Assistant Director of Finance

#CA-SS

The Assistant Director of Finance serves as the senior financial leader in the Department of Public Health Sciences, providing oversight for departmental budget development, financial reporting, contracts & grants, gifts/endowments, funds flow, reserve management, financial agreements, accounts payable, and contract administration. Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, this position delegates work to the Contracts and Grants Supervisor 2 and manages a team of Finance and Research finance analysts to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant financial operations for the department. This position requires expertise in financial analysis and planning, including expertise in managing complex grants and contracts with state and federal agencies. This position also provides strategic financial guidance to the Department Chair, Division Chiefs, and Center Directors playing a critical role in fiscal planning for the department's $60M+ operating budget.

Apply By Date September 18, 2026 at 11:59PM; Interviews and recruiting process may occur at any time.

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience in finance, accounting, or financial management, including experience in budgeting, reporting, and analysis.
• Demonstrated experience supervising professional staff, including providing guidance, performance management, and professional development.
• Experience working with fiscal policies, procedures, and regulations applicable to university, healthcare or research administration environments.
• Experience managing contracts, grants, and sponsored projects, including pre- and post-award financial administration.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills to independently coordinate and complete complex projects in a matrix organizational structure.
• Ability to work with minimal direction and take initiative on project follow-up.
• Ability to solve problems quickly and manage changing priorities and demanding workloads.
• Ability to assess situations, needs, and issues, and identify and develop effective solutions and strategies.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Skills supervising employees and managing performance.
• Ability to provide guidance and direction to team members.
• Skills in budget preparation, analysis, reconciliation, and forecasting.
• Ability to control complex budgets and anticipate potential problems.
• Proficiency in spreadsheet and database applications for financial analysis, fiscal management, and financial reporting.
• Ability to analyze financial data and reports to draw meaningful conclusions.
• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and accounting policies and procedures.
• Proficiency with Aggie Enterprise (Oracle) preferred, and Microsoft Office Suite, or ability to learn new finance, accounting, and research-related applications.
• Knowledge of organizational policies and procedures related to procurement, travel, and expense management.
• Knowledge of federal financial guidelines as stated in Uniform Guidance.
• Knowledge of state and foundation grant/contract budgeting, financial reporting, and fund use policies.
• Understanding of research administration guidelines for federal and non-federal sponsors in a publicly funded university.
• Knowledge of compliance requirements for research administration, including financial conflict of interest.
• Client services oriented; good listening, communication, critical thinking, and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively across the organization at all levels.
• Proven ability to deal with changing priorities and direct the work of others accordingly.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Experience in a university or academic medical center setting, particularly in research finance or departmental administration. Familiarity with extramural funding requirements (NIH, NSF, other federal/state agencies) accounts.
• Experience with budget forecasting, FTE planning, and long-range financial planning.
• Experience with Aggie Enterprise (Oracle Financials).
• Experience supervising multiple functional areas (e.g., research administration, purchasing, contracts and grants revenue, accounts payable, accounts receivable).
• Knowledge of University financial and data systems such as Aggie Enterprise, Aggie Expense, Cognos, UC Path, Tableau, business practices, policies and procedures.
• Expert ability to effectively communicate complex findings and recommendations verbally and in writing.
• Expert interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively across the organization at all levels; ability to interact with diverse populations.
• Expertise in internal control practices.
• Skills implementing controls that strengthen the control environment throughout the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• 35% - Strategic Financial Leadership
• 35% - Budget Development and Oversight
• 20% - Supervision and Team Management
• 10% - Contract, Agreement Management, and Compliance

Department Overview

This is a 100% career position located within the Department of Public Health Sciences. The Department of Public Health Sciences is a large complex teaching, research and clinical department. The department has 5 divisions and 5 centers and programs, with over 50 faculty, 250 staff, 300 student employees, and over 30 Volunteer Clinical Faculty.The department has grown by nearly 10% in total FTEs since 2022 and by 21% in Faculty FTEs over the same period. NIH funding has doubled in three years from $14 million to $28 million annually and total extramural awards are over $75 million annually.

This position provides department-level financial oversight and leadership across all fund types, with direct responsibility for budgeting, reserve strategy, accounts payable operations, funds flow, and financial agreements with internal and external partners. The role guides high-level decision-making and fiscal stewardship for the entire Department of Public Health Sciences.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $8,775.00 - $17,375.00
• Salary Frequency: Monthly
• Annual Salary: $105,300.00 - $208,500.00; budgeted up to $165,000/annually
• Salary Grade: Grade 25
• UC Job Title: FINANCIAL ANL MGR 1
• UC Job Code: 000212
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): 8am-5pm
• Location: Medical Sciences I C (UCD251) - Davis, CA
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
• Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
• Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
• Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
• Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee's lives
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
• The duties or functions of this position include the handling of cash (or cash equivalents)
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: 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.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks