Manager, Strategic Finance & Advanced Analytics

Salk Institute Office of Technology Development • San Diego, CA

1d • $150,000 - $180,000 • Onsite

About The Position

This position serves as the primary delegate to the Sr Director of Finance,
providing general accounting and financial support. The position will be an
analytical and strategic second to the Senior Director of Finance, providing
advanced financial modeling, scenario analysis, AI-enabled forecasting, and
executive-level financial insights to support institutional strategy. The role
strengthens forward-looking financial intelligence, enhances automation and
analytics capabilities, and may act on behalf of the Senior Director of Finance
when delegated.

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that
values
all [https://www.salk.edu/about/our-community/] members of our scientific
community. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new
frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces perspectives across
discipline, professional acumen, and unique life experiences, fostering
innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the
wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.

Founded by Jonas Salk, developer of the first safe and effective polio vaccine,
the Institute is an independent, nonprofit research organization and
architectural landmark: small by choice, intimate by nature, and fearless in the
face of any challenge. Salk's vibrant community has many talented individuals
from varied backgrounds, each playing a crucial role in driving our mission
forward. From visionary leaders [https://www.salk.edu/about/management-team/] to
dedicated administrators [https://www.salk.edu/administration/] and
brilliant faculty members [https://www.salk.edu/science/directory/faculty/], the
Institute is united by a shared passion for scientific exploration and
innovation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Data Science, or related field.
• Eight to Twelve plus years of progressive financial experience.
• Experience in nonprofit, research, or complex institutional environments preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in advanced financial modeling.
• Experience working with AI-driven analytics tools or advanced financial technology platforms.
• Experience supporting executive leadership or board-level reporting.
• Advanced financial modeling and forecasting capabilities.
• Experience with AI tools for financial analytics and predictive modeling.
• Proficiency in data visualization platforms (e.g., Power BI, Tableau).
• Strong understanding of GAAP and nonprofit accounting.
• Ability to synthesize complex datasets into executive-level insights.

Nice To Haves

• MBA and/or CPA strongly preferred.
• Advanced coursework in data analytics, AI, or financial modeling preferred.
• Experience in nonprofit, research, or complex institutional environments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support the Sr Financial Director as analytical lead and financial thought partner.
• Help the Sr Director of Finance to modernize financial analytics using AI, automation, and advanced modeling tools.
• Lead enterprise-wide scenario planning and financial risk modeling.
• Work with the Sr Director to enhance board-level and executive financial decision intelligence
• Develop forward-looking forecasting capabilities beyond traditional budgeting.
• Support the Sr Dir of Finance in all tasks related to audits, accounting closes and all tasks.
• Support the monthly closing process and preparation of the internal financial package.
• Assist with accounting and reporting per regulatory and legal requirements, including but not limited to, annual financial statement and retirement plan audits, annual Internal Revenue Service filings, indirect cost proposals required by the single audit act and Uniform Guidance, and special reports and analyses as requested.
• Evaluate complex accounting issues, formulate multiple scenarios to address issues, presents various solutions, and make recommendations to the Sr Dir of Finance.
• Assist with implementing new financial accounting standards to maintain compliance with US GAAP.
• Develop complex financial models including multi-scenario forecasts, liquidity modeling, and stress testing.
• Partner directly with the Senior Director of Finance on institutional financial strategy.
• Provide analytical leadership for debt structuring, endowment sensitivity analysis, and indirect cost modeling.
• Prepare executive-ready materials for senior leadership and the Board of Trustees.
• Act as delegate for the Senior Director in financial discussions as needed.
• Support the adoption of AI and advanced analytics tools within Finance.
• Implement predictive modeling and automation in forecasting and cash flow projections.
• Design automated dashboards and real-time financial intelligence platforms if needed
• Partner with IT to evaluate and modernize financial systems.
• Identify opportunities for process automation across Finance.
• Build integrated 3–5 year institutional financial models.
• Develop sensitivity analysis for funding variability, fringe rates, endowment performance, and capital planning.
• Lead financial risk identification and mitigation modeling.
• Support long-range financial sustainability analysis.
• Support debt compliance and regulatory reporting through advanced analysis.
• Lead cross-functional financial initiatives and major institutional decision modeling.
• Conduct financial due diligence for partnerships and strategic initiatives.
• Mentor financial analysts and FP&A staff.
• Provide leadership continuity when the Senior Director is unavailable.
• Uphold strong internal controls and financial governance standards.

Benefits

• Salk Institute offers competitive benefits [https://www.salk.edu/about/careers/benefits/], including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, patient advocacy services, and transit/parking program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees