Manager of Financial Operations & Chief Administrative Officer (Hybrid)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is $77,900 - $143,300. The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $88,000 - $105,000/yr.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around December 16, 2024. Posting will remain open until filled.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: This position requires full-time in-person attendance. However, a hybrid schedule may be available upon request and subject to Chief of Staff approval.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

This Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is responsible for financial and budgetary planning and oversight across the Division of Physical Operations, Planning & Development (POPD). This position manages the full range of the organization's budgets, operational and discretionary funds, general accounting and invoicing processes, financial reconciliations, procurement, and compliance with UC Policy and Procedures. Develops administrative and budgetary processes and procedures for POPD. The incumbent provides budget reviews to the department heads along with financial consultative support in reporting oversight of financial, administrative, and budgetary responsibilities.

This position will have responsibility for updating/establishing processes and procedures for sound fiscal management of POPD budgets and expenditures. Will exercise judgment in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results and making recommendations to all levels of campus leadership for financial planning and control. The incumbent must have strong communication and organizational skills and must be flexible and able to prioritize workload. Background and knowledge regarding travel and entertainment policy and procedures is highly desirable.

A key aspect of the position is the indirect supervision of the financial and administrative work carried out by administrative staff throughout POPD. This involves providing guidance, mentorship, and support to ensure the effective execution of financial and administrative tasks. The incumbent fosters a culture of accountability, professionalism, and excellence within the division, promoting efficient workflows and best practices in financial management and administration.

The position provides high level administrative, financial, and budgetary consultation to the Vice Chancellor of

POPD - Chief Operating Officer, the Chief of Staff, and POPD's Leadership Team to ensure that strategic goals (financial and administrative) are met. Erroneous decisions or failure to achieve goals can result in additional costs and serious delays in overall schedules.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leads division through critical financial processes, such as the annual budget call, updating of recharge rates, and fiscal closing. Directs the collection of budgetary and resource requirement information during planning stages, which includes working with individual department leaders to review historical data, identify future needs, process budget & expense transfers, and develop projections.
• Collect and analyze financial data to create and summarize recommendations for resource planning. This includes developing reports, tracking salary savings, forecasting future needs, managing insurance claims, and reviewing budgets for staff salaries. Optimize financial outcomes and resource allocations through various analyses, such as budget reviews and financial projections. Reconciliation of financial reports; analyzing expenditure and spending patterns; advise unit leads of university policies and guidelines regarding financial matters. Monitor expenditures and oversee that financial transactions meet deadlines and are carried out according to policy. Reconcile and balance monthly staffing report. Balance allocations of permanent and temporary budgets across multiple departments within the organization.
• Independently performs highly complex financial/resource research and studies for both internal department and external constituents. Examples include generating, modifying, and conceiving of new financial or other resource reports, strategic planning and modeling, analyzing and forecasting staff salaries, managing contracts, grants, gifts, and endowments, and making recommendations for maximizing financial or other resource outcomes.
• Oversee the administrative operations for the division. Makes recommendations on maintaining and strengthening internal controls to protect University resources. Develops and makes recommendations on internal policy / procedural changes that affect functional area. Represents the department on business issues in the university community and serves on committees. Division expert on all business-related policies, including purchasing, travel, business & finance, delegations, and personnel administration. Provide expert guidance to administrative staff in the areas of budget, procurement, travel and personnel matters. Researches and resolves administrative issues and discrepancies.
• Reviews and approves all levels of financial transactions for the division. Ensure all transactions abide by policy and are financially sound. Transactions include recharges, purchases, transfers of permanent and temporary funds, travel, staffing reconciliations, and budget transfers.
• May lead a team of less experienced analysts. Trains and manages student employees.
• Provide support in implementing and maintaining the POPD strategic workforce plan by coordinating personnel actions such as hiring, separation, pay changes, stipend processing and tracking salary savings.

EDUCATION and REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in related area.
• Advanced degree in related area. (Preferred)
• 5 years of related experience or 9 years of related equivalent experience/training.

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Advanced knowledge of finance policies, practices, and systems.
• Ability to identify, collect, and analyze information from multiple sources.
• 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 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.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to function as a member of a team.
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of internal control practices and their impact on protecting University resources.

Background check required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:

Step 5 of 7 Referrals

How did you hear about the job? (select) "other"

Additional information? (select) "other"

Specific Referral Source? (write in) first and last name of referring employee

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility.