"Director of Financial Operations (DFO)"

Job Summary

The Division of Research and Economic Development and 1890 Land-Grant Programs at Central State University (CSU) seeks a Director of Financial Operations (DFO) to manage the administration of all USDA Federal and State, Capacity, and Foundation funds and assist the Director of Land-Grant Programs with the financial management of all awards. The incumbent will work closely with the 1890 Land-Grant programs implementation team and be responsible for overall grant compliance in conjunction with the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research (OSP&R), reporting and invoicing as well as providing grant administration and budget management support to the Land Grant Director and program staff. In addition, the DFO will work closely with the Land Grant Director and staff to implement and support finance and accounting procedures and policies across the Division. The DFO will work closely with the Director for OSP&R as well as the Dean for the College of Engineering, Science, Technology and Agriculture. The successful candidate will have at minimum of five years of experience managing grants in a College of Agriculture at an 1890 Land-Grant university, excellent accounting skills, keen attention to detail and a strong understanding of Academia and the 1890 Land-Grant tripartite mission. This full-time position will be based in the Division of Research and Economic Development at Central State University, Wilberforce Ohio.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Grant Administration Compliance:

• Provide oversight to ensure the compliance with all 1890 Land-Grant Programs and grant specific requirements, serving as 1890 Land-Grant Programs’ expert on individual grant requirements and regulations and developing systems and processes to ensure that 1890 Land-Grant Programs is in full compliance.
• Develop and implement training for all 1890 Land-Grant Programs funded grants on grant compliance.
• Develop and implement strategies and processes to ensure an effective and efficient grant administration process for the 1890 Land-Grant Programs that monitors project success, budget expenditures, trends, compliance, etc.
• Work with Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable to ensure that sub-awards and vendor payments are accurate, timely, and coded correctly and that all grant invoices are recorded into the general ledger.
• Regularly monitor and update staffing matrix showing percentages of staff time committed to each grant, in compliance with funder restrictions. Prepare monthly, quarterly and YTD reports detailing staff funding sources and duration. Review staff time sheets each payroll cycle to ensure staff charges to grants are correct.
• Establish and maintain 1890 Land-Grant Programs’ official file for each grant.
• Manage and monitor all sub-awards, in collaboration with Director of Land – Grant and the OSP&R, to ensure grant compliance. Identify any concerns and issues and recommend actions to resolve them.
• Ensure 1890 Land-Grant Program’s system is regularly updated with all grant information and reports. Maintain an organized database of active grants and pending proposals.
• Manage the procurement process in collaboration with Director of Land-Grant Programs and OSP&R.
• Provide regular support to Director of Land-Grant Programs in grant implementation, including reporting, budget review, time sheet allocation, and monitor grant budgets to ensure that funds are spent according to project schedules and that staff adhering to budget limits.
• Work with Director and OSP&R staff to review budgets for new grant applications.
• Ensure the Finance Policy Manual is updated with respect to any grant requirements.
• Work with OSP&R to complete annual audits and resolve issues that may arise related to grants and other assigned schedules.
• Complete assigned General Ledger reconciliations monthly.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Possess strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Must have the ability to develop, present, and evaluate information professionally and effectively.
• Strong working knowledge of computing technology, including office software, email and Web-based/Internet capabilities and ability to learn other computer/PC based applications.
• High level of skill in Microsoft 360, including Teams, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Must have a strong working knowledge of computing technology, including office software, email and web-based/internet capabilities and the ability to learn other computer/PC-based applications including Banner, and Adobe Creative suite.
• Detail oriented with the ability to navigate complex institutional terrain with respect and diplomacy and respond to multiple constituencies while sustaining effective working relationships within a diverse multicultural environment.
• Ability to maintain discretion, confidentiality and prioritize projects and routine assignments for timely completion.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in accounting or finance or similar terminal degree.
• At least 5 years of experience managing grants in higher education or Certified Research Administrator (CRA)
• Excellent financial management and accounting skills
• Strong analytical skills and budgeting.
• Advanced knowledge of federal grant reporting requirements and regulations.
• High ethical standards for self and colleagues.
• Proficient in administrative general ledgers.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office 360.
• Excellence in customer service.

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent presentation, interpersonal, and written communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent initiative and problem-solving skills and ability to create strategies for financial and budgeting issues.
• Project Management Certification.
• Experience working for a College of Agriculture at a Land-Grant university

Position Category

Staff - Monthly (Exempt)

Budgeted Annual Salary

Commensurate with experience

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Unofficial Transcripts