Associate Vice President of Finance, Operations & Controller

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas invites applications for The Associate Vice President of Finance, Operations & Controller with the UNLV Division of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement (R0126075)

PROFILE of the UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1957, UNLV is a doctoral-degree-granting institution comprised of approximately 31,000 students and more than 3,900 faculty and staff. To date, UNLV has conferred more than 136,000 degrees, producing more than 120,000 alumni around the world. UNLV is classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as an R1 research university with very high research activity. The university is committed to recruiting and retaining top students and faculty, educating the region's diversifying population and workforce, driving economic activity through increased research and community partnerships, and creating an academic health center for Southern Nevada that includes the launch of a new UNLV School of Medicine.  UNLV is located on a 332-acre main campus and two satellite campuses in Southern Nevada.  For more information, visit us on line at:  http://www.unlv.edu

COMMITMENT to DIVERSITY

The successful candidate will demonstrate support for diversity, equity and inclusiveness as well as participate in maintaining a respectful, positive work environment.

ROLE of the POSITION

The Associate Vice President of Finance, Operations & Controller will provide high level support to Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement (Division), the university, and the Senior Vice President of Finance & Operations, COO & CFO (“SAVP”) overseeing the accounting and finance functions, information technology and gift processing departments, financial reporting functions, as well as other advancement services.  The Associate Vice President of Finance, Operations & Controller (“AVP”) will work to support the goals and objectives of the university and specifically, the Division with a focus on continual improvement on efficiency and effectiveness of all processes and accuracy of data and reporting.

The AVP will be responsible for overseeing the accounting and gift processing/data team and ensuring all tasks are completed accurately and timely related to the financial statement audit, annual IRS Form 990, and Form 990-T.  The position will provide support to the SAVP by overseeing all phases of a variety of short and long-term data projects.  The AVP will provide support to the SAVP in planning and executing all materials necessary for the Board of Trustees and related committee agenda items, reviewing and assessing policies and procedures, and federal and state legislation.  He/she will represent the SAVP on committees or at meetings, as needed.

This position is accountable for over 200,000 constituent records (prospects, donors, alumni), approximately 25,000 gift transactions and acknowledgements annually, and over 300 requests for data from campus units annually.  It is responsible for all technology and system designs (hardware & software), personnel training on these systems, and basic and high profiled analytical reports.

The AVP will ensure the execution, security, and maintenance of relevant software programs (currently Blackbaud/Raiser’s Edge, accounting databases, including Financial Edge and Fundriver, ResearchPoint database, data warehouse PaperSave database, and iModules), and supporting programs (MS Office, Adobe, and all networking applications). The AVP oversees support requests as needed on behalf of the UNLV Foundation’s website related to donations.

The AVP is expected to assist the SAVP in developing, implementing, reviewing, and supervising the application of internal controls, quality assurance, and best practices. The individual filling this role will assist in ensuring adherence to state, federal, and NSHE regulations, policies, and procedures associated with financial and business processes managed by the division. This position will assist in assessing risk; evaluating compliance and adherence to quality standards; developing and presenting training to improve compliance and quality; and assisting to identify opportunities to improve business processes while reducing risk of non-compliance. The position is additionally responsible for the documentation, reconciliation, and monitoring of financial data to be used in the preparation of financial reports and financial statements.

The position will provide high level support to the SAVP as the primary point of accountability for all technology systems and structures, as well as special project activities that will cross all departments in the Division.  The AVP will work directly with the SAVP and other leadership members, and will represent the SAVP externally as well as on campus, as assigned.

About the UNLV Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement

The Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement (PAE) fosters relationships with alumni, friends, corporations, and foundations and encourages private financial support for the students, faculty, research, and innovative programs that distinguish UNLV as an exceptional university.

PAE currently employs nearly 100 team members. We seek to hire talented professionals who will share the university's vision for excellence in academics and research, as well as a commitment to the relationships built between UNLV and its alumni and friends.

UNLV is a vibrant campus, a supportive workplace, and has tools to help you achieve professional and personal growth. We offer a variety of career opportunities and generous compensation packages

Living Our Values

As a team member of PAE, you will be part of a growing, inclusive division that values integrity, trust, excellence, teamwork, and respect.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business, or related field from a regionally accredited college or university
• 5-7 years of comparable professional work experience
• 3-5 years of comparable supervisory experience
• 3 years of upper level administrative experience

Credentials must be obtained prior to the start of employment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 3-5 years as a Certified Public Accountant in good standing

KNOWLEGDES, SKILLS & ABILIITIES

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) which establishes financial accounting and reporting standards, and applicable Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) promulgations.

• A professional and resourceful style with good instincts about when to work independently and when to leverage support from others. Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently; plans for additional resources; sets goals and objectives; organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; develops realistic action plans.

• Must possess effective communication skills with varying levels of the organization and external constituents. Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; demonstrates group presentation skills; active participant in meetings.

• Experience preparing a variety of data analyses, strategizing reporting tools that will assist decision makers and those utilizing the data with such reports, and providing critical feedback based on sound financial and data management principles.

• Demonstrates the ability to analyze all financial functions, controls, reporting and compliance to determine timely and effective planning and operational strategies.

• Understanding of federal and state laws and regulations, including the Internal Revenue Service’s not-for-profit regulations.

• Ability to research and understand Board of Regent and university policies and procedures, and the implications on the business of the Division.

• Experience developing and delivering effective training materials and training programs.

• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem-solving situations; uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

• Experience managing operating budgets and providing management reports and analysis.

• Ability to make administrative/procedural decisions using sound judgment and maturity.

• Possesses excellent communication skills and can articulate complex financial information in ways that make it understandable for a wide range of audiences. Assists leadership in making informed and thoughtful decisions and educates institutional members on the thought process behind these decisions. Sustains a high degree of trust and transparency through open, respectful dialogue.

• Ability to problem-solve and work effectively when parameters are not well defined.

SALARY RANGE

Salary competitive with those at similarly situated institutions. Position is contingent upon funding. 

APPLICATION DETAILS

Submit a letter of interest, a detailed resume listing qualifications and experience, and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references who may be contacted. Applicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience, with specific reference to each of the minimum and preferred qualifications because this is the information on which the initial review of materials will be based.

Although this position will remain open until filled, review of candidates’ materials will begin on (09/15/2021) and best consideration will be gained for materials submitted prior to that date. Materials should be addressed to Search Committee Members and Hiring Manager, and are to be submitted online as we do not accept emailed materials. For assistance with the application process, please contact UNLV Human Resources at (702) 895-3504 or applicant.inquiry@unlv.edu.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR INTERNAL NSHE CANDIDATES

UNLV employees or employees within the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) MUST use the “Find Jobs” process within Workday to find and apply for jobs at UNLV and other NSHE Institutions. Once you log into Workday, type "Find Jobs" in the search box which will navigate to the internal job posting site. Locate this specific job posting by typing the requisition number, “R0126075” in the search box.

If you complete an application outside of the internal application process, your application will be returned and you will have to reapply as an internal applicant which may delay your application.

SAFETY AND SECURITY STATEMENT

UNLV is committed to assisting all members of the UNLV community in providing for their own safety and security. The Annual Security Report and Annual Fire Safety Report compliance document is available online.

EEO/AA STATEMENT

UNLV is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action educator and employer committed to achieving excellence through diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, color, religion, sex, age, creed, national origin, veteran status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or any other factor protected by anti-discrimination laws. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas employs only United States citizens and non-citizens lawfully authorized to work in the United States. Women, under-represented groups, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.