"Finance and Business Manager"

Position Summary: The Department of Bioengineering is seeking a Finance and Business Manager to oversee the department's financial and business operations, including budgets, sponsored research portfolios, and compliance programs. This role requires advanced financial expertise, sound judgment, and the ability to develop and implement efficient, scalable processes that support both daily operations and long-term goals. The Finance and Business Manager manages the department's core accounting and finance staff, research administrators, and serves as the primary liaison to central administration, while providing strategic guidance to faculty and leadership. This position performs complex finance functions with programmatic impact on the institution and plays a key role in ensuring the department's financial stability, research continuity, and administrative effectiveness. The manager will work closely with the Executive Department Business Administrator, department chair, faculty, and staff to support a high-volume, research-intensive academic unit.

Ideal Candidate Statement: The ideal candidate is an experienced finance professional with strong research administration and post-award expertise. They work independently in a fast-paced environment, provide strategic financial guidance, and lead staff with clarity and accountability. Skilled in financial planning, compliance, and process improvement, they partner effectively with faculty and central offices to support the department's operational and research goals.

Workplace Requirements: The position entails work on Rice University's campus, with the potential for some remote work/flexible work arrangements. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range: $75,000 - $80,000 (Exempt positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime).

Minimum Requirements: Bachelor's degree and three or more years of related finance experience, including independent financial analysis, budget development, and compliance oversight in a complex administrative or research setting.

Skills: Proficiency in financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and compliance monitoring; familiarity with sponsored research administration; strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to work independently and manage deadlines; effective communication skills; experience interpreting policies and regulations; comfort with financial systems and tools like Microsoft Excel.

Preferences: Experience managing the post-award lifecycle of research administration; knowledge of pre-award processes; familiarity with sponsors like NIH and NSF; proficiency in financial reports and reconciliations; experience mentoring staff; advanced Excel skills.

Essential Functions: Manages day-to-day financial operations, including reconciliations and oversight of funds; leads post-award administration of research projects; develops budgets and financial reports; reviews transactions and recommends actions; supervises staff; serves as liaison to central administration; evaluates and improves processes; participates in strategic planning; performs other duties as assigned.

About Rice: Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio and a residential college system. Rice is committed to Responsibility, Integrity, Community, and Excellence. The George R. Brown School of Engineering ranks among the top 20 undergraduate engineering programs and is strongly committed to diversity and inclusion.