Manager, Accounting & Finance Manager, Accounting & Finance

Department 01259 – HCI Finance Job Summary

The Sr. Finance Manager is a newly created role to expand HCI’s Finance team and allows us to deepen our support of HCI’s research, outreach, and education department heads and principal investigators (PIs). The Sr. Finance Manager has a critical role in the annual budget process as well as enabling the teams they support to optimize their financial resources throughout the year. Additionally, the role will focus on data-driven insights of complex budget and reporting analysis. The ideal candidate excels in handling ambiguity, working across multiple teams, and delivering sophisticated solutions. The Sr. Finance Manager reports to HCI’s Director, Finance & Accounting.

Huntsman Cancer Institute is committed to cancer prevention, care, and survivorship for all communities within the area we serve – which includes Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming – with impact worldwide.

In your cover letter or during your interview process, we invite you to share how your professional experiences have prepared you to serve as a member of our team as we work to reduce the cancer burden experienced by all people and communities. This may include description of your prior experiences related to research, prevention, clinical care, community engagement/outreach, training, administration, or other areas relevant to Huntsman Cancer Institute’s mission and this position.

Responsibilities

Financial Planning and Analysis:

• Develop an in-depth understanding of supported departments’ work and objectives.
• Prepare financial plans and budgets, ensuring alignment with HCI objectives.
• Assist in annual budget preparation and regularly monitor budget adherence, identifying areas for cost optimization.
• Monitor activities/grants monthly for overspending and work with department head/PI to promptly address.
• Lead the development of financial solutions through deep analysis of business drivers and other internal reporting data
• Analyze financial data and translate that data into actionable insights to influence decision making.

Reporting:

• Prepare and present financial reports and analyses to department heads, PIs, and senior leaders, highlighting key findings and recommendations.
• Ensure department heads and PIs understand their sources of financial support and funding use restrictions.
• Develop a deep understanding of HCI/UU financial systems and available data sources; develop data queries and reports as needed.
• Communicate financial information clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Respond to ad hoc questions and data requests.
• Investigate comprehensive variance analyses and identify underlying trends.
• Assist with the development of dashboards and presentations for senior leadership.

Accounting:

• Review monthly transactions to ensure accuracy.
• Prepare journal entries for intra-fund transfers and expense corrections.
• Open, update, and inactivate chartfield activities and grants.
• Calculate salary caps and payroll distributions to comply with federal grant requirements.
• Review purchases and contracts to ensure sufficient cash and budget are available.

Process Improvement:

• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy in financial planning, reporting and analysis.
• Participate in the design, implementation, and review of financial and accounting systems.
• Develop and refine budgeting and forecasting methodologies to improve accuracy.

Collaboration:

• Work closely with cross-functional teams to gather information and develop insights.
• Provide support and guidance to other finance team members.

Skills and Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.

Experience: Typically requires 10-15 years of experience in financial analysis or a related field. Prefer previous experience in higher education research environment with knowledge of fund accounting and grants.

Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in financial modeling and forecasting.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
• Advanced knowledge of financial software (e.g., Excel, PeopleSoft, Anaplan) and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of fund accounting principles and financial reporting standards.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize workload and manage time effectively.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex financial projects and delivering advanced analysis
• Ability to navigate large data sets and complex financial statements.

Work Environment and Level of Frequency typically required

Nearly Continuously: Office environment.

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required

Nearly Continuously: Sitting, hearing, listening, talking.

Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking.

Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related area or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience). Four to six years of progressively more responsible management experience. Background knowledge of hiring department’s area of specialization in order to analyze, plan and draw conclusions for recommendations to superiors. Demonstrated leadership skills in planning and directing employees and processes in order to effectively monitor and develop subordinates and to ensure the smooth operation of department. Master’s degree in a related area may be preferred.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Preferences Additional Information

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented students and patients.

All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (OEO/AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at: https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/

Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu

https://safety.utah.edu/safetyreport This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.

Read Full Description