Assistant Director of Finance and Operations

Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Education 
The Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Education (VPGE) is a dynamic and fast-paced team that delivers programs to Stanford’s 9,000+ graduate students and 2,400+ postdoctoral scholars. We work collaboratively across the university with schools and other vice provost areas to enhance the graduate educational experience. VPGE supports programs, administration, and service to the university community and graduate students in five portfolio areas: fellowships and funding, professional development, diversity and inclusion, interdisciplinary learning, and academic guidance.

VPGE is looking for an Assistant Director of Finance and Operations to join our team. Reporting to the Senior Director of Finance and Administration, you will enjoy using your analytical and project management skills to support VPGE finance and operations. The ideal candidate will be able to perform complex finance functions and/or activities requiring advanced knowledge and application of internal policies, external regulations, precedents, and systems. Additionally, you will have strong human resource skills to serve as a resource to staff and faculty on human resources policies, procedures, and practices.

In support of the university’s flexible work initiative, this position may be eligible to be “hybrid,” working both from home and Stanford's historical campus.
In this role, you will:

• Perform and design ad hoc analyses of large complex data sets; reconcile complex accounts. Identify and resolve complex issues which may span multiple areas.
• Construct and assemble data for budgeting and decision making; develop conclusions, and present a high level summary of recommendations. May develop an annual budget for individual departments/units.
• Conduct analysis and resolution, and recognize exceptions. Participate in developing solutions that may require policy changes or the development of new processes; maintain broader organizational perspective in decision making.
• Execute internal control programs established by management, research new regulations, and recommend and implement approved changes. May manage compliance programs for areas of responsibility, and create complex compliance reports.
• Develop reports and presentations of complex financial data and metrics for management and third parties. Maintain endowment funding models for VPGE fellowships.
• Contribute to unit and organization strategy; assist in the development of change management plans and materials as needed.
• Develop and maintain desktop procedures and process documentation for areas of responsibility.
• Collaborate with HR Department to interpret human resources policies and provide advice on human resources processes, procedures, and issues. Resolve issues as appropriate and consult with and make recommendations to the manager/director to resolve more complex issues.
• Facilitate the recruitment process by providing advice to hiring managers on job postings, advertising, interview questions, and reference checking. Conduct pre-screening, including sourcing and interviewing, to refer qualified applicants to hiring managers.
• Design and manage onboarding and exit processes.
• Provide consulting advice to client group(s); serve as a resource on matters that require specific technical, financial, or subject matter expertise; support negotiations with external partners.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Bachelor’s degree and four years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience.
• Advanced proficiency in business applications, such as Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel.
• Demonstrated knowledge of financial systems; internet and computer literacy.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Strong communication skills,including ability to prepare materials for and clearly and effectively communicate information to internal and external audiences and client groups.
• Demonstrated project management skills and ability to contribute to or lead part of a multi-functional team.

How to Apply
We invite you to apply for this position by clicking on the “Apply for Job” button. To be considered, please submit a cover letter and resume along with your online application.

Why Stanford is for You
Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or course auditing. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more

The expected pay range for this position is $78,000 to $118,000 per annum.
Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards ) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the university will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.