Assistant or Associate Director of Finance

Job Description

The Assistant or Associate Director of Finance is responsible for the financial compliance and operations of the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) Virginia Techs largest research institute with $40 million in annual sponsored funding and expenditures. Management level of either assistant or associate director will be determined based on the credentials of the successful candidate.
At the Assistant Director level this position plays a key supporting role to VTTIs leadership team. At the Associate Director level this position serves as an essential member of VTTIs leadership team and primary point of contact with university officials for finance. *
This position has responsibility for business development administrative leadership research administration and resource planning including leadership and coordination of institute financial planning debt financing operations budget management and sponsored research budget management. The Assistant or Associate Director of Finance will ensure institute accounting procedures are in compliance with university federal state and contractual regulations. The incumbent will be accountable for the accounting operations of the institute to include design and implementation of periodic financial reports maintenance of an adequate system of accounting records and a comprehensive set of controls designed to mitigate risk and enhance the stability of the Institutes fiscal infrastructure.
* At both the Assistant and Associate levels this role offers strong potential for advancement within VTTIs leadership structure for high performing individuals who demonstrate strategic insight operational excellence and collaborative leadership.
Responsibilities:
Leadership and Team Management: Supervise and lead the finance team ensuring effective collaboration and productivity.
Fiscal Compliance: Ensure all financial activities comply with university state and federal regulations.
Financial Oversight: Oversee the financial operations of VTTIs research portfolio including budgeting forecasting and reporting.
Policy Development: Develop and maintain financial policies and procedures to ensure consistency and compliance.
Risk Management: Identify and mitigate financial risks associated with research projects.
Audit Coordination: Coordinate internal and external audits ensuring timely and accurate responses to audit inquiries.
Resource Allocation: Manage the allocation of financial resources to optimize the impact of research funding.
Stakeholder Communication: Communicate financial information and insights to senior leadership researchers and other stakeholders.
Strategic Planning: At the Associate Level this position will contribute to strategic financial planning and decision-making to support the research goals of the organization.

Directions given and received:
The Assistant or Associate Director of Finance will report directly to VTTIs Chief Finance / Operating Officer.
The successful candidate will lead VTTIs fiscal team consisting of multiple fiscal technicians and post-award managers.
Interface regularly with VTTIs pre-award team project management office and research team members.
Collaborate with the Virginia Tech (VT) Controllers Office the VT Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) VT Procurement VT Contracts VTTI Pre-award VT Legal and VT Risk Management to ensure compliance with state federal and university guidelines and procedures.

Required Qualifications

Degree in management accounting finance or a related field (Bachelors Degree for Assistant level Masters degree preferred for Associate level)
Experience in accounting or bookkeeping roles preferably within small businesses
At the Assistant Level demonstrated proficiency in performing financial analyses and producing clear accurate reports to support operational needs; at the Associate Level proven track record of developing comprehensive financial reports and delivering actionable insights and analytics to leadership to inform strategic decision-making
In-depth knowledge of finance accounting budgeting and cost control principles
Expertise in developing and updating written procedures and guidelines
Proven supervisory experience
Ability to multitask prioritize assignments and train others in a high-volume team-oriented environment
Highly organized and detail-oriented
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Proficient in MS Excel and other standard office software (Word PowerPoint Teams)

Preferred Qualifications

Masters degree in management accounting finance or a related field
Advanced certification such as CPA CRA or CMA
Experience leading research administration in a university or research setting
Familiarity with university state and federal research administration policies and guidelines
Experience in accounting or bookkeeping roles preferably within small businesses
Proficiency with Banner software
Experience managing diverse funding sources (e.g. state foundation external funding)
Familiarity with large enterprise financial and reporting systems

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

Commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

6/20/2025

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge discovery and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36000 undergraduate graduate and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges a school of medicine a veterinary medicine college Graduate School and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.