CFO & Director of Sponsored Programs, Research Computing

UCLA; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

The Regents of the University of California on behalf of their Los Angeles Campus is seeking a Chief Financial Officer & Director of Sponsored Programs (CFO/Director) to provide strategic leadership for a complex portfolio of sponsored research and advanced computing initiatives.

The role reports to the Executive Director and oversees financial strategy, contract management, and business operations while collaborating with university leadership and external partners.

Qualifications

• 10+ years progressive work experience in financial analysis, strategy, and business management.
• Experience managing multimillion-dollar budgets with multiple funding sources.
• Expert knowledge of GAAP accounting principles, budgeting and reporting.
• Contract and Grant Administration knowledge; ability to interpret agency guidelines.
• Strong executive-level communication and presentation skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal and collaborative abilities with leadership and partners.
• High initiative, analytical skills, and ability to translate issues into solutions.
• Ability to work independently while balancing priorities and maintaining confidentiality.
• Understanding unit operations to support the institution's academic mission.
• Knowledge of UCLA policies in personnel, purchasing, travel, and equipment management (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial strategy, sponsored research administration, contract management, and business operations.
• Collaborate with university leadership, researchers, federal agencies, and industry partners.
• Provide oversight for major initiatives, including Innovate@UCLA and the Build Smart Manufacturing Center.
• Lead teams toward common objectives and ensure compliance with policies.

Skills

Financial analysis

Budgeting

GAAP accounting

Contract & Grant Admin

Executive communication

Strategic leadership

Analytical thinking

Confidentiality

Interpersonal skills

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting/Finance/Business

Master's Degree in Accounting/Finance/Business

Job description

The Regents of the University of California on behalf of their Los Angeles Campus is seeking a Chief Financial Officer & Director of Sponsored Programs (CFO/Director) to provide strategic leadership for a complex portfolio of sponsored research and advanced computing initiatives.

The role reports to the Executive Director and oversees financial strategy, contract management, and business operations while collaborating with university leadership and external partners.