Director, Business & Finance

Inside Higher Ed; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution is seeking a Director, Business and Finance to manage daily operations of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Responsibilities include overseeing procurement operations and maintaining compliance with university policies. The ideal candidate has 5-7 years of experience in college athletics and a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Strong analytical and organizational skills are essential. This position offers competitive compensation package with benefits effective immediately.

Qualifications

• Five to seven years of experience in college athletics or a business office setting.
• Experience using online purchasing systems and travel reimbursement systems.
• Knowledge of university accounting practices, purchasing policies, and financial systems.
• Working knowledge of GAAP and fund accounting.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of the Business and Finance Office.
• Facilitate procurement operations and oversee accounts payable activities.
• Act as a liaison for the Athletic Department with vendors.
• Coordinate with campus departments to maintain proper processes and relationships.
• Assist with fiscal closing duties, blanket PO renewal, and travel-related needs.

Skills

Analytical skills

Decision making

Organizational skills

Collaboration

Decision making

Interdepartmental collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Tools

University online purchasing systems

Travel reimbursement system

Job description

Position Summary

Under the general supervision of the Assistant Athletics Director, Business and Finance, the Director, Business and Finance will manage the daily operations of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) Business and Finance Office. Major responsibilities include:

• Facilitating procurement operations, overseeing accounts payable activities, interaction, education and guidance with staff and coaches, as well budget management and reconciliation.
• Oversee a full‑time employee and develop student/part‑time staffing program.
• Oversee the purchasing lifecycle and advise staff on department and campus policies regarding vendor management, purchase orders, justification of expenses, non‑travel reimbursements, and check requests.
• Interact with various departments on campus and throughout the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics to ensure proper protocols are followed and maintain positive relationships.
• Work with external vendors to ensure they are properly onboarded and compliant with University of California purchasing policies to receive payments.
• Act as a liaison for the Athletic Department with vendors and various University departments such as Purchasing, Accounts Payable, and Travel Accounting and assist with fiscal closing duties, blanket purchase order renewal, travel related needs and other projects related to the department strategic plan and vision.
• Assist in the annual audit process, budget reconciliations and various reporting needs for department, campus, external partners, conference, and NCAA.

Salary & Compensation

• UCLA provides a full pay range. Actual salary offers consider factors, including budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations. Salary offers at the top of the range are not common. Visit UC Benefit package to discover benefits that start on day one, and UC Total Compensation Estimator to calculate the total compensation value with benefits.

Qualifications

• Five to seven years of experience in college athletics or a business office setting. (Required)
• Experience using University online purchasing systems and travel reimbursement system. (Required)
• Knowledge of university accounting practices, purchasing policies and procedures, and financial systems. (Preferred)
• Working knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and their application in fund accounting. (Required)
• Skill in organizing and maintaining accurate, up‑to‑date accounting records to support audits and compliance reviews. (Required)
• Ability to make informed decisions within scope of authority, applying established policies, procedures, and relevant NCAA regulations. (Required)
• Strong analytical skills to evaluate processes, identify problems, and implement fair, effective solutions. (Required)
• Ability to perform duties with a high degree of accuracy, meet deadlines, and work effectively under frequent interruptions and changing priorities. (Required)
• Proven ability to prioritize and complete assignments independently, reflecting the relative importance of tasks without constant supervision. (Required)
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and follow through on assignments to completion. (Required)
• Skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with colleagues, administrators, and other campus partners. (Required)
• Ability to collaborate effectively with other university departments in a complex administrative environment. (Required)
• Skill in organizing personnel, equipment, and material resources to create efficient workflows. (Required)
• General knowledge of financial and personnel policies and procedures in a central administrative setting, as well as basic management principles. (Required)

Education, Licenses, Certifications & Personal Affiliations

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, or equivalent work experience and training. (Required)

Special Conditions for Employment

• Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.
• Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.
• CANRA: The position is designated as a mandatory reporter under CANRA. The employee must sign the "Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse".

Schedule

Variable

Union/Policy Covered

CX-Clerical & Allied Services