Finance Manager - RFBA

Department: Research Finance and Business Administration
Appointment Type and Duration: Regular, Ongoing
Salary: $68,000 - $78,000 per year
Compensation Band: OS-OA08-Fiscal Year 2022-2023
FTE: 1.0

Application Review Begins

January 3, 2023; position open until filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

With your online application, please provide a resume and a cover letter describing how you meet the minimum requirements, professional competencies, and any preferred qualifications.

Please submit the names and contact information of three professional references. Candidates will be notified prior to contacting references.

This position is located in Eugene, but hybrid options may be considered.

Department Summary

The Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI) advances world-class research, scholarship, and innovation at the University of Oregon, a top-tier public research institution. The OVPRI oversees sponsored research, research compliance, technology transfer, research communications, and research development at the University of Oregon (UO), as well as numerous high-profile research centers and institutes, and core research facilities. OVPRI provides opportunities for faculty across the university to collaborate on research efforts that are inherently interdisciplinary and of significant societal importance. As a university that holds the distinction of a “very high research activity” ranking in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, the UO is also one of only two Pacific Northwest members of the Association of American Universities (AAU). Visit research.uoregon.edu to learn more.

The OVPRI is committed to a respectful work environment. We value the cultural, educational, and life experiences of each employee. We believe that a diverse workforce enables us to deliver culturally responsive services to all members of our community. As part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we welcome, respect, and foster a sense of belonging for a wide range of identities and experiences in our workforce. We act upon the deep belief that diverse, equitable, and inclusive research environments are fair and just, and are necessary to accelerate discovery and innovation. In partnership with UO’s Division of Equity and Inclusion, we utilize the IDEAL Framework to guide our practices.

Position Summary

The Finance Manager is part of the Research Finance & Business Administration team at the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI). The position provides leadership, financial, and business services to units and teams under the OVPRI umbrella, and other campus partners.

The finance manager provides direct oversight for daily shared business services for OVPRI financial and business operations, including developing and implementing office business processes and procedures, executing financial workflows, and providing key linkages among OVPRI units, various UO departments, centers, and institutes on related financial and administrative matters. The business manager supervises a team of accounting and administration staff and student employees, including hiring, training, assigning, and evaluating work for financial management and administrative support services. Financial management includes, but is not limited to, startup accounts administration, OVPRI commitments, and high-level accounting support. The finance manager will familiarize themselves with a sophisticated accounting structure consisting of service centers and a large number of accounting indexes, making full, consistent, and accurate use of accounting policies and regulations, GAAP, and grant support functions. The Finance Manager portfolio will also focus on providing support to the Industry, Innovation, and Translation team.

The Finance Manager will oversee the team responsible for the front desk and general office logistics. The Finance Manager will provide guidance and input regarding the rescheduling of the front of the house, and other administrative responsibilities that the Office Specialists team is responsible for. Direct supervision of the RFBA Finance Manager is provided by the Divisional Budget Director (DBD) in the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree, or equivalent combination of skills experience and education.
• Five years of experience performing accounting functions, including demonstrated experience in accounting, budget management, compiling and/or reporting financial information, and the ability to analyze budgets and recommend budget strategies.
• Two years of experience in personnel procedures and practices and supervision in a complex organization.
• Two years of experience working in an automated financial information system.

Professional Competencies

• In-depth understanding of financial and management practices. Working knowledge of bookkeeping or accounting procedures and practices.
• Demonstrated ability to use sound judgment and initiative, particularly as it relates to handling sensitive and/or confidential information.
• Demonstrated flexibility, and ability to plan and initiate projects, set priorities, solve problems, motivate staff, and maintain stability and consistency in stressful situations.
• Experience in effectively managing and prioritizing competing demands in a team environment.
• Demonstrated project management and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated effective communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience with and/or commitment to working effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, in support of an inclusive and welcoming environment.
• Proficiency with software and technology, including electronic calendars, word processing, QuickBooks.
• Strong customer service skills and positive attitude.
• Experience with managing large, complex filing systems and spreadsheets.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Banner and COGNOS, iLab, or similar applications.
• Experience with complex financial and administrative policies, rules, and procedures in a higher education setting.
• Experience with Research Finance and Administrative Services.
• Advanced certification or degree in business, accounting, or related area.

FLSA Exempt: Yes

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background inquiry.

University of Oregon students and employees are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. For additional information see: https://hr.uoregon.edu/uo-covid-19-vaccination-requirement-employee-process.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit http://hr.uoregon.edu/careers/about-benefits.

The University of Oregon is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the ADA. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply, and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please contact us at uocareers@uoregon.edu or 541-346-5112.

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, Office of Civil Rights Compliance, or to the Office for Civil Rights. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed on the statement of non-discrimination.

In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://clery.uoregon.edu/annual-campus-security-and-fire-safety-report.