Position Summary
LUMCON is seeking an experienced Chief Financial Officer/Associate Director of Administration (CFO). This position will support all areas of the organization, including contracts and grants management, financial management, and personnel administration.
The position will play a critical role in partnering with the Management Team in strategic decision making and operations.
The position reports to the Executive Director and directly supervises three administrative staff. The CFO is responsible for a ~$15M annual operating budget and numerous federal and state grants. The CFO will join LUMCON during an exciting growth phase, including a new maritime campus in Houma (LA), the future operation of the newly constructed 199’ R/V Gilbert Mason, a growing funding portfolio, and increases in staff, including five recent faculty hires.
Responsibilities
Leadership and Management
- Serve on the organization’s Management Team, helping to develop and execute multiyear business plans and strategies that advance LUMCON’s priorities and impact.
- Promote administrative excellence, creativity, leadership, cooperation, teamwork, and accountability throughout LUMCON.
- Mentor and coach three staff members in the finance and accounting department, including the Accounts Payable Officer, Accounts Receivable Officer, and Sponsored Programs Officer/Purchasing Officer/P-Card Administrator. In addition, work with the HR Officer/Payroll Officer to meet state and federal guidelines and processes.
- Maintain relationships with the Louisiana Board of Regents, Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance, other state and federal divisions and organizations, and private donors
Financial Strategy and Management
- Lead the design and assessment of financial strategy and performance related to managing against the annual budget and long-term goals while fostering organizational effectiveness and sustainability.
- Analyze and present financial reports in an accurate and timely manner; communicate monthly and annual financial statements; collate financial reporting materials for all donor segments; and oversee all financial, project/program, and grants accounting.
- Coordinate and lead the annual audit and any other state, federal, or special audits; liaise with external auditors; and assess any changes necessary.
- Oversee and lead annual budgeting and planning process in conjunction with the Executive Director; set budgetary goals and objectives; administer and review all financial plans and budgets; and keep Management Team abreast of the organizational and programmatic financial status. • Work with the Board of Regents and Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance in budget implementation and reporting processes.
- Serve as fiscal sponsor and liaison and provide financial oversight of the Barataria‐Terrebonne National Estuary Program (BTNEP).
- Manage organizational cash flow and forecasting to support operational requirements.
- Identify opportunities to enhance income from development and revenue sources, and identify how best to promote, schedule, and charge for various initiatives.
Grant and Contract Management
- Direct grants and contracts management, including helping design program budgets for proposals and providing decision support to management.
- Oversee and maintain the grants and contracts management and financial management reporting system, and ensure adherence to the billing and collection schedules.
- Direct and manage all grants and subawards in addition to subaward requirements on grants led by other institutions.
- Forecast and track grant spending and ensure grants are managed and spent out appropriately.
Payroll, Reporting, and Compliance
- Coordinate with the Human Resource Officer/Payroll Officer to administer payroll and benefits. • Oversee compliance with the policies, procedures, and regulations of the Louisiana Board of Regents and the state of Louisiana. • Update and implement all necessary business policies and accounting practices to ensure regulatory compliance required by funders, including federal, state, and local governmental agencies and foundations.
- Oversee filing systems for all administrative, contract, grant, and financial records.
- Stay informed and provide guidance and recommendations on federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in business administration or accounting (or similar degree) and a minimum of seven years of progressive responsibility at a managerial level, preferably in an academic setting, is preferred. At a minimum, a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or Accounting is required or equivalent in education and experience plus 10 years of related experience.
- Supervisory experience and a demonstrated ability to develop and lead others.
- Successful experience managing a budget of at least $10M.
- A track record in federal and state grants management.
- Demonstrated experience being an agent of organizational change.
- Commitment to LUMCON’s mission, vision, and values.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Demonstrated ability to be a leader and team player with a strong results orientation.
- Able to work effectively with a diverse population of faculty, staff, and students.
- Excellent knowledge base of business principles and techniques of administration, organization, and management, as well as managerial accounting and GAAP finance principles (including practice management).
- Knowledge of science funding and management, and an understanding of trends in research funding.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities to ensure work is completed in a timely and productive manner.
- Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing, including the ability to communicate effectively at interpersonal and group level and to persons with varying levels of financial competence.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to develop and present concise and clear solutions.
- In‐depth understanding of the key business issues that exist in a research and education institution.
- Knowledge of strategic and operational planning.
- Knowledge, experience, and ability to manage complex information and computer systems.
- Knowledge of the State of Louisiana ERP/LaGov system and accounting is beneficial, but not required.
- Familiarity with Louisiana state policies and procedures is beneficial, but not required.
Compensation
The salary and benefits are competitive. Benefits include a choice of several different health insurance plans and a wide selection of supplemental insurance (life, dental, and cancer). Employees can choose between the Teacher’s Retirement System of Louisiana (TRSL) or an Optional Retirement Plan (similar to a 401K). All Louisiana state employees currently receive 14 paid holidays annually and accumulate both sick and annual leave in a system based on years of service. A new, full-time employee earns approximately 12 days of annual leave and 12 days of sick leave in the first year of service.
The successful candidate must be willing to relocate to the Houma/Thibodaux region. LUMCON will cover some relocation expenses.
Application Process
To apply for this position, please submit your cover letter and resume electronically (see link below) to Gretchen Kunkel at The Moran Company. The cover letter should respond to the responsibilities presented in this posting, including highlighting your experience and qualifications within science and research, academic, and nonprofit institutions.
