Assistant Director, NCAT Business Operations & Planning

Auburn University; Auburn (AL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Auburn University invites applications for a senior financial and accounting manager at the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT). The role oversees accounting, budgeting, reporting, and financial operations to sustain NCAT’s research programs.

The successful candidate will lead, mentor, and supervise staff; manage pre- and post-award finances for 75–100 active contracts; coordinate with campus offices to ensure accurate, timely financial data and compliance with university policies and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or a Degree plus a CPA and 7 years of experience in accounting, financial management, business operations, as well as working knowledge of HR with progressively increasing levels of responsibility and accountability.
• Must have 2 years of experience leading, mentoring or supervising employees.

Responsibilities

• Accounting, Financial, and Budget Management: Responsible, through self or others, for the accounting, reporting, budgeting, and monitoring of all financial matters within NCAT.
• Facility Maintenance and Contract Management: Responsible for facility maintenance of NCAT properties and coordination with external services.
• Prepares and monitors the operating budget for NCAT and provides analysis for funding activities, business operations, project accounting, and budgetary counsel.
• Responsible for both pre- and post-award financial management for typically 75-100 active research contracts.
• Coordinates personnel-related administrative processes associated with budgeting and staffing in partnership with the College of Engineering HR office.
• Supervises NCAT administrative, facility, and financial staff and acts as liaison between various university offices.

Job description

Overview

Manages the business, financial, facility, and administrative strategies and programs of the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT).

Responsibilities

Accounting, Financial, and Budget Management: Responsible, through self or others, for the accounting, reporting, budgeting, and monitoring of all financial matters withinNCAT.

• Manages finances so that adequate reserves are available to meet future needs.
• Provides high- level programmatic support by recommending and implementing improvements to accounting practices, systems, and procedures, and by providing lead researchers and managers with analyses, projections, and trends necessary to keepNCATat the forefront of the asphalt pavement research community.
• Creates reports summarizing the current and projected financial state ofNCAT including semi-annual reports to the NCAT Board of Directors and semi-annual reports to the Consortium for Asphalt Pavement Research and Implementation (CAPRI).
• Prepares and monitors the operating budget forNCATand provides analysis for funding activities, business operations, project accounting, and budgetary counsel in support of NCAT’s strategic plan.
• Responsible for both pre- and post-award financial management for typically 75-100 active research contracts.
• Prepares documentation for merit and supplemental pay. Compiles annual performance reviews.
• Coordinates personnel-related administrative processes associated with budgeting and staffing, including documentation supporting merit and supplemental pay actions, performance review administration, position management activities, recruitment requests, reclassifications, and employee separations in partnership with the College of Engineering Human Resources office.

Facility Maintenance and Contract Management: Responsible, through self or others, for the facility maintenance of the NCAT properties, including the main office, lab, and test track, using NCAT maintenance staff and outside contracted services, ensuring that the buildings and grounds are well kept and presentable (NCAT facilities are generally maintained independently of AU Facilities).

• Supervises NCAT administrative, facility, and financial staff.
• Acts as liaison between the faculty, staff, Engineering Business Office, Office of Sponsored Programs, Contracts and Grants Accounting, and Auburn University Business and Administrative Departments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or a Degree plus a CPA and 7 years of experience in accounting, financial management, business operations, as well as working knowledge of HR with progressively increasing levels of responsibility and accountability. Must have 2 years of experience leading, mentoring or supervising employees.

Licenses & Certifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) CPA is required (upon hire) if Degree is not in Accounting.

Contract Type

Continuing

Why Work at Auburn?

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence:We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We’re Here for You:Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama:The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement

It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.