the College's finance and administrative team, the selected candidate is expected to perform professional activities in a complex, evolving and fast-paced environment and therefore must be flexible and adaptable. The incumbent must have the ability to effectively assess and respond to customer needs and demonstrate strong organizational skills. This position requires expert knowledge and professional application of fund accounting principles, practices, and techniques in accordance with the policies and procedures of the University of Arizona and UAZ Foundation; as well as strong background in grants management. The successful candidate will work in a team-based environment under the supervision of the Assistant Dean for Finance and Administration. The portfolio assignment may include both College and Department level accounts and duties.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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• Manage accounting & budget of the department and college account portfolios.
• Monitor and reconcile accounts and approve financial transactions on State, Local, Discretionary, Gift and Grant accounts according to compliance rules, generally accepted accounting principles, and guidelines of University of Arizona, UAZ Foundation, Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) and sponsor regulations.
• Prepare complex journal entries to effectively track revenues and expenses, facilitate financial reporting, and make corrections.
• Initiate and maintain personnel funding plans for employees by working with faculty researchers, Department Heads, HR officer, and supervisor.
• Manage departmental procurement cards and act as the liaison with Central Financial.
• In concert with the Principal Investigators (PIs), manage grants & contracts for the assigned departments and PIs.
• Monitor and approve grant expenditures to ensure alignment with budget and scope of work approved by sponsor.
• Maintain frequent communication with PIs to plan spending and communicate personnel changes with the assigned College HR Officer in a timely manner.
• Oversee with PIs the financial life cycle of grant projects, monitor award/contract continuations and terminations, and follow-up with PIs to ensure proper spending and smooth closeout.
• Partner with PIs in managing subawards initiation, expenditures, continuations, and terminations.
• Oversee budgets with PI, monitor spending, and produce financial reports for university or college funded projects.
• Prepare financial reports and provide recommendations to support decision making.
• Analyze financial information and prepare specialized monthly reports and grants reports for College, Department Leadership and PIs, so the stakeholders have accurate and timely information to make financial and programmatic decisions.
• Meet Department Chair and PIs regularly to examine financial reports, advise available funds, and provide recommendations.
• Provide technical advice and services to administrators, faculty, staff, and students on business related matters.
• Collaborate with Central Offices, other units on campus, and external stakeholders in solving issues and managing the finance of College/Departments/PI portfolios.
• Provide training to new employees.
• Maintain equipment inventory records for College and/or Departments.
• Maintain accounting files for College and/or Departments.
• Actively pursue cross-training and professional development opportunities and keep up to date with Federal, State, ABOR, and University policies and procedures.
• When requested, prepare budgets, cost projections, and financial analyses / reports for college level projects and initiatives.
• Partner with Sr. Associate Dean for Academic & Faculty Affairs and Academic Affairs Coordinator in reviewing course offering and enrollment status to determine level of compensation for instructors based on established college policies for faculty compensation.
• Provide coverage to team members when needed.
• May supervise student workers.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of accounting principles, practices, and procedures.
• Proficient in Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, and internet-based applications.
• Skill in performing detailed numerical computations.
• Skill in preparing complex financial reports on a timely basis.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Working knowledge of the University's accounting policies, procedures, and practices.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with others.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Be proactive in monitoring tasks and take prompt actions to complete work.
• Strong organizational skills to effectively manage time, prioritize tasks, set goals, and develop systems to achieve them.
• Always be prepared to learn and adapt to the changing needs of University, College, and Department operations.

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Business AND five (5) years of professional accounting experience; OR
• Nine (9) years of progressively responsible and diverse accounting experience from which a broad exposure to all areas of accounting principles, practices and procedures was acquired.

• Experience in grants and contracts management.
• Experience working with University of Arizona's Financial, Employee, Research, and Analytics Reporting systems.
• Experience in gift portfolio and scholarship management.
• Experience working in higher education.