Director of Financial Services, Pauley Heart Center/Cardiology

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine is a premier academic medical center located in the heart of Richmond. Accounting for almost half of VCU’s sponsored research, the School of Medicine is internationally recognized for patient care and education. VCU School of Medicine comprises 18 clinical departments, eight basic health science departments, and 11 affiliated institutes and centers, and provides preeminent education to physicians and scientists in order to improve the quality of healthcare for humanity. All full-time university staff are eligible for our generous benefits package that includes choices for health, vision, and dental coverage, life-insurance, short and long-term disability coverage, retirement planning, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, flexible spending accounts, tuition benefits, significant paid-time off,12 paid holidays, and more. Explore our benefits further here: https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/benefits/university-and-academic-professional-benefits/

The Pauley Heart Center, based at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond, is a leader in cutting edge cardiovascular research and provides clinical services, community education and outreach programs throughout the region. We are seeking a director to oversee financial management for the Center. This role is responsible for maintaining general ledgers, philanthropic fund balances, and other financial records, as well as serving as the primary financial contact for both internal and external partners. The Director will also support the management of the Center's business activities, financial planning, and reporting processes.

Key responsibilities include managing monthly and year-end financial close processes, budgeting, forecasting, preparing internal and external-facing financial reports, and ensuring compliance with institutional and sponsors’ funding guidelines. The Director will also lead financial oversight of research grants, managing expenditures related to salaries, equipment, and other research-related costs.

The ideal candidate will have experience in grant post-award accounting and financial management of industry, federal, state, and philanthropic funding sources. This role demands a high level of initiative, strategic planning, and decision-making, with significant impact on the Center’s operations and service delivery. Reporting the the Pauley Heart Center Director and Associate Director, the Director is an integral member of a highly collaborative team, helping to ensure successful achievement of the Center’s financial and organizational goals.

Primary Responsibilities:

-Financial Leadership: Oversee accounting, budgeting, and internal auditing for the Pauley Heart Center’s finances, and manage finance staff responsible for preparing monthly and annual financial statements and reports.
-Budget Monitoring: Manage and track the Center’s revenue and expense budgets, including grants, legislative allocations, assets, liabilities, and contracts.
-Budget Development & Forecasting: Lead budget development, analysis, and implementation. Prepare and update financial forecasts based on revenue and expenditure projections, and adjust strategies as necessary. -Financial Reporting & Analysis: Prepare financial reports by project, monitor spending patterns, and provide leadership with insights on budget performance and projections.
-Grant & Award Management: Prepare post-award financial reports for grants, including personnel, equipment, and study-related costs for industry, society, state, federal, and philanthropic sponsored projects.
-Internal Controls & Compliance: Develop and implement financial management tools, ensuring adherence to institutional policies, legal requirements, and funding guidelines. Monitor and enforce internal controls in collaboration with senior leadership and VCU offices.
-Stakeholder Collaboration: Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external partners to ensure all financial reporting and compliance requirements are met.
-Leadership & Reporting: Provide strategic financial guidance to senior leadership, present financial analysis, and ensure timely reporting to stakeholders.
-Continuous Improvement: Foster a culture of process improvement, incorporating technology and innovation to enhance financial operations.

Minimum Hiring Standards:

-Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field; advanced degree or certifications in Business Administration or related disciplines preferred.
-Experience: Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in budget management and financial administration within a research-oriented environment.
-Skills: Strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting.
-Integrity & Ethics: High level of integrity, ethical conduct, and professionalism.
-Team Leadership: Ability to delegate tasks effectively, promote teamwork, and cross-train staff to ensure smooth operations.
-Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
-Problem-Solving: Demonstrated ability to resolve complex financial issues independently while providing timely updates to leadership.
-Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Hiring Standards:

-Certified Public Accountant preferred
-MBA Degree a plus
-More than 7 years experience in academic fiscal management preferred
-Working knowledge of SAS, Banner, Chrome River, Bank of America Works, and public university policies surrounding procurement activities a plus

Additional Information:

Hours/weeks: 40 hours weekly
Days/hours: Monday - Friday, generally 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Title Details: Director of Financial Services
University Title: Director, FS (1-3)
Job Codes: (18411Y-18413Y)
University Job Family: Financial Services

The position will remain open until a candidate is selected.

Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action university providing access to education and employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability.

The School of Medicine continuously strives for our workplace and learning environment to reflect the demographic and social milieu of the communities we serve. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.