Director of Financial and Accounting Services (Hybrid)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The salary range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $115,000 - $143,500.

This posting will remain open until filled with initial applicant review expected to be on or around October 9, 2026.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: This position offers a hybrid work schedule.

Please Note: UC Merced has partnered with Another Source to manage the recruitment process for this position. All interested candidates must submit their application directly through Another Source to be considered.

To view the full position details and apply, please visit:

https://careers-anothersource.icims.com/jobs/102570/director-of-financial-%26-accounting-services---uc-merced/job

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.

Reporting to the Assistant Controller in the Division of Finance and Administration within Business and Financial Services, the Director establishes objectives and work plans for managing data related to actual results for the University. The Director is responsible, through month-end and annual closing processes, for data processing and validation in the general ledger and related subledgers (Oracle ERP). They are responsible for comprehensive fiscal management, consultative analysis, and programmatic administration of all University funds. The Director is also responsible for managing, preparing, administering, and directing department resources. Incumbent develops, modifies, and executes policies that affect immediate operation(s) and may also have an organization-wide effect. Directs, through subordinate staff, the development of financial models, strategies, and recommendations which inform executive-level decision-making and supports campus-wide integrated strategic planning processes. Identifies opportunities and determines financial reporting to respond to information requests in support of campus leadership objectives. Receives assignments in the form of objectives and determines how to use resources to meet schedules and goals. Works on a diverse scope of work where the analysis of information requires evaluation of multiple factors, including an understanding of current business trends, policies, and procedures. The Director is responsible for achieving the University's goals and for the financial systems critical to UC Merced's growth. Erroneous decisions or failure to achieve goals can lead to additional costs and serious delays in overall outcomes.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Operations Management

• Provides leadership, direction, and expertise to subordinates to achieve goals in accordance with established policies as well as decentralized financial activities. Manages the results of the University's financial operations, including general accounting, gifts and endowments accounting, capital projects, fixed assets, accounts receivable, grants, contracts, payroll feeds, and recharge accounting tracked with the applicable Oracle modules (General Ledger and supporting sub-ledgers).

Financial Reporting and Compliance

• Meets all government reporting requirements for relevant financial activities. Manages all financial reporting and maintains the Common Chart of Accounts. Manages miscellaneous billing transactions through the accounts receivable module. Ensures the accuracy and control of holistic financial data, including but not limited to Oracle Cloud Fusion modules, Accounts Receivable, Record to Report (General Ledger), Fixed Assets, and integrations with all other Oracle modules. Creates and maintains financial reports and completes monthly and year-end close of the general ledger. Completes all financial statements and applicable reporting. Responsible for review and completion of the monthly and fiscal year close processing of the financial system. Research and interpret specific

  entries. Review of the following completed by subordinate staff: all transfer of funds, transfer of expenditures and financial journals, ad hoc general ledger account reconciliations, balance sheet account reconciliations. Supports audit evidence collection and information gathering as needed, and assigns audit-related tasks to subordinate staff and applicable campus partners.

Operations Administration

• Manages, maintains, develops, and sets strategic direction and determines the overall objectives and portfolio of work for the Department. Assumes full responsibility for staffing, budgets, costs, productivity, and personnel activities of the department. Makes recommendations and implements decisions on issues that have department- and/or campus-wide impacts. Ensures efficiencies through lean practices with continued review of key performance indicators established throughout financial lifecycles. Provides training and professional development, either formally or on-the-job, for staff to ensure subject matter knowledge in appropriate areas (e.g., general accounting, administration, fixed assets administration, gift accounting, capital accounting).

• Directly supervises professional and support staff and is responsible for the full range of supervisory activities, including recruitment, hiring recommendations, onboarding, training, work assignment, performance evaluation, employee development, corrective action, and resolution of employee concerns. Exercises independent judgment in personnel-related matters and ensures compliance with University policies, procedures, and applicable labor agreements

Monthly & Annual Fiscal Close

• Manage the coordination for the fiscal close process for the campus and campus foundation. Manage through subordinates to ensure all requirements/steps are completed accurately and in a timely manner monthly in coordination with the campus and annually with UCOP closing schedules. Act as the management liaison with UCOP for the system closing process/audits. Review Financial

  Statements and diagnostic reports in the UC system-wide consolidated financial reporting system and record correcting entries. Review the audit requirements for the outside audit firm. Supervise the completion of the audit with the external audit firm and ensure the management response and sign- off are completed. Supervise and review completion of campus financial statements and related audit deliverables.

Campus Support and Administration

• Assist campus departments with complex accounting issues to ensure that financial transactions are properly recorded. Provide expert accounting guidance.

EDUCATION and REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in a related area.

• Advanced degree from an accredited university in a related area. (Preferred)

• Five years of directly related, progressively responsible experience, or nine years of equivalent experience/training. An advanced degree in a related area is preferred and may substitute for one year of experience.

• Professional certification preferred.

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Thorough knowledge of the organization's operational, personnel, and financial transactions and systems.

• Thorough knowledge of finance, accounting, business and systems operations and regulatory compliance requirements.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively across the organization at all levels.

• Excellent skills using common desktop / web applications.

• Excellent service orientation skills; strong skills in management and leadership; excellent ability to use critical thinking, sound judgment, and decision-making skills to creatively solve problems.

• Strong knowledge of industry best practices.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Thorough understanding and familiarity with all of the following: GAAP, GASB, FASB, Accounting law, professional systems and practices, Plant funds and capital accounting practices

• Demonstrated experience with preparing monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and related presentations, and detailed variance analysis.

• Demonstrated experience with improving business processes and accounting policies, to ensure efficient and effective internal controls, data integrity and compliance with internal and external policies and requirements.

• Demonstrated ability to analyze, interpret and document financial results trends and variances timely.

• Demonstrated experience in a leadership role in a large diversified and complex finance focused environment.

• Experience leading or managing staff.

Background check required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/