Financial Operations Manager

Financial Operations Manager

The Financial Operations Manager oversees the daily financial, accounting, and administrative operations of Associated Students (AS). This position manages a complex, multi-fund financial portfolio that includes an annual departmental budget exceeding $13 million, restricted funds, and a broad range of programmatic and enterprise accounts. The position develops and maintains financial operational workflows; ensures compliance with University, State, Federal, and Associated Students fiscal policies; administers campus and departmental financial systems (Microix and MIP); supports audit readiness; and provides financial analysis, projections, and operational recommendations as directed by the Associate Director of Finance & Budget.

The incumbent exercises a high degree of independent professional judgment in reviewing, approving, and reconciling financial transactions while advising on internal controls, fiscal compliance, and operational efficiencies. The Financial Operations Manager provides direct supervision of up to three represented Financial Operations staff responsible for accounts payable, accounts receivable, purchasing, travel, reconciliation, and related financial functions. The position is responsible for recruitment, training, performance management, staff development, and fostering a collaborative, service-oriented team committed to operational excellence. The position also leads special projects, represents Associated Students in campus and divisional financial management meetings, and maintains current knowledge of evolving University financial systems, regulations, and best practices to strengthen departmental operations and support continuous process improvement.

This role is integral to safeguarding organizational resources, promoting fiscal accountability and transparency, and ensuring Associated Students fulfills its financial responsibilities to students, campus partners, and external stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree
• 4-6 years Experience in fund accounting, asset management, or financial services.
• 4-6 years Direct experience with accounting principles and financial administration preferably in higher education and/or non-profit.
• 4-6 years Direct experience with financial analysis, accounting, payroll administration and reporting techniques.
• 4-6 years Advanced interpersonal skills including verbal and written communication, active listening, critical thinking, persuasiveness, and advising skills.
• 4-6 years Act with sound judgment, maintain strict confidentiality, and work effectively as part of a team environment and as an individual contributor.
• 4-6 years Ability to pay strict attention to detail and prioritize work to meet deadlines among competing demands with minimal errors.
• Prior experience with financial programs a must.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines with frequent interruptions.
• Advanced knowledge of fiscal operations related to federal, state and institutional fund sources (Required proficiency)
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality in all aspects of work.
• Ability to create budget reports and summary analyses
• Knowledge of financial and accounting policies and procedures.
• Ability to quickly assess and annotate financial data
• Advanced organizational and analytical skills with unfailing attention to detail and accuracy.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree or equivalent experience / training.
• 4-6 years Experience analyzing and interpreting data related to direct investment opportunities.
• 4-6 years Experience with UCSB's online systems, such as UC Path, Electronic timekeeping, Gateway, Data Warehouse, online GL, payroll processing, and, FinHub, extramural fund accounting
• Knowledge and understanding of UC policies and internal control practices.
• Advanced knowledge of the organization's operational and financial transactions and systems.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities
• Skills to provide coaching and mentoring to support staff.

Job Functions and Percentages of Time:

• 35% Financial Operations & Administration
• 35% Accounting, Compliance & Audit
• 20% Leadership & Personnel Management
• 10% Strategic Projects & Divisional Collaboration

UC Vaccination Programs Policy: As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccinations Programs.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.