Director, Financial Compliance

Department
 

SING EVP Headquarters – Finance & Ops – CoS NL

About the Department
 

The University of Chicago has been an international leader in basic and applied science research for more than 100 years. Researchers at the University and its national labs have made breakthroughs that have revolutionized our understanding and changed the world we live in, such as uncovered the link between cancer and genetics, evaluated the impact of social programs on the economy, and developed tools to produce reliably excellent urban schooling.
The Office of National Laboratories, Science Strategy, Innovation and Global Initiatives collaborates with University leaders, deans, and faculty to shape the strategic scientific and technological direction of the University, and supports its implementation through and across the Polsky Center, the UChicago Global Initiatives and its centers, and Argonne National Laboratory and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. The unifying thread of programming focuses on enabling partnerships, collaboration, and working across divisions and institutions to translate scholarly pursuits, scientific discoveries, and technological developments into impact. The University’s stewardship of Argonne and Fermilab provides institutional support and unique resources that help these National Laboratories tackle some of the greatest scientific and technical challenges of our time.

Job Summary
 

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Finance and Chief of Staff for National Laboratories, the Director, Financial Compliance will oversee the National Laboratories’ financial and operational compliance of submitted budgets, internal audit and external responsibilities and accounting for the unit; with direct responsibility for the National Laboratories’ Board of Governors financial compliance of close-out reports (budget proposal, year-end submissions and operations), Department of Energy (DOE) and Inspector General (IG) Audit reviews and risk mitigation process improvements. The Director will work closely with senior management to deliver high-quality information and perspective regarding financial performance compliance, process improvements, year-end actual vs budget variance analysis for annual and quarterly submissions to the DOE. In addition, this role is key for the improvement of compliance, risk mitigation, and enhanced internal financial controls in alignment to US GAAP, DOE, Inspector General audits and other governmental agencies policies and procedures. She / he will work closely with staff from the Board of Governors Relations, National Laboratories (Argonne and Fermilab) Finance teams, DOE Contracting Officers, Budget Office, Financial Services, University Research Administration, and other Finance teams within the extended portfolio The Director supervises one financial analyst.

Responsibilities

• Leads the development and analysis of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial planning cycles including budget, forecast, and year-end reports and submissions in compliance with governmental, and US GAAPs pronouncements.
• Timely and accurately prepares relevant monthly financial statements, activity reports, financial position forecasts, and other reports as required by regulatory agencies (DOE, IG, and UoC).
• Prepares value-add financial analysis, communicates financial results, operational overview, and strategic recommendations to senior management in a concise, clear, and timely manner.
• Oversees all financial aspects of internal and external National Laboratories and Board of Governors engagements, Graduate Research Cooperative (GRC), Joint Task Force Initiatives, and other projects by closely partnering with internal teams, senior management, and other stakeholders at the University, the National Laboratories, DOE, etc.
• Implements, improves, and oversees unit-wide operational efficiency, strengthens internal controls, and enhances the utilization of ERP systems.
• Ensures timely compliance of federal, state, and local governmental and requirements, specifically the Office of Science, DOE and IG.
• Oversees unit-wide compliance and adherence to procurement policies, fund and grant management, program execution and overall revenue generation stewardship.
• Provides financial and operational consulting services to the senior leadership team on key strategic initiatives to help the units stay focused on achieving their strategic goals.
• Develops strong partnerships with a broad range of key internal stakeholders including the Budget Office, Financial Services, DOE contracting offices, National Laboratories Finance and Procurement teams, Office of Legal Counsel, and a variety of external stakeholders.
• Develops and leads the implementation of change management initiatives, such as shared services outsourcing, and University-wide projects.
• Advises budgets for all areas within scope of responsibility. Directs quarterly and year-end reporting.
• Serves as an experienced liaison interacting with financial administrators within operational units on financial, budget or accounting matters to prepare, advise and recommend.g for the operating budget and projects under responsibility
• Conducts quantitative and qualitative analyses to monitor and manage for expense optimization by identifying market drivers, enhance strategies, or improve revenue generation.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• BSc/BA in accounting, finance, or relevant field.
• MSc/MA/MBA.

Experience:

• 10+ years of progressive experience leading the end-to-end development of budgets, strategic business plans, year-end reporting and analysis, internal and external audit, forecasts, and monthly results analysis in higher education, government, or industry.
• Background in higher education and/or governmental entities, such as finance, grant administration, and FP&A, is a plus.
• Diverse and combined experience with Fortune 500, private equity, government, Big 4 or large consulting firm.
• Proven record of increased responsibility in audit, risk mitigation and compliance, financial planning and analysis, accounting, grant administration, controllership, change and project management, process improvement, operations transformation, and internal controls optimization roles highly preferred.
• Minimum of 5+ years demonstrated supervisory, team building, and team development.
• Prior experience with legal entity compliance, GAAP and practical implementation of governmental policies, pronouncements, and procedures.
• Proven track record of superior financial and strategic analysis and operational savviness.

Certifications:

• CPA or other relevant certification.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• In-depth knowledge of finance and accounting principles, commercial and governmental laws, and best practices.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Power BI coupled with previous experience using financial/accounting systems.

Preferred Competencies

• Influential leader with robust critical thinking, strategic mindset, and ability to take abstract concepts into solutions.
• Outstanding leader who can effectively develop talent and influence teams to consistently deliver outstanding results to senior management.
• Initiate and cultivate key relationships with senior external stakeholders in the government, industry, and other higher education organizations.
• Excellent communicator with superior writing and presentation skills.
• Prioritize tasks and work on multiple assignments.
• Anticipate industry, market, academic and regional change to develop an action plan that will support unit’s success and deliver business demands.
• Thrive in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment and exhibit the highest personal and professional standards of integrity.
• Consistently display initiative, motivation, and discipline; work effectively and autonomously.
• Relentlessly pursue financial excellence and optimization
• Plan, prioritize and oversee multiple projects, and meet deadlines for deliverables.
• Proactive and follow-through with attention to detail.

Working Conditions

• This is an office-based role.
• May be seated and using a computer for 6-8 hours per day.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• References Contact Information (3)(required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST  be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Financial Management

Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

37.5

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

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