Finance Manager

The Finance Manager provides expert financial, analytical, and administrative oversight for the Basic Sciences Administrative Cluster, which manages over $19M in research awards and $16M in non-research expenditures in FY24. This role oversees all financial operations, including operating funds, gifts and endowments, contracts and grants, and purchasing activities.

Key responsibilities include financial analysis, planning, and reporting; budget development; post-award management of grant and contract funds; and oversight of research core recharges. The Finance Manager also supervises finance and contracts & grants analysts and collaborates with the School of Medicine's Pre-Award and Post-Award units on faculty research proposals and awards.

This position requires advanced expertise in financial analysis and planning, strong knowledge of university accounting policies and contracts & grants regulations, and experience managing complex, multi-investigator, and infrastructure/center awards from federal agencies. The ideal candidate demonstrates exceptional analytical and organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, strong leadership and customer service abilities, and proven supervisory experience.

Apply By Date: November 21, 2025, at 11:59 PM

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload a license and/or certification if required for the position

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Health/Public Administration, or related field, and/or equivalent experience and training
• 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in higher education
• Demonstrated experience in accounting, finance, or related analytical duties
• Extensive experience in budget development, analysis, reconciliation, and forecasting
• Experience supervising and managing staff performance
• Strong ability to manage and control complex budgets, with foresight to anticipate and resolve financial issues
• Proficiency in spreadsheet and database applications for financial analysis, fiscal management, and reporting
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and University accounting policies and procedures
• Familiarity with Aggie Enterprise (Oracle); proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn new financial and research systems
• Understanding of University policies on Purchasing, Travel, and Entertainment

Financial & Technical Proficiency

• Strong ability to manage and control complex budgets, with foresight to anticipate and resolve financial issues
• Proficiency in spreadsheet and database applications for financial analysis, fiscal management, and reporting
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and University accounting policies and procedures
• Familiarity with Aggie Enterprise (Oracle); proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn new financial and research systems
• Understanding of University policies on Purchasing, Travel, and Entertainment

Research Administration Knowledge

• Knowledge of federal financial guidelines as outlined in Uniform Guidance

• Understanding of state, federal, and foundation grant/contract budgeting, reporting, and fund usage policies

• Knowledge of research administration and compliance requirements for federal and non-federal sponsors, including those related to human and animal subjects, financial conflicts of interest, and biosafety

Analytical & Organizational Skills

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills to manage multiple complex projects in a dynamic environment

• Ability to work independently with minimal direction while exercising sound judgment and initiative

• Attention to detail and accuracy in financial and administrative work

• Ability to assess issues, identify needs, and develop effective, strategic solutions

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Demonstrated ability to provide professional customer service to diverse clientele, including faculty, staff, and external agencies

• Tact, diplomacy, and flexibility in working with leadership, faculty, and staff across multiple departments

• Ability to manage multiple inquiries and requests courteously and professionally

• Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality in all matters

Leadership & Collaboration

• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop team members

• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) and/or Research Administration Certification
• Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Health or Public Administration, or related field, and/or equivalent experience and training
• Experience with Aggie Enterprise
• In-depth knowledge of University policies and procedures related to personnel and payroll, purchasing, travel, entertainment, expense transfers, invoicing, and collections
• Proven ability to represent the department and organization in a professional and collaborative manner

Key Responsibilities

• 35% - Financial Management and Analysis

• 30% - Purchasing and Travel Compliance

• 20% - Supervision

• 10% - Post-Award Grants Management

• 5% - Strategic Planning and Analysis

Department Overview

The School of Medicine Basic Sciences Administrative Cluster provides centralized administrative and financial support to three core departments: Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, and Physiology and Membrane Biology. The mission of these departments is to advance scientific discovery through innovative research, provide exceptional educational opportunities, and offer high-level service and mentorship to students, postdoctoral fellows, and residents.

Collaboration and the fearless pursuit of new ideas are essential to this mission. Educational programs span multiple levels, with highly ranked courses supporting both undergraduate and graduate training. Departmental operations are conducted across the Sacramento and Davis campuses, with research facilities located on both sites.

Collectively, these units support approximately 80 faculty members, generating more than $19 million in research awards and $16 million in non-research expenditures in FY24. The Basic Sciences Unit is deeply committed to fostering a culture of mutual respect, inclusivity, and collaboration. We recognize and cherish the richness that our diversity contributes to our lives. We further recognize the right of every individual to think, speak, express, and debate any idea. We support and uphold the UC Davis Principles of Community.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $8,533.33 - $16,866.67 (Budgeted Salary Range: $8,533.33 - $12,700.00)
• Salary Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Grade: Grade 25
• UC Job Title: FINANCIAL ANL MGR 1
• UC Job Code: 000212
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100% Full-time
• Shift (Work Schedule): M-F (8 AM-5 PM)
• Location: Tupper Hall, Davis, CA
• Union Representation: Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources, and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial, and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations, and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html.

• High-quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits, including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program, including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered, including additional life, short/long-term disability, pet insurance, and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles, including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

• UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis-owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
• Ability to work occasional overtime, including weekends, to meet project deadlines.
• May require traveling to other UC Davis locations within the Sacramento campus and the Davis campus.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position.

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation, clearance, and functional capacity assessment
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures, and training requirements

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan, and our strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks