Deputy Director, Accounting and Finance

The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is in the heart of downtown L.A. and is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles. As an employee of USC, you will be a part of a world-class research university and a member of the "Trojan Family," which is comprised of the faculty, students and staff that make the university what it is.

USC is an equal opportunity employer. USC values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity in employment. USC University Advancement is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture in which all advancement staff and our stakeholders can connect, belong, and grow while supporting USC’s mission, values, and goals.

USC University Advancement is seeking a Deputy Director, Accounting and Finance to join its Business Office. Reporting to the Senior Executive Director, Finance and Administration, the incumbent will oversee the work of assigned team members in the Business Office, review financial reconciliations and statements, prepare reports for senior management, and perform duties related to compliance with relevant laws and regulations in addition to developing and implementing internal accounting policies and procedures.

This is a hybrid position under our current work arrangement plan, with the expectation of on-site presence at our downtown Los Angeles office (USC Tower). Work arrangement plan may be subject to change per business needs.

Job Accountabilities:

• Manages the accounting/financial staff to establish and monitor financial performance to meet financial goals and achieve operational objectives. Sets departmental goals and objectives and measures performance against goals. Establishes departmental priorities.

• Directly or indirectly supervises all assigned subordinate staff, usually through multiple layers of supervisors. Recruits, screens, hires, orients and trains staff. Evaluates employee performance and provides guidance and feedback to assigned staff. Counsels, disciplines and/or terminates employees, as required.

• Plans and administers division programs budget. Provides historical data and projections as required for budget development and planning. Ensures divisional financial wellbeing by tracking revenues and expenses, consolidating and analyzing financial data, preparing special reports, maintaining internal controls and other best practices, and reporting activity to internal and external customers.

• Monitors, reviews and verifies accounting records and transactions for accuracy, timeliness and adequacy of supporting documentation. Ensures compliance with internal policies, agency rules and regulations, and generally accepted accounting principles.

• Oversees account reconciliations and production of regularly scheduled summary reports, income and financial statements for assigned accounting operations. Analyzes reports for accuracy prior to distribution.

• Supervises the collection and formatting of financial data for special management studies and requests. Provides financial data with explanations and interpretation as requested by management.

• Coordinates the development and maintenance of electronic systems and procedures. Provides direction and input for the development of accounting applications, reports, forms, records and documented procedures.

• Examines and evaluates internal methods and procedures for adequacy of controls. Notes weaknesses or deficiencies and implements corrective actions. Ensures departmental compliance with all applicable policies and procedures.

• Advises on university financial policies and procedures, agency laws and regulations, and generally accepted accounting principles.

• Serves as a resource for funding agencies and/or other organizations to provide requested or required financial information and reports. Clarifies or researches issues as necessary.

• Handle internal and external constituents’ questions and requests for information and serve as a resource on industry best practices.

• Develops and maintains excellent working relationship with University Advancement staff and colleagues within the university.

• Understand and evaluate existing systems and processes, identify opportunities for continuous improvement, and develop new systems to enhance team’s overall effectiveness and efficiency.

• Serve as back-up for the Senior Executive Director, Finance and Administration

Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field.

• At least five (5) years of experience.

• Senior or lead bookkeeping/accounting experience with related college study.

• Thorough knowledge of established accounting principles, methods, practices and terminology used in financial/accounting and statistical recordkeeping work.

• Ability to train, evaluate and supervise the work of employees – must have previous management experience.

• Demonstrated analytical, problem solving and effective communications skills.

• Strong organizational skills, analytical skills, and ability to hold themselves accountable to competing deadlines, priorities, and a high standard of detail orientation.

• Demonstrated commitment to USC Unifying Values.

• Demonstrated proactiveness, initiative, and resourcefulness with the ability to anticipate.

• Demonstrated experience interacting with stakeholders across various groups and levels.

• Growth mindset with the proactiveness to recommend and implement solutions; willingness to take feedback with the goal of continuous improvement of self and team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in business administration, Accounting and/or Finance fields.

• At least seven (7) years of experience.

• CPA preferred.

• Knowledge of University financial policies, procedures and systems.

• Strong decision-making ability and effective communication skills (verbal and written).

• Strong financial analysis ability.

• A team player that can balance between delegating and taking charge and willing to share knowledge and train staff.

• Experience working in higher education.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (using macros in Word and Excel) and Workday Finance.

Required Documents and Additional Information:

Resume and cover letter required (may be uploaded as one file). Please do not submit your application without these documents.

The annual base salary range for this position is $115,000 – $127,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

USC has excellent benefits, including health benefits for staff & their family with access to the renowned university medical network; retirement plans with employer contributions when you meet Program's eligibility; tuition benefits for staff & their family; free professional development online courses; central Los Angeles location with easy access to commuter trains, buses & free tram pick up services; discounts to football, basketball & other campus events.

The University of Southern California values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity in employment.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree Minimum Experience: 5 years Minimum Field of Expertise: Senior or lead bookkeeping/accounting experience with directly related college study. Thorough knowledge of established accounting principles, methods, practices and terminology used in financial/accounting and statistical recordkeeping work. Ability to train, evaluate and supervise the work of employees. Demonstrated analytical, problem solving and effective communications skills.