Director of Budgetary/Financial Services

University of Kansas
United States, Kansas, Lawrence
1450 Jayhawk Boulevard (Show on map)
Dec 05, 2024
Position Overview KU research at the University of Kansas addresses problems of worldwide significance, delivers solutions that make a difference to Kansas and the region, and promotes a community of responsible inquiry and innovation for students and scholars. The Office of Research facilitates that mission by advocating for research, scholarship and creative activity, implementing research integrity requirements, and, through the KU Center for Research (KUCR), managing the administration of research grants and contracts. KU Research also has oversight of activities related to technology commercialization and business and industry outreach. KU's 11 largest research centers are recognized as University Research Centers and report to the Office of Research. The Office of Research also provides 10 core research lab services for university investigators. Each lab has experienced professionals and state-of-the-art technology to support researchers throughout their research projects. KU Center for Research, Inc. (KUCR), a non-profit 501(c)3 research foundation, operates for the benefit of the university under the administrative jurisdiction of the KU Office of Research. The Office of Research is responsible for submitting all proposals for external support of research, instructional and service awards and helps research investigators by negotiating contracts, providing proposal and post-award services, administering compliance oversight, managing and constructing research facilities, and handling financial services, including investment of corporation resources. The Director of Budgets & Financial Services (DBFS) is a principal advisor to the Executive Director for Fiscal Affairs (ED)/KUCR Chief Financial Officer (CFO) on all budgetary matters. The position has the responsibility to oversee and direct three primary areas: 1) Operational reporting, budgeting, and preparation and review of the organizational budgets for the Office of Research, the university research centers and institutes, and KUCR, including analysis of revenues and expenditures; 2) Service rate calculation for core service labs and research centers in accordance with Federal guidelines and 3) Procurement of goods and services, including drafting and reviewing contracts. This position must work independently with a great deal of autonomy. The DBFS functions as part of the senior fiscal affairs team led by the Executive Director/CFO, serves as the primary backup to the ED/CFO, and plays a key role in developing a strategic financial plan for budgeting, forecasting, appointments, compensation management, and process analysis for the Office of Research. Due to complex state employment laws, the University of Kansas may be unable to hire fully remote workers for this position outside of Kansas. Specifically, we cannot currently offer employment to candidates residing in the following states: California and Delaware. We appreciate your understanding and invite interested individuals from eligible states to apply Job Description 35% Budgeting and Reporting Directs preparation of annual organizational budgets, financial reports, and monitors state appropriated and corporation funds for the Office of Research and all designated research units reporting to the Office of Research. Provides advice and direction for the development of the annual operating budget in coordination with the ED/CFO, the Office of Research and the Office of Research senior leadership team. Develops and recommends policies and procedures in alignment with best business practices to document and enhance existing fiscal activity operations. Monitors the current financial position of KUCR and the Office of Research, develops and recommends appropriate corrective action when necessary, and keeps the ED/CFO informed regarding the financial matters of the corporation by providing monthly budgetary financial reports Supervises staffing to support the budgetary functions for the Office of Research including the Associate Director for Budgeting 20% Procurement and Contracts Supervises Assistant Director of Research Procurement, whose position works closely with researchers and their support personnel in the acquisition of goods and services needed to accomplish the research mission and objectives. This includes drafting/reviewing of business service contracts, hotel/event contracts, confidentiality agreements, fee for service agreements and other related contracts, and ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance. The DBFS also ensures timely payment of invoices. With assistance from Associate Director of Research Procurement, develops and recommends policies and procedures in alignment with best business practices to document and enhance existing research procurement operations. 20% Service Rate and Core Service Lab Support Supervises the Financial Analyst Senior, whose position works with research directors, faculty, principal investigators and financial officers to prepare research service rate structures for new and existing laboratory facilities, research services, etc. Provides training on process. Ensures compliance with federal, state and institutional policies and procedures. Monitors the current financial position of the non-sponsored KUCR revenue activity across the university including but not limited to core service labs and other research units. Investigates any deviation from sound financial practices, develops and recommends appropriate corrective action when necessary, and keeps the KU Research leadership informed about the financial condition of the core and other service labs. 15% Financial & Reporting Management Responsible for preparation of financial management and operational reports and analyses for the ED/CFO. Supports ED/CFO with additional financial reporting for the KUCR Board of Trustees including revenue and expense forecasts. Provides the ED/CFO, Associate Vice Chancellors, and other KU Research directors and managers with operational financial analyses, advice, and assistance on special projects, as assigned. Works closely with the Office of Research financial coordinators/officers on all financial projects to represent user participation, interests, concerns and issue resolution in achieving successful systems conversions/implementations, process improvements and procedural definitions. 10% Other Provide/address appropriate training plans for staff in areas and ensure problem resolutions are handled promptly and within established guidelines. Establish parameters for acceptable customer service and monitor activities for team. Establish and monitor metrics for teams reporting to the DBFS, and coordinate within framework of overall KU Research Strategic Plan, and specifically within Finance activities established pursuant to Plan. Represents the ED/CFO and the KU Office of Research/KUCR on issues related to the improvement of processes, procedures and automated systems used in the financial reporting and budgeting processes. With ED/CFO, develops process and systems improvement plans and initiatives to support the KU Office of Research strategic plans. Works with the ED/CFO and entire Fiscal Affairs financial and administrative teams to provide proactive customer service. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in an appropriate field such as accounting, finance, economics, or business administration. Seven years or more experience developing and administering large, complex budgets, as evidenced by work history. Excellent written communication skills as demonstrated by application materials, as well as excellent verbal communication skills (to be confirmed by interview and references). Previous experience working with a wide range of individuals. Five or more years experience with computer applications for fiscal operations. Experience and proficiency in computer applications for financial analysis such as Excel and other data analysis software, such as PowerBI. Excellent analysis and problem-solving skills, as demonstrated in work history. Five or more years working in an environment that required working independently and on a team. At least five years of supervisory experience. Preferred Qualifications Master's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or economics and/or bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Organizational Management or a closely related field. Experience using Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and preparing financial statements in compliance with the Governmental Accounting Standards (GASB). Experience creating, and presenting financial reports and utilizing KU Financial software systems as evidenced by work history. Advanced ability to utilize computer software for specific requirements. Strong interpersonal skills to facilitate communication among a variety of groups. Experience in financial management in a non-profit organization/university research environment that receives sponsored projects from federal, state and foundations. Extensive knowledge of the federal cost accounting, auditing and administrative principles for non-profit corporations (Uniform Guidance). Additional Candidate Instructions In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position: Cover letter describing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications. Resume List of three (3) professional references. Only complete applications will be considered. Review of applications will begin on January 6, 2025. To ensure consideration, please apply by January 5, 2025. #LI-HR1 Contact Information to Applicants Kymbre Dwyer kymbre-dwyer@ku.edu 785-864-7026 Advertised Salary Range starts at $140,000 - Commensurate with experience Work Schedule Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm Application Review Begins Monday January 6, 2025 Anticipated Start Date Sunday January 26, 2025