Virginia Tech is a public land-grant university, committed to teaching and learning, research, and outreach to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world. Building on its motto of Ut Prosim (that I may serve), Virginia Tech is dedicated to InclusiveVT-serving in the spirit of community, diversity, and excellence. We seek candidates who adopt and practice the Principles of Community, which are fundamental to our on-going efforts to increase access and inclusion, and to create a community that nurtures learning and growth for all of its members. Virginia Tech actively seeks a broad spectrum of candidates to join our community in preparing leaders for the world.

Position Summary:
The Director of Finance is the principle analyst of the complex financial activities for the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation for Virginia Tech's $520+ million research enterprise and associated technology commercialization activities -across eight academic colleges, eight university research institutes, and three affiliated corporations. The Director provides guidance to the Vice President and the senior leadership team on future financial plans in support of the university strategic plan, is the primary liaison to the Office of the Vice President for Finance and the research institutes, and works cooperatively with all other internal and external units involved in research and technology commercialization initiatives. The university is embarking on its next phase of strategic growth in research across its Blacksburg, Roanoke, and Northern Virginia locations, including the integration of a medical school in 2018. This position is key to the ambitious plans Virginia Tech is making to be a 21st century land grant university that delivers innovative solutions to the most pressing global challenges of our time. This requires an individual that understands the big picture and is able to communicate well at all levels. The Director of Finance reports directly to the Vice President and is a member of the office's senior leadership team.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Administers the office's base and current financial resources to achieve the long-term strategic goals. Manages the day-to-day operations and adjustment of the budget.
- Conducts fiscal analysis of a varied and complex nature by gathering data from a variety of sources, verifying facts, presenting alternatives, formulating recommendations, and drafting executive reports in all areas of the research enterprise.
- Serves as the primary advisor to the Vice President in finalization of the annual budget request for the office, with responsibility for preparing and justifying the request.
- Monitors and reviews the office's budget by developing, implementing, and maintaining reports for tracking and projecting the status of financial resources. Responsible for the year-end close process.
- Provides analytical, administrative, and operational support to committees, projects and initiatives led by the Vice President and the Senior Leadership Team as well as various campus committees.
- Trains and supervises staff with financial responsibility, and serves as the financial liaison to the research institute and affiliated research corporation fiscal officers. Acts as backup for routine financial functions such as travel approvals, purchases, and human resources.
- Ensures proper management of the office's funds, including the university research institutes. Coordinates and prepares management responses for audits.
- Develops, administers and manages the office's financial policies, procedures, and reports that are as consistent and efficient as possible. Serves on university committees and collaborates in the development of university policies and procedures.
- Responsible for the management, use, and reporting of the division's foundation funds.
- Coordinates the financial aspects of the research user laboratory service centers, including guidance on establishing and adjusting billing rates, annual financial and metric reporting, and advising managers of policies and procedures.
- Collaborates with appropriate units and committees on facilities and administrative (F&A) costs, proposal cost-share, start-up, and shared use equipment funding.
- Ensures that internal and external customers are receiving consistent, timely and customer-oriented services.
- Provides entrepreneurial approaches to developing new and innovative ideas that will stretch the organization and push the boundaries of investments in the research enterprise.

Required Qualifications:
- Master's degree in finance, accounting or economics, or equivalent experience and progressively responsible related experience.
- Excellent mathematical and analytical skills, able to see patterns, be a fast thinker, and make decisions with attention to accuracy, detail and local context.
- Able to manage multiple responsibilities, set priorities, take initiative, and meet deadlines.
- Strong communication skills with a proven ability to articulate complex financial concepts in a simple, meaningful fashion.
- Skilled supervisor and coach, able to motivate or inspire both junior and senior staff.
- Outstanding knowledge of electronic spreadsheets, databases, and other relevant software tools.
- Ability to handle sensitive information and maintain confidentiality with discretion and good judgement.
- Service-oriented, adaptable and open to change as the office and university evolves.
- Self-motivated to learn new concepts and participate in new projects.

Preferred Qualifications:
- Active CPA or CMA .
- Experience working in higher education environment.



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