Deputy Finance Director - PEHP

Utah Retirement Systems•Salt Lake City, UT

13d•Onsite

About The Position

Performs a variety of administrative, managerial, and professional technical duties related to planning, organizing, and controlling the financial reporting and the general accounting functions of Utah Retirement Systems and PEHP. Utah Retirement Systems provides benefits for state and other Utah Public employees through the work of two divisions. The Retirement Office administers pension and retirement benefits. PEHP Health & Benefits specializes in medical, dental, life, and other benefits. We take pride in providing a peace of mind for thousands of Utah families. We are committed to our public mission and maintaining a positive team environment. We offer a competitive salary, and our benefits far exceed what most modern employers offer.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in accounting, finance, business management, public administration, or a related field; and seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in financial management or accounting, which includes two (2) years in a supervisory or managerial capacity; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Extensive knowledge of professional accounting standards and ethics.
Extensive knowledge of Generally accepted accounting principles established by American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and GASB.
Extensive knowledge of internal control principles and methods of application.
Extensive knowledge of Federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to tax reporting, pension, and deferred compensation funds.
Extensive knowledge of budgetary principles.
Extensive knowledge and ability of Microsoft Office Suite.
Extensive knowledge and ability of Purchasing/payment software.
Extensive knowledge and ability of Internet browser software.
Extensive knowledge and ability of Database software programs.
Ability to comprehend and apply principles of advanced modern algebra.
Ability to understand and use statistical and quantitative techniques, variance analysis, and forecasting methods.
Ability to comprehend and apply descriptive analytics (historical transaction analysis, dashboards, and key performance indicators).
Ability to understand and use key business ratios (profitability, funding ratio, return on investment, cash flow management, collections, and operating efficiency).
Excellent communication skills: Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Excellent communication skills: Business and technical writing.
Excellent communication skills: Present on complex topics to top management, public groups, and boards.
Ability to analyze a variety of financial problems and make recommendations.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents.
Ability to respond to sensitive inquiries or complaints.
Ability to read, analyze, understand, and implement AICPA and GASB accounting standards and other authoritative pronouncements and guidelines.
Ability to coordinate a variety of financial administrative matters between executives and department heads.
Ability to apply generally accepted accounting principles in financial reporting.
Ability to prepare and implement budgets.
Ability to establish and effective working relationships with executives, administrators, managers, boards, department heads, employees, and the public.
Ability to plan, organize, direct, and supervise the work of subordinates.
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
Ability to prioritize work.
Ability to perform within deadlines.
Ability to work well in a team environment as well as independently.
Ability to multi-task by handling a variety of duties in a timely and efficient manner.
Ability to follow through with assignments.
Ability to deal effectively with stress caused by workload and time deadlines.
Must demonstrate judgment, high integrity, and personal values consistent with the values of URS.
Incumbent must submit to the URS Investment Compliance Officer a record of trade confirmations or monthly transaction summaries, as they become available, of all security transactions (excluding mutual funds), in any account under the employee’s control and direction, or under the control and direction of the employee’s spouse.
Position requires occasional travel for office business.
Individual must be physically capable of safely operating a vehicle, possess a valid driver’s license, and have an acceptable driving record based upon data provided by a current Department of Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).

Nice To Haves

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is strongly preferred.
Master’s Degree in accounting, finance, or MBA is preferred.
Enterprise Planning systems (e.g. IBM Planning Analytics) preferred.

Responsibilities

Assists the CFO in developing and implementing financial strategies, policies, procedures, goals, and objectives.
Oversees day‑to‑day financial operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and the general ledger.
Assists in financial reporting, internal controls, tax reporting, and account reconciliations.
Supports budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes to achieve financial targets across all organizational divisions.
Analyzes financial data and performance metrics to provide insights, identify trends, and recommend improvements.
Prepares complex annual and quarterly financial statements and ensures compliance with GAAP, GASB, and other authoritative standards.
Ensures all required financial statements meet applicable regulatory and accounting standards, including GFOA requirements when applicable.
Participates in internal and external audits and coordinates with auditors to ensure accurate and timely completion.
Ensures team deadlines and responsibilities are met.
Develops and mentors team members, sets goals, and creates a collaborative team environment.
Participates in recruitment, employee development, evaluation, and discipline as needed.
Applies strategic planning principles to support division goals.
Ensures accuracy of accounting systems and fund balances; performs reconciliations and reviews.
Assists in managing investment accounting, fair value reporting, and required disclosures, as applicable.
Collaborates on the design, implementation, and updating of accounting systems; serves as a finance subject matter expert for enterprise‑wide system updates.
Builds strong relationships with internal stakeholders to support financial needs and strategic initiatives.
Prepares and presents financial information to executive leadership, boards, or other stakeholders as needed.
Prepares and presents budgetary and other financial information to the Retirement Board and other key stakeholders, as a backup to the CFO.
Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
Maintains strict confidentiality.
Performs other duties as assigned.