Associate Director of Finance

Job Summary

The Associate Director of Accounting & Finance leads strategic and operational financial management for multiple Advancement units. This includes budgeting, forecasting, compliance, procurement, and financial reporting. The role ensures sound fiscal stewardship, provides financial guidance to internal stakeholders, and maintains compliance with institutional, state, and federal policies. In practice, the role also manages procurement systems, contracts, and cross‑functional administrative processes, contributing significantly to departmental operations.

• Develop and implement financial objectives, strategies, and policies aligned with Advancement's mission and university standards.
• Lead annual budget development and submission for multiple organizations, including operational, personnel, and narrative components.
• Monitor, forecast, and report on financial performance; conduct monthly and quarterly budget reviews; coordinate year‑end close procedures.
• Provide financial insight and recommendations to senior leadership and serve as a key participant in strategic planning and resource allocation.

• Oversee general accounting functions including journal entries, e‑journals, reconciliations, and financial documentation management.
• Maintain fiscal records for each fiscal year and support audits and internal control reviews.
• Manage GFA access, chart fields, and activity lifecycle (opening/closing, endowment transfers, wire transfers).

• Manage purchasing processes including UShop orders, PO creation, Smart Mail, UPrint, and contract routing.
• Conduct vendor research, work with contract holder to negotiate, and manage RFP and contract processes.
• Oversee accounts payable activities such as ePRs, wire transfers, canceled checks, rush payments, and cashed check tracking.
• Track deliveries and maintain procurement records to ensure completeness and compliance.

• Ensure adherence to all university, state, and federal policies governing financial operations.
• In tandem with department leads, liaise with the Office of General Counsel to ensure proper contract execution and legal compliance.
• Conduct Evidence of Review (EOR) meetings and track monthly charges, audit signoffs, and budget variances.
• Provide training to staff on financial systems, processes, and compliance best practices.

• Serve as a financial liaison to internal stakeholders and leadership, offering analysis, reporting, and troubleshooting support.
• Respond to staff and vendor inquiries, facilitate financial training, and document policy procedures and updates.
• Maintain high levels of customer service and transparency in all financial interactions.

Bachelor's degree in Business or Public Administration, a related area, or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience) required; plus six years of progressively more responsible management experience; and demonstrated leadership, human relations and effective communication skills also required. Master’s degree in Business Administration or related area preferred. This position is not responsible for providing patient care.

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

• University of Utah financial systems experience
• Master's Degree

PRN
44330B

Full Time

Hybrid Schedule available after 3 to 6 months of training and orientation.

00289 - Development

Campus

75000 to 80000

3/3/2026