Director of Financial Affairs - 140895

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW:

The Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) department embodies the university's tradition of excellence as a world-class leader in computer science and engineering education and research. Ranked in the top 20 nationwide, the department is dedicated to research, education and overall excellence.

CSE has approximately 80+ faculty FTE, 20+ professional researchers, 50+ staff in career/casual titles, 150+ tutors, and 135+ TAs. There are over 1,700 undergraduate students enrolled in 4 majors, with annual enrollments of 25,000+. The department has a graduate education program with over 1,000 students (~350 PhD students and over 900 Master's students).

POSITION OVERVIEW:

In collaboration with the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the Director of Financial Affairs is responsible for developing, coordinating, implementing and evaluating the financial activities of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE). This role focuses on managing fiscal operations to ensure strong financial and administrative controls are in place.

Serving as a principal fiscal advisor to the CAO, Department Chair, Vice Chairs, faculty, and campus leadership, the Director exercises a high degree of independence, strategic judgment, and analytical expertise to resolve complex problems, navigate organizational change, and establish department fiscal policies and agreements. Responsible for short- and long-term financial analysis, forecasting, and resource planning across programs and personnel, the Director evaluates multifaceted problems to drive key objectives. They serve as a primary communicator and advisor, collaborating seamlessly with internal and external stakeholders across all levels of the organization.

The Director oversees a comprehensive portfolio that includes an annual operating budget of ~$43M, along with tracking ~$26M in extramural expenditures and ~$6M in restricted and unrestricted funds across federal, state, private, endowment, recharge, and industry accounts.

Manages the CSE fiscal affairs unit, provideing direct and indirect supervision to the fiscal team. The position will also be responsible for the training and mentoring of subordinate staff and other financial personnel throughout the department.

Serves as contact to the CSE administrative office for responses to fiscal requests, resolution of budget and/or financial issues, and exchange of budget information. Represents CSE on campus-wide committees related to finance, research, data and systems. May act in place of CAO during CAO absences.

~ This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, which includes a combination of three days on-campus (La Jolla) and two days remote.

~ Cover letter required for a complete application.

• Advanced degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

• Advanced knowledge of finance policies, practices, and systems. Superior demonstrated knowledge of various policies and procedures including pre- and post-award administration, purchasing, fabrications, disbursements, inventory, accounting, extramural funds, self-supporting activities, clinical activities, business contracts, state funds, gifts and endowments, technology transfer, intellectual property, patents, conflict of interest.

• Strong demonstrated fiscal/accounting skills. Advanced knowledge of finance, general accounting practices, business management, fund accounting, audit trails, and use of cost centers. Demonstrated ability to interpret policy for others.

• Ability to identify, collect, and analyze information from multiple sources. Strong ability to perform complex financial analysis and create customized reports as needed. Have the ability to analyze large volumes of financial data, extract pertinent information, build financial models, and prepare accurate reports in various formats.

• Advanced ability to effectively present complex finance related information both verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner.

• In depth ability to use multiple spreadsheet and database software tools to gather information for specialized, complex financial analysis, fiscal management, and financial reports.

• Advanced knowledge and understanding of internal control practices and their impact on protecting University resources.

• Advanced interpersonal skills at all levels within the organization; advanced service orientation and critical thinking skills; and attention to detail. In depth ability to use organizational skills to multi-task in a high-volume environment. Demonstrated ability to interact professionally with academic, administrative, and staff personnel. Ability to use diplomacy and tact to negotiate and mediate conflicts among staff and faculty. Demonstrated ability to exercise high level of independent judgment and decision making. Ability to understand and follow the UCSD Principles of Community.

• Ability to adapt to changing priorities. Strong ability to analyze constantly changing and competing demands and to independently develop objectives and set priorities.

• Ability to function as a member of a team.

• Strong knowledge of statistical principles and demonstrated ability to do statistical data analysis and interpretation. Excellent mathematical skills for calculations involving data projections and adjustments.

• Excellent management and leadership skills. Excellent performance management and supervisory skills. Experience in supervising professional staff, fostering innovation, service and accountability, and ability to give clear instructions and guidelines. Ability to delegate and assign tasks, monitor production and quality of work, set clear and reasonable performance standards, and develop staff to their highest potential. Ability to teach/train staff in all aspects of job duties/responsibilities.

• Demonstrated understanding of the importance of strategic planning, organizational structure, resource management, personnel management, communication, and protocol when implementing a solution.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability to write and speak clearly, and to present detailed information and analysis in a clear and effective manner. Experience with proofreading and formatting written documents to meet reporting requirements.

• Cover letter required for a complete application.

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background and Misconduct Check results.

• Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.

• Confidentiality is condition of employment due to access to sensitive materials.

• This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, which includes a combination of three days on-campus (La Jolla) and two days remote.