Associate Director of Finance

Are you ready to make your impact?

The Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine takes pride in the rich tradition of excellence and pioneering firsts that have made it one of the top cardiac and thoracic programs in the nation. Our department is comprised of three divisions: Adult Cardiac Surgery, Thoracic Surgery, and Pediatric Cardiac Surgery. Together, the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery continues to improve patient health through continual scientific innovation, revolutionary operative care, and exemplary surgical education.

Our department is seeking an Associate Director of Finance (ADF), responsible for complex finance and control functions and overall finance operations. The ADF will have a key leadership role within the department, leading a finance team and working closely with the Director of Finance and Administration (DFA) and the Chair. This is a great opportunity for a mission-driven finance person passionate about supporting a world-class organization.

The successful candidate will be able to influence and lead process improvements in the tracking and reporting of finance portfolios and will be responsible for the continued financial success of the department and individual faculty. The Associate Director of Finance will foresee challenges and provide alternatives to ensure compliance with all regulations, internal and external to Stanford. In leading the finance team, the successful candidate will be responsible for coaching, development, feedback, and mentoring the finance team members to ensure their optimal performance and career development. The ADF is expected to be an excellent communicator with both faculty and staff and highly trustworthy and reliable in managing the complex financial portfolio of the Department.

This position is based on the Stanford University campus, and the candidate will have the option of working under a hybrid work arrangement, subject to operational needs.

Duties include:

• Manage the work of the finance team, make hiring decisions, provide coaching, training and mentoring, manage performance, determine staffing needs, develop and ensure succession planning within area of responsibility.
• Establish operational objectives and assignments, plan, direct and monitor all budgets for areas of responsibility, manage business operation and administration of several functional areas, may manage a team in providing post award sponsored research administration and services.
• Identify and resolve unique problems of substantial significance that affect the overall functional area, beyond the immediate unit.
• Manage organization's financial activities and structure; develop system and procedure requirements to support the financial reporting for the organization.
• Contribute to designing, developing and delivering complex policies and procedures with both short and long term impact.
• Collaborate with other colleagues on school/ unit projects; design and execute an effective system of internal controls for areas of responsibility; establish operational objectives to support the university's stewardship of resources.
• Engage in continuous critical analysis of existing systems and processes; identify need for new systems, and develop and present proposals.
• Lead complex, high-visibility process redesign and innovation projects; develop, implement, and participate in major initiatives.
• Represent the units/school within the functional units or school and to external constituencies.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Results oriented, with the ability to prioritize and coordinate multiple projects and daily objectives to meet the goals of compliance and stewardship aims of Cardiothoracic Surgery Department and Stanford University.

• A degree in Finance or Accounting, ideally with an MBA/CPA or related degree.
• Six-plus years of broad financial and operations management experience.
• Knowledge of management of sponsored projects.
• Ability to translate financial concepts to – and to effectively collaborate with – programmatic and other colleagues who do not necessarily have finance backgrounds.
• Solid knowledge of financial analysis and forecasting.
• A successful track record in setting priorities; keen analytic, organization and problem-solving skills which support and enable sound decision making.
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills with an ability to prioritize, negotiate, and work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• A multi-tasker with the ability to wear many hats in a fast-paced environment.
• Personal qualities of honesty, respect, integrity and dedication to the mission of the Cardiothoracic Surgery Department at Stanford University.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED):

Master's degree and six years relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED):

• User knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Advanced knowledge of Oracle or other business financial systems.
• Advanced understanding of financial principles.
• Advanced oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to clearly and effectively present information to internal and external audiences, client groups and all levels of management.
• Strong analytical skills to review and analyze complex financial information.
• Strong leadership and management skills with previous experience managing people, delegating workload and providing direction/corrections as necessary.
• Knowledge of property management requirements related to Stanford or non-Stanford title of equipment and fabrications.
• Demonstrated competency in project management of a high volume of work, some of which is cyclical.
• If managing sponsored projects, ability to manage post and pre award administration for sponsored projects within his/her unit. Knowledge and fluency of governmental regulations and Cardinal Curriculum level I and II.
• Knowledge of procurement needs, including sole-sourcing, cost analyses, vendor requirements, and small business reporting.
• Experience working successfully with PIs, their administrative staff, the office of sponsored research and external sponsors.
• Demonstrated success in performing meticulous, high quality and compliant work.
• Ability to interpret complex research and fiscal policies, assimilate information from a wide range of resources and act like a mentor and resource to others.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Constantly sitting.
• Frequently perform desk-based computer tasks, use telephone, writing by hand, sort/file paperwork.
• Occasionally stand/walk, lift/carry objects weighing 11-20 pounds.
• Rarely reach/work above shoulder.

* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.*

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Routine extended working hours during peak cycles; travel to school/unit sites across university.

WORK STANDARDS:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide.