Deputy Chief Financial Officer

Overview

The  Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc. (AURA), a nonprofit incorporated in 1957, operates as a consortium of 46 US institutions and 4 international affiliates responsible for the construction, operation and maintenance of world-class astronomical observatories and research centers. AURA employs approximately 1,500 people located in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, and Chile. With an annual budget of approximately $300 million, AURA’s role is to establish, cultivate and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research.

AURA is seeking a strategic and process-minded leader for the organization’s financial operations. This individual will report directly to the CFO and serve a critical role supporting AURA’s mission. This position is responsible for the timely execution and accurate financial reporting for AURA’s activities.  The Deputy CFO will work with the Center accounting teams to ensure timely and accurate completion of monthly financial reports, the annual financial statement audit, Uniform Guidance Audit, 403(b) audit, IRS Form 990, and periodic consolidated financial reporting. This individual plays a critical role in developing and implementing proper internal controls while supporting business objectives and the strategic plan. This person will provide the leadership to create an environment and culture of continuous process improvement throughout the accounting and financial function and all related activities.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The ideal candidate will have accounting, controllership, and financial reporting experience in a large nonprofit educational institution or federally funded research center.  Must have strong knowledge or expertise in the areas of 2 CFR 200 Uniform Guidance, Sponsored research accounting and federal grants management, and Single Audit.

• Coordinate the Division accounting functions to ensure that policies, procedures and tools are consistent and prepared for audit.
• Provide timely and accurate monthly financial statements for internal customers and external consortiums. Responsible for all quarterly and annual financial reporting within the organization.
• Prepare financial analysis statements including monthly balance sheets, income statements, cash flow statements, and various financial reports
• Monitor financial reports for accuracy, completeness, and identify cost savings
• Develop a working proficiency with our existing and future software applications used in the accounting and financial reporting processes.
• Design and assist with internal controls and preparation and maintenance of internal control documentation.
• Prepare financial support for and act as liaison for ad hoc audits by government agencies. 
• Collaborate with FP&A to support the annual budgeting processes as necessary.

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Active CPA license
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience
• Demonstrated knowledge of the OMB Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance)

• Established expertise of the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and including experience with not-for-profit accounting and financial reporting requirements
• Experience with COSO and ability to develop and/or modify policies and processes as needed
• Experience with financial reporting systems, financial report development in Excel and
• Experience in Multicurrency/International environment
• Demonstrated ability to drive process improvement
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience creating financial reports and reporting packages and establishing standards for ensuring quality
• Experience working in a multi-cultural environment, in an international organization and/or in a high technology industry sector
• Results oriented with a high level of integrity and discretion in handling confidential information
• Excellent management abilities, adept leader capable of inspiring and motivating teams through change, and the ability to communicate effectively at all levels, orally and in writing

A travel requirement of 5%-10% is necessary for this position, with travel to AURA facilities in Washington D.C., Maryland, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, and Chile.
Substitution of additional meaningful education or experience for stated qualifications may be considered.

To Apply: Share your experience by completing an online application. Please upload one cover letter and resume on one PDF document for review. Applications received by March 17, 2023 will receive full review.

Direct job link:  https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/SPA1004AURA/JobBoard/93330e50-7b3a-4ba8-94f2-6f32360aa4e1/Opportunity/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=86a9aba8-afff-4bc8-bd0d-aae3cad00e79

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. AURA and all of its centers recruit, employ, train, compensate and promote regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity.

AURA sees the diversity of our staff as a strategic priority in our desire to build an outstanding scientific community. We reflect that deep dedication in strongly encouraging women, minorities, veterans and disabled individuals to apply for these opportunities.
Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process can contact us at careers@stsci.edu. EOE/AA/M/F/D/V #LIHYBRID

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)