Position Title: Chief Financial Officer

Department: 9010|NIRC Administration

Responsibilities:

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the New Iberia Research Center (NIRC) is responsible for overseeing the financial management, planning, budgeting, fiscal operations of the Center and all business aspects of NIRC. As a key financial leader, the CFO ensures compliance with University, state, and federal financial policies, while providing strategic financial and business guidance to support the Center’s research and operational objectives.

This role requires expertise in financial planning, grants and contracts management, cost accounting, and financial reporting—particularly within the higher education or nonprofit sector. The CFO will work closely with the University’s central financial offices, ensuring alignment with institutional financial policies while managing the unique fiscal needs of NIRC.

Key Responsibilities:
Financial Strategy & Budget Management

Develops, implements, and manages the Center’s operating budget based on actual performance, historical trends, estimated revenues, and projected expenditures.
Monitors and maintains financial records, ensuring accurate tracking of all Center accounts, accounts payable, and accounts receivable.
Oversees cost accounting to ensure appropriate revenue and expenditure tracking per University guidelines.
Calculates per diem rates and service fees based on species, research services performed, housing style, and other cost factors.
Provides financial reports and revenue/expenditure estimates to assist NIRC Senior Management in fiscal decision-making.

Grants & Research Financial Administration

Manages all financial aspects of research grants and contracts to ensure compliance with agency and University guidelines.
Provides oversight for budget and proposal development for federal, state, and private funding agencies. Ensures grant proposals comply with University and agency policies prior to submission to the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.
Coordinates with NIRC Senior Management to address grant and contract financial issues.
Monitors grant activity to ensure compliance with reporting and expenditure guidelines.
Acts as the liaison between NIRC and UL-Lafayette’s Office of Research, Sponsored Programs Finance Administration, and Compliance to resolve financial issues.
Manages billing activities related to research grants, including recharge rate development and accounts receivable tracking.

ERP System & Financial Operations Leadership

Serves as NIRC’s financial lead for the University ERP system, ensuring proper system utilization and financial reporting accuracy.
Oversees the financial implementation and use of the ERP system to streamline financial operations.

Contract Management & Client Financial Agreements

Initiates and negotiates Master Services Agreements (MSAs) with UL-Lafayette and external clients.
Submits Task Orders, Change Orders, and study-specific budgets to clients.
Receives purchase orders (POs) and establishes invoicing schedules based on contract terms.
Drafts and submits invoices to Sponsored Programs Finance Administration & Compliance (SPFAC) for processing and client billing.

Administrative & Personnel Management

Supervises, trains, and evaluates the Administrative Coordinator 4 to ensure financial and administrative support functions run smoothly.
Coordinates with University HR and relevant departments to recruit, hire, and train financial/administrative staff.

Additional Responsibilities

Performs other duties as assigned or requested to support the financial integrity and operational efficiency of the Center.

Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, budgeting, and accounting.
Prior Supervisory experience managing administrative or financial personnel.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s of Business Administration Degree and/or CPA is preferred
Experience with financial oversight, planning, contracts, grant management and compliance in higher education or nonprofit organizations.
Familiarity with Ellucian/Banner ERP systems and University-sponsored programs financial administration.

Skills, Abilities, Etc.:

Strong leadership, managerial, negotiation, and communication skills (both oral and written).
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access for financial analysis and reporting.

Job Ad# (req4195)

University of Louisiana Lafayette

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Chief Financial Officer