Assistant Vice President of Finance and Contracts

University of Dayton, Ohio•Dayton, OH

About The Position

The Assistant Vice President of Finance and Contracts at the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) serves as a key member of the UDRI executive leadership team, providing strategic financial leadership and ensuring the integrity of financial operations. This position is responsible for financial strategy, compliance with federal regulations and GAAP, contract oversight, risk management, and driving financial performance to support the company’s mission and long-term growth. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Provide strategic financial leadership and guidance to the Vice President of UDRI and executive leadership team. Oversee all financial operations, including accounting, financial planning and analysis, budgeting, and audit. This includes the UDRI annual operating and capital budgets. Ensure compliance with government contracting requirements, including Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS). Direct preparation of UDRI financial statements, reports, and forecasts that provide insight into company performance and support strategic decision-making. Closely coordinate with University leadership to ensure accurate consolidation and reporting. Manage relationships with internal and external auditors, regulatory agencies, and government oversight bodies (e.g., ONR, DCAA, DCMA) in close coordination with University and UDRI leadership. Develop and implement contract management and financial strategies to support growth, profitability, and sustainability. Establish and maintain strong internal controls and risk management practices. Assist with the development, refinement, and implementation of policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. In close coordination with University and UDRI leadership, provide oversight of cost accounting, indirect rate structures, and contract compliance to ensure profitability and regulatory alignment. Provide leadership to the Research Accounting Office, Contracts and Grants Office, and Financial Analysis teams to include developing and mentoring employees and ensuring support to strategic initiatives and research execution within a culture that is consistent with the values of the University and UDRI. Set a high standard for ethical conduct and maintain a highly productive staff through mentorship, development, and clear communication of expectations and feedback on performance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field.
15 years of experience with at least 4 years in a supervisory leadership role.
CPA, CMA, or CFA certification.
Expertise in government contracting finance, including FAR, DFARS, CAS, GAAP, and compliance with DCAA audits.
Experience managing financial operations, including managing indirect rates and ensuring competitive and compliant cost proposals.
Strong track record of financial leadership, strategic planning, and financial execution.
Experience managing complex indirect rate structures and forward pricing rate proposals.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of teams and constituents.
Commitment to inclusive excellence that aligns to the University's Marianist mission.
Valid drivers license with low risk driving record.
Due to the requirements of our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, this position requires the candidate to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
Due to the requirements of our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be a U.S. person (i.e., a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee).

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or related field.
Experience with Deltek Costpoint.
Background in defense, aerospace, or high-technology R&D contracting.
Experience managing complex indirect rate structures and forward pricing rate proposals.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic financial leadership and guidance to the Vice President of UDRI and executive leadership team.
Oversee all financial operations, including accounting, financial planning and analysis, budgeting, and audit. This includes the UDRI annual operating and capital budgets.
Ensure compliance with government contracting requirements, including Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS).
Direct preparation of UDRI financial statements, reports, and forecasts that provide insight into company performance and support strategic decision-making. Closely coordinate with University leadership to ensure accurate consolidation and reporting.
Manage relationships with internal and external auditors, regulatory agencies, and government oversight bodies (e.g., ONR, DCAA, DCMA) in close coordination with University and UDRI leadership.
Develop and implement contract management and financial strategies to support growth, profitability, and sustainability.
Establish and maintain strong internal controls and risk management practices. Assist with the development, refinement, and implementation of policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
In close coordination with University and UDRI leadership, provide oversight of cost accounting, indirect rate structures, and contract compliance to ensure profitability and regulatory alignment.
Provide leadership to the Research Accounting Office, Contracts and Grants Office, and Financial Analysis teams to include developing and mentoring employees and ensuring support to strategic initiatives and research execution within a culture that is consistent with the values of the University and UDRI.
Set a high standard for ethical conduct and maintain a highly productive staff through mentorship, development, and clear communication of expectations and feedback on performance.