Associate Director, Finance

Associate Director, Finance & Operations

About the Opportunity

Position Summary:
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Associate Director of Finance & Operations is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Center for Research Innovation (CRI) including fiscal responsibilities, agreement compliance, operation-related policies and procedures, and human resource management. This role provides the critical operating foundation for the successful fulfillment of the CRI mission and strategic initiatives. Additional responsibilities include program management and oversight, quality assurance, and development/delivery of training. She/he develops, implements, interprets, and adheres to policies and procedures as they pertain to technology transfer activities; works with the Executive Director to define and implement strategy; manages the technical, financial and administrative staff in the CRI office; is responsible for fiscal oversight of the CRI budgets and spending for all funds. The candidate will also be responsible for organizational development, change and management, structure and scalability of the CRI office, and management of the physical office, electronic systems, electronic files, and maintaining an inventory of policies, processes, and procedures.


Applicant should have demonstrated operational excellence, financial acumen and leadership abilities. A self-starting initiative is required for the continued growth, improvement, and financial health of the operations, as well as an entrepreneurial nature for the start-up and rapid growth required of the CRI in fulfillment of its mission.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's Degree is required and 5 - 8 years of relevant experience

• High-level demonstrated working knowledge of accounting and financial systems
• High-level demonstrated proficiency with MS Office Applications, including Excel and Word
• Ability to think creatively and strategically while translating into actionable plans
• Ability to set, implement and adhere to new policies and procedures in a dynamic environment
• High degree of discretion; experience managing confidential information
• Articulate and effective communication skills
• Self-starter, entrepreneurial attitude; seeking opportunities to continuously improve operations and service delivery

Operations (40%)

• Partner with the Executive Director, CRI on successful execution of mission;
• Act as proxy leadership in absence of Executive Director, CRI
• Oversee all administrative and operational aspects of the CRI and special programs under the direction of the Center for Research Innovation Executive Director.
• Ensure adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and policies for the CRI; ensure internal controls remain viable as processes are updated;
• Oversee all contracts and contracted services to ensure accuracy, compliance, and terms;
• Lead continuous process improvement within the department through monitoring of best practices and strategic development plans; identify areas that need improvement and document changes; maximize efficiency and provide consistently superior service to the Northeastern community;
• Oversee technology and software tools used for all CRI operations, including but not limited to sourcing, implementation, migration and management;
• Work collaboratively with Executive Director on project implementation of new CRI programs and initiatives;
• Monitor and communicate to the CRI leadership metrics from operations, programs, events and sponsored research for effectiveness and impact;
• Responsible for facilities coordination and oversight of space, systems, and staff.

Fiscal (30%)

• Lead analysis, forecasting, and reporting of all funds including general operating and program finances of the CRI accounts (total of 5 indexes) and all external funding awarded;
• Lead all financial activities related to the CRI including monthly reconciliation of all indexes; invoicing, receipt and disbursement of revenues associated with licenses; invoicing and receipt of reimbursements from licensees; payments to vendors (law firms, patent agents, etc.) providing support to the office; and sponsored research awards and spending;
• Guide financial decisions by establishing, monitoring, and enforcing the CRI, Northeastern University, and funding agency guidelines, policies and procedures;
• In collaboration with the Executive Director, prepare and submit CRI's annual operating budget in support of the CRI activities;
• Ensure compliance with all financial transactions - properly recorded, electronically filed and reported per requirements;
• Perform periodic internal audit of financial transactions to ensure items are processed timely and accurately;
• Responsible for responding to Audit requests;
• Ensure compliance with all applicable accounting procedures and standards;
• In partnership with the Executive Director, CRI, lead the development of fiscal growth programs, including advancement strategy, corporate partnering, and equity relationships;
• Drive cost savings through review and use of resources.

Personnel Management & Training (20%)

• Lead development and delivery of training for the CRI staff and customers;
• Lead development and implementation of documentation of policies, processes and internal controls;
• Oversight of human resources needs within the CRI;
• Lead coaching and mentoring to develop strong, professional technical, financial and administrative staff focused on outstanding customer service, efficient operations and commitment to excellence.
• Direct and oversee responsibilities of team to ensure priorities and deliverables are met, assisting with shifting priorities as needed;
• Define policies related to operational effectiveness;
• Direct management of technical, financial and administrative staff;
• Onboarding for new employees, temps, interns and work-study student
• Oversight of interns, temps and work-study students;

Special Projects As Assigned (10%)

Position Type

General Administration

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit www.northeastern.edu/benefits for more information.

Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

To learn more about Northeastern University's commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see www.northeastern.edu/diversity.


To apply, visit https://northeastern.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/careers/job/Boston-MA-Main-Campus/Associate-Director--Finance---Operations_R109748



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