Job Description

The College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS) welcomes applications for the Finance Manager! This position is an integral part of the Chemical and Biological Engineering Department providing financial management for the department. Reporting to the Department Chair, this position manages all budgetary and accounting matters and assists the Chair with annual budget development and implementation. The position requires a strong knowledge of accounting and budgeting in all funds (general, auxiliary, gift, grant, and plant) as well as an understanding of the CU Foundation accounting system. This position creates and maintains customized financial reporting tools and is responsible for the development and implementation of the financial evaluation processes of the department and support program accounts. This position provides budgetary and planning support to the Chair and monitors departmental and grant compliance with fiscal regulations and policies. The Finance Manager must work cooperatively with other offices and departments on campus such as, but not limited to, Sponsored Projects Accounting (SPA), Office of Contracts and Grants (OCG), Procurement Service Center (PSC), etc.

The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Who We Are
Who We Are
Chemical and biological engineering research seeks to address a variety of complex and important challenges, from renewable and sustainable energy, therapeutics and pharmaceutical development, to the creation and improvement of functional materials and more.

The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive learning, teaching and working environment for all students, faculty, staff and guests. The diversity of our community is central to our success as a world-class center of teaching, learning and research.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
Financial Oversight:

Oversees the accurate and compliant financial management for the Chemical and Biological Engineering Department. This position formulates and implements financial procedures by interpreting and aligning with federal, state, university and department rules and regulations; adheres to policies to assure the safekeeping of department assets; reconciles and analyzes all general fund, auxiliary, grant and gift accounts to assure accuracy in posting of revenues and expenses by tracking activity.
Makes budget recommendations by analyzing past expenses, current balances and future needs using university fiscal rules and generally accepted accounting rules. Acts as a resource to provide communication and clarity regarding purchases in compliance with the Fiscal Code of Ethics policy.
Reviews actuals vs. budgeted for variance analysis periodically. Resolves all financial questions from the College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS) Manager of Budget and Finance.
Plays an active role in financial planning and tracking for the department; works with the department Chair to formulate operations budget scenarios based on expected revenues and budgets supporting the strategic goals of the department.
Monitors CU Foundation accounts and endowments for the department and advises department Chair on underutilized gifts. This includes managing daily operations for department including monitoring all accounts to prevent deficits or underutilization.
Works closely with Director of External Relations on allocating gift expenditures according to Donor intentions and annual reports.
Assists with Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology reporting by providing meaningful information regarding the financial health of the department.
Develops rates for Internal Service Centers with collaboration of Center Managers, manages recording of revenues and expenses for those Centers and makes recommendations to department Chair and Center Managers.
Tracks general cash flow and monitors special funding arrangements outlined in MOUs or matching agreements.
Advises faculty on the current status of their accounts, explains prevailing accounting rules and informs faculty and staff of changes in accounting, payroll, procurement and reimbursement rules.
Oversees procurement and accounts payable. Approves purchase reimbursements, procurement card and travel card charges, journal entries, cash transfers, purchase requisitions, and travel reimbursements.
Determines when new speedtypes are required and when speedtypes are no longer needed and works with the Campus Controller's Office as appropriate. Reviews all accounts to determine appropriateness of transactions for type of account.
Performs Fiscal Year End activities including accruals analysis, cash transfers related to Unrestricted Net Position, review POs for closure, ensure all transactions are approved in appropriate period, and reconcile.
Determines when sales to external customers require special agreements and receive POs, issues invoices, records receivables, ensures cash is received and that all of these processes meet appropriate control requirements. Calculates and distributes Indirect Cost Return (ICR) to faculty members; course buydowns and analyzes the effect on operating budget.
Attends training in the area of business practices, university, and state regulations, and the use of data processing systems.
Develops department tools and resources to assist faculty and staff.
Contract and Grants Management:

Manages all post award financial processes; monitors new agreement set up to ensure timeliness of processing and accuracy of terms and conditions, budget entry, ICR splits, cost share and department notification; manages grant spending by ensuring accurate allocation of allowable expenses and communicates issues regarding this to faculty and respective staff at OCG/SPA regularly.
Devises, implements or revises internal accounting procedures based on project contract or grant needs. The position will use professional judgment to choose most appropriate and fiscally sound methods of fund disbursement ensuring that they align with GASB principles of accounting and state fiscal rules and funding agency rules.
Monitors agreement end dates, incremental funding, requests extensions, clarifies sponsor requirements for reporting and invoicing and ensures all conditions are met by working with faculty, OCG and SPA.
Reviews agreement of all requirements in advance of the end of the project; manages sub agreements by setting up POs, reviewing and approving invoices, requests updated budgets when necessary, and reviews for closeout.
Documents and tracks cost share requirements by ensuring appropriate speedtypes are created, funds are allocated, funds are spent for their intended purpose, fulfillment is reported accurately and account is closed once fulfilled.
Proposal and Award Resource Advisor:

Advises faculty on the use of proper forms, budget templates and processes in proposal preparation.
The position will assist faculty members with preparing budgets and justifications, getting appropriate cost share commitment documentation and approvals from Chair when required.
Reviews RFPs for requirements when necessary to assist with gathering documentation for proposal submission. Monitors entries in the OCG database for new and existing award funding and will notify faculty member of anticipated problems by analyzing the information available and comparing it to proposal documentation.
Runs reports, in addition to the OCG database, to gather active and pending award data for faculty reviews and other department reporting.
Supervision and Approval:

Supervises the financial and accounting professional team.
Reviews the workload and maintains an accurate position description for each subordinate employee. Delegates and reassigns other duties as appropriate.
Relays information to the staff as it impacts policy, procedure and timelines. As a mentor and supervisor, this position provides additional information to employees as requested and researches growth opportunities for staff that demonstrate exceptional performance.
Tracks progress on the assigned tasks to ensure they are completed in a timely manner or by the stated deadline.
Evaluates annual performance and on a continuous basis for coaching and performance feedback, setting goals, cultural leadership, and any disciplinary action as needed.
Ensures compliance with University and College policies. Approves leave requests and monthly timesheets.
Provides day-to-day management of professional development and feedback.
Undertakes other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Other:

Undertakes other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Stays apprised and current on relevant University and State of Colorado policies and procedures.
Participates in professional development activities and serves on unit, college or campus committees as applicable.
Recommends and implements process improvements to increase department efficiency.
Documents all processes and procedures making them accessible to team members.