Executive Director, Strategic Finance and Planning

University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA); Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA) seeks an Executive Director, Strategic Finance and Planning to lead financial strategy, resource stewardship, and organizational planning for the CFO organization. This senior role partners with campus leaders to advance performance management and budgeting discipline.

The incumbent will manage the finance clustering model, oversee GL administration and CBIG budgeting, and translate complex financial data into actionable insights for executives while

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of financial planning, resource management, budgeting, forecasting, and performance measurement methodologies.
• Experience developing and communicating strategic recommendations to executive leadership.
• Experience in higher education, public-sector finance, healthcare, research administration, or other complex mission-driven organizations.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial strategy and resource stewardship for the Vice Chancellor and CFO organization.
• Oversee the finance clustering model of central administrative units.
• Direct general ledger administration and CBIG budgeting and reporting.
• Provide strategic advisory support to the COO and campus leadership.
• Ensure discipline in budgetary decision making with key stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Executive communication

Financial planning

Budgeting & forecasting

Performance measurement

Cross-functional collaboration

Confidentiality & discretion

Analytical thinking

Influence & consensus-building

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Public Administration, or related field

MBA/MPA/MPP/MS Finance or related (preferred)

Professional certification such as CPA, CGMA, CFA (preferred)

Job description

Position Summary

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer for the Office of the Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer, the Executive Director, Strategic Finance and Planning serves as a senior member of the leadership team and is responsible for advancing the financial strategy, resource stewardship, organizational planning, and performance management objectives of the Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer organization. The position serves as a key strategic advisor to the COO and collaborates with senior leaders across the organization and campus. The Executive Director will manage and oversee the finance clustering model of central administrative units with multiple direct reports. Duties include general ledger administration, CBIG budgeting and reporting, and ensuring overall financial discipline of budgetary decision making of unit leaders. The incumbent exercises substantial independence, judgment, and discretion in addressing complex financial, operational, and strategic matters with significant organizational impact.

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

• Demonstrated success leading complex financial and organizational initiatives in a large and multifaceted environment. (Required) And
• Experience developing and communicating strategic recommendations to executive leadership. (Required) And
• Experience in higher education, public-sector finance, healthcare, research administration, or other complex mission-driven organizations. (Preferred)
• Advanced knowledge of financial planning, resource management, budgeting, forecasting, and performance measurement methodologies. (Required)
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to synthesize complex information and translate it into actionable insights. (Required)
• Demonstrated ability to lead through influence, build consensus, and manage competing priorities among diverse stakeholders. (Required)
• Outstanding written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills. (Required)
• Proven ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and manage highly sensitive matters. (Required)

Education, Licenses, Certifications & Personal Affiliations

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Public Administration, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. (Required) And
• Master's Degree Advanced degree such as MBA, MPA, MPP, MS Finance, or related field. (Preferred)
• Professional certification such as CPA, CGMA, CFA, or equivalent. (Preferred)

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.

Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PT and/or variable based on operational needs.

Union/Policy Covered

99-Policy Covered