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Sr. Finance Administrator, Department of Surgery, SOM

VirginiaHenrico, VAMay 14th, 2026
Advertising Summary: Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine is a premier academic medical center located in the heart of Richmond. Accounting for almost half of VCU's sponsored research, the School of Medicine is internationally recognized for patient care and education. Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity employer. https://vcujobs.com/why-richmondWhy Richmond?About Richmond, Virginia: As the commonwealth's capital, Richmond, Virginia, offers a vibrant mix of history, culture and real-world opportunities.Unit: School Of Medicine MBUDepartment: SurgeryDuties & Responsibilities:The Senior Finance Administrator provides strategic administrative leadership for one or more functional areas, overseeing daily operations to ensure efficient service delivery and alignment with organizational goals. The role exercises independent judgment to resolve complex operational matters and serves as a liaison across departments to support operational goals. While the position may include direct and indirect reports, its primary focus is strategic operational management. Operating with substantial autonomy, the Senior Finance Administrator reports to senior leadership and carries elevated responsibility for long-range planning, compliance, and advancing department objectives.Core Responsibilities:Financial & Budget ManagementProvide comprehensive fiscal leadership for the department, business unit, or central finance functional areaMonitor and oversee all revenue and expense budgets, including grants, assets, liabilities, contracts, and operating expendituresLead budget development and implementation, including assessment of funding requests and presentation of multiple budget scenarios based on forecasts and financial analysisConduct ongoing analysis of spending patterns and projections to inform leadership and support sound financial decision-makingOversee and administer the Faculty Compensation PlanStrategic Budget Planning & Financial AdvisoryCollaborate with senior leadership on budget planning, forecasting, and strategic financial decisionsProvide technical expertise to align financial management with operational and project implementation goalsDevelop and evolve financial management tools to support multiple funding sources and organizational needsCreate unit-wide benchmarks and metrics; analyze trends to identify opportunities for improvement in budgeting, compliance, and financial performanceGrants, Contracts & Sponsor Financial ManagementServe as the primary liaison with internal and external stakeholders to ensure compliance with sponsor requirements and reporting stipulationsLead preparation of financial reports for research sponsors by project, ensuring accuracy and timelinessEnsure all sponsor and stakeholder reporting deadlines are met and coordinate all regular reporting activities.Interpret and present complex financial information to sponsor organizations and institutional leadershipPersonnel Management & Team LeadershipManage and develop a team of three or more employees responsible for fiscal transactions, financial reporting, and compliance functionsProvide oversight, mentorship, and performance guidance to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and adherence to policies and proceduresAllocate staff resources effectively to support departmental and institutional prioritiesCompliance, Controls & Policy OversightEnsure compliance with all university policies, sponsor guidelines, and applicable state and federal lawsDevelop, implement, and monitor internal financial procedures and controls in collaboration with senior leadership and appropriate VCU officesPrepare, interpret, and present financial documents, analyses, and reports to senior leadership to support governance, compliance, and risk mitigationQualifications:Minimum QualificationsBachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or public administration and 7 to 10 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experienceExcellent accounting, analytical, problem solving, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skillsDemonstrated ability to work independently, make quality decisions, prioritize multiple assignments and manage time efficientlyComprehensive knowledge of business principles and practicesKnowledge of reconciliation and analysis procedures of fiscal records and reports with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, specifically advanced Excel expertiseExperience working in higher education to include knowledge and experience in working with grant and contract procedures requiredStrong aptitude for working with all levels of administration, staff, and key constituentsProven ability to analyze and interpret complex financial information and communicate/present findings to individuals with varying levels of financial expertiseExperience working in a confidential environment and the ability to maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive informationAbility to work under strict deadlines while exercising independent judgement and making sound decisionsProcurement activitiesUnderstanding of global health, pharmaceutical and/or healthcare industries with direct experience in at least one of these industriesA commitment to delivering responsive and superior service to current sponsors and prospective donors, as well as faculty, staff, and studentsDemonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.Preferred QualificationsMasters in Accounting, Finance, or BusinessCPA LicensureWorking knowledge of Banner finance system and of state and university financial policies, procedures and regulationsExperience with Sponsored Programs and Grants and Contracts administrationSalary Range: $100,000 - $135,000Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU's robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.FLSA Exemption Status: ExemptHours per Week: 40Restricted Position: NoORP Eligible: YesFlexible Work Arrangement: HybridUniversity Job Title: 18914Y - Sr Administrator FS 1Contact Information:Contact Name: Mary WaiteContact Email: Mary.waite@vcuhealth.org