Assistant Director of Finance

Job Description

Assistant Director of Finance - Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI)

Join a mission-driven organization at the forefront of transportation innovation. VTTI is Virginia Techs largest research institute managing over $40 million annually in sponsored research funding. As the Assistant Director of Finance you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the financial integrity and strategic growth of VTTIs research enterprise.

This leadership position is responsible for overseeing financial compliance research administration and budgetary planning across VTTIs diverse funding portfolio. You will guide a high-performing finance team collaborate with university partners and support executive decision-making through accurate reporting and insightful analysis.

This role offers strong potential for advancement within VTTIs leadership structure for individuals who demonstrate strategic insight operational excellence and collaborative leadership.

Why VTTI
At VTTI were not just crunching numberswere enabling breakthroughs in transportation safety sustainability and technology. Our work directly impacts lives and your financial leadership will help ensure that our researchers have the resources and support they need to drive change.

Key Responsibilities
Financial Leadership: Lead VTTIs finance team including post-award managers and fiscal technicians fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability.
Sponsored Research Administration: Oversee financial operations for VTTIs research portfolio ensuring compliance with university state federal and sponsor regulations. Provide expert guidance on complex financial and compliance issues.
Compliance Oversight: Develop and maintain financial policies and procedures. Lead compliance efforts including reconciliations certifications cost transfers and audit coordination.
Budgeting & Forecasting: Manage institute-wide budgeting processes including operations foundation funds and sponsored research budgets.
Financial Reporting & Analysis: Deliver timely accurate financial reports to sponsors and key stakeholders. Collaborate with the business systems developer to ensure accuracy of automated financial reports that provide KPIs to support executive decision-making.
Risk & Asset Management: Identify and mitigate financial risks. Oversee asset management insurance billing inventory tracking and surplus processes.
VTT LLC Financial Oversight: May serve as or support the Treasurer for VTT LLC an affiliated corporation of Virginia Tech. Support audits tax filings and financial operations in collaboration with the Executive Director.

Reporting Structure & Collaboration
Reports directly to VTTIs Chief of Staff / Chief Finance Officer
Leads VTTIs finance team and interfaces regularly with pre-award staff project managers and researchers
Collaborates with Virginia Tech central offices including the Controllers Office Procurement Sponsored Programs Legal and Risk Management

Required Qualifications

Masters degree in management accounting finance or related field (or Bachelors with related significant experience)
Demonstrated experience in sponsored research administration in a university or research setting
Demonstrated experience leading a team of finance professionals
Experience managing diverse funding sources (state foundation federal)
Strong knowledge of financial compliance and proven experience with financial audits budgeting and cost control principles
Proficiency in MS Excel and standard office software

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced certification (CPA CRA CMA)
Proven ability to produce actionable financial insights and support strategic decision-making
Background in accounting or bookkeeping
Expertise in developing written procedures and training materials

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Starting rate of $94200 - Commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

10/2/2025

Additional Information

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

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its mottoUt 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 aninclusive communitydedicated 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 eightundergraduate colleges aschool of medicine aveterinary medicinecollegeGraduate School andHonors College.The university has a significant presence across Virginia including Blacksburg the greater Washington D.C. area the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke sites in Newport News and Richmond and numerousExtension officesandresearch institutes.A leading global research institution Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 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.