Finance Manager

Arizona State University•Scottsdale, AZ

About The Position

Arizona State University's Knowledge Enterprise Finance Department is seeking a Finance Manager to support unit-wide business operations, including procurement, budget management and forecasting, account reconciliation, grant management, and compliance oversight. The manager serves as a primary financial approver for purchases, travel, and other expenses, oversees ASU research accounts, and tracks expenses and revenue associated with research projects. The role helps ensure adherence to ASU policies and guidelines and calls for strong attention to detail, sound judgment, customer service, and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment. Under the direction of the Assistant Director of Finance, the Finance Manager helps establish procedures consistent with ASU policies; prepares financial reports; reviews accounts with assigned centers; and conducts strategic budgeting and forecasting. The role partners with center heads to create and manage budgets, and works with Principal Investigators, Project Directors, and ASU representatives to administer sponsored projects and awards. It reviews financial transactions and travel requests, monitors reconciliations, analyzes financial data, and recommends actions. The manager also supports purchasing consistency, resolves expenditure exceptions, may review and process ASU Foundation payments and transfers, and may work with auditors. Ad hoc financial, analytical, accounting, and systems work is also assigned as required. The position is based off-campus in Scottsdale. The standard environment is a climate-controlled office, with extended periods in a stationary position and regular use of a computer workstation and office productivity equipment. Flexible schedules, hybrid work, or remote work may be offered depending on department needs and required approvals; hybrid and remote arrangements are subject to stated ASU location requirements and approval levels.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and five years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment or field, including two years of managerial experience; or an equivalent combination of experience and/or training demonstrating comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Nice To Haves

Experience overseeing finances for sponsored or grant accounts.
Demonstrated knowledge of financial control principles and practices.
Demonstrated knowledge of computerized accounting systems and financial control technologies, including database and general ledger software applications.
Experience managing multiple responsibilities and projects simultaneously.
Judgment to set priorities and determine which tasks require immediate attention.
Experience requiring attention to detail, efficiency, and organizational skills.
Experience building strong professional relationships through collaboration and influence without authority.
Effective communication skills and the ability to adapt communication style to the context and audience.
Experience planning, scheduling, and managing task assignments.
Ability to switch quickly among tasks, projects, and responsibilities.
Experience with problem solving, innovative solutions, and adaptability.
Experience with federal, philanthropic, and industry grant-funded projects.

Responsibilities

Help establish procedures and processes consistent with ASU policies under the direction of the Assistant Director of Finance.
Prepare financial reports and review accounts with assigned centers.
Conduct strategic budgeting and forecasting.
Work with center heads to create and manage account budgets.
Administer sponsored projects and awards in collaboration with Principal Investigators, Project Directors, and other ASU unit representatives.
Review and approve financial transactions and travel requests.
Review and monitor account reconciliations, analyze financial data, and recommend actions.
Ensure accounts and records comply with university and outside-agency policies, procedures, and regulations.
Verify consistency and compliance of purchasing activities across the unit or institute.
Review and potentially process ASU Foundation payments and transfers.
Review and resolve expenditure exceptions.
Potentially work with auditors to ensure financial functions are consistent with auditing principles and University policy.
Perform assigned ad hoc financial and analytical projects.
Perform other professional accounting, financial, and system functions as assigned or required.