Senior Finance Specialist, Comparative Medicine & Research Operations

UVA Health•Charlottesville, VA

103d•Hybrid

About The Position

The University of Virginia’s Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) is seeking a Senior Finance Specialist, Comparative Medicine & Research Operations to support the financial integrity, sustainability, and strategic growth of the University’s Animal Care and Use Program. This position plays a critical role in advancing UVA’s research enterprise by ensuring responsible stewardship of financial resources while enabling high-quality, compliant, and innovative scientific programs. The selected candidate will provide analytical leadership and operational support for complex research infrastructure, including vivarium operations, specialized facilities (e.g., BSL-2/3, aquatic systems), and residency training programs. Responsibilities include developing multi-year financial projections, developing rate-setting and cost-recovery models, ensuring alignment with university and federal guidelines, and identifying opportunities for operational efficiency and financial optimization. The incumbent will work closely with the Associate Vice President for Research (Comparative Medicine & Preclinical Studies) & Attending Veterinarian, CCM leadership, OVPR finance partners, and central University finance to support long-range planning, recharge/rate setting, compliance stewardship, capital planning, and executive decision support.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field required.
5–7+ years of progressively responsible experience in strategic financial management, budgeting, or research operations finance.
Experience in research-intensive higher education, academic medical centers, or complex operational environments strongly preferred.
Demonstrated experience with recharge centers, rate development, and compliance-aligned cost recovery models highly desirable.
Deep knowledge of federal cost principles (Uniform Guidance), audit readiness, and institutional financial controls.
Strong capabilities in multi-year forecasting, financial modeling, variance analysis, and decision support.
Advanced proficiency in Excel and enterprise financial systems (e.g., Workday, Anaplan).
Ability to translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insights for non-financial stakeholders.
Demonstrated judgment, accountability, and integrity.
Ability to influence without authority in a matrixed environment.
2+ years of relevant professional experience required.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.
This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree (MBA, MPA, or related discipline) preferred.

Responsibilities

Partner with CCM and OVPR leadership to develop and execute a multi-year financial strategy that supports sustainable growth of the Animal Care and Use Program.
Lead multi-year financial planning and forecasting, including scenario modeling to inform strategic and operational decision-making.
Partner with the CCM Assistant Director of Facilities to develop and maintain a capital roadmap, including lifecycle replacement planning for major equipment and infrastructure investments.
Produce monthly and quarterly leadership dashboards and insights (e.g., utilization, cost recovery, subsidies, key cost drivers).
Own the annual rate-setting and recharge compliance cycle, including methodology development and documentation, surplus/deficit monitoring and management, and governance review and presentation to leadership.
Ensure financial operations align with university policy, federal cost principles (Uniform Guidance), and sponsor requirements.
Serve as a primary finance liaison between OVPR and central finance for internal and external audits, including corrective action planning and risk mitigation.
Partner with central finance and OVPR finance to ensure alignment on rates, subsidies, and cost recovery strategies.
Lead development, monitoring, and reconciliation of complex operating budgets across CCM facilities and programs.
Conduct variance analysis, trend analysis, and performance metric reporting to support leadership decisions.
Provide financial oversight of procurement, service contracts, and major equipment purchases.
Maintain real-time budget portfolios using UVA-approved financial systems (e.g., Workday, Anaplan).
Serve as a trusted financial advisor to CCM leadership, departmental administrators, and investigators.
Develop business cases for new services, expansions, or partnerships, including costing, pricing, and sustainability analysis.
Provide guidance and training on recharge methodology, financial compliance, and budgeting best practices.
Benchmark financial models and best practices with peer research institutions.