Manager, Accounting & Finance

Job Summary The Senior Manager, Accounting Operations leads the daily accounting functions that support HCI’s research, education, and outreach mission. This role oversees a team responsible for internal controls, accounts payable, purchasing, recharge center accounts receivable, fixed assets, and the research receiving dock. The position combines technical accounting expertise with strong operational leadership to ensure accuracy, compliance, and efficient service delivery across HCI. Responsibilities Operational Leadership Direct daily accounting operations including recharge center A/R invoicing, collections, reconciliations, purchasing cards reviews, cost transfers, and journal entries. Establish and maintain internal controls to ensure compliance with HCI and UU policies for A/P, purchasing card transactions, and purchase orders. Review and approve ePRs, purchasing card reports, journal entries, and reconciliations. Review contracts under $10K and advise department heads on issues and risks. Contribute to developing and updating HCI financial policies and procedures. Support internal audits by coordinating schedules, documentation, and responses to auditor inquiries. Participate in special projects, system upgrades, and organizational initiatives. Identify opportunities to automate or optimize HCI processes to improve efficiency and reduce errors. Monitor accounting operations KPIs related to accuracy, timeliness, and compliance; recommend improvements based on data insights. Customer Support Provide guidance and support to HCI investigators and staff, addressing ad hoc questions and connecting them with UU resources when needed. Ensure clear communication with department heads through updated training materials, FAQs, and content on the HCI Finance web page. Team Management Lead, mentor, and develop a team of accounting and receiving dock professionals, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability. Set performance goals, conduct evaluations, and identify training opportunities to strengthen team capabilities. Ensure sufficient cross‑training and coverage for team absences. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in a related area or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience). Four to six years of progressively more responsible management experience. Background knowledge of hiring department’s area of specialization in order to analyze, plan and draw conclusions for recommendations to superiors. Demonstrated leadership skills in planning and directing employees and processes in order to effectively monitor and develop subordinates and to ensure the smooth operation of department. Master’s degree in a related area may be preferred. Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description. EEO Statement The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities. Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy‑related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page . Online reports may be submitted at . This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security‑related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South. As per University of Utah policy 5‑108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members , a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period. The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581‑7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post‑retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366‑7770 or (800) 695‑4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581‑7447 if you have questions regarding the post‑retirement rules. #J-18808-Ljbffr