Director of Research Finance

Required Application Materials

A single PDF or Word document containing a resume, letter of interest, and a list of the names and contact information for three (3) professional references is required to apply.

Important Instructions:

When prompted to upload your “resume”, upload your combined documents as one file.

• Please do not upload documents to “Cover Letter” or “References”.

If the required application materials were not uploaded at the “resume” prompt, please withdraw your application, and re-apply to upload your combined documents as one file.

Job Summary

The Director of Research Finance provides leadership and direction for research operations and strategy at UT Tyler. This includes, but is not limited to, generating meaningful reporting and analytics, communicating results to drive strong financial decision making, and overseeing the integration of research and financial data across multiple platforms. This position participates in process improvement efforts with various departments/programs to assist with streamlining operations and maximizing efficiency when possible. The Director of Research Finance is highly matrixed between the Office of Finance and Accounting, Office of Research, The School of Medicine, and Department Chairs and Senior Administration.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a key leader and liaison for the Office of Health Affairs in working with the Office of Research and the School of Medicine to create and execute a financial plan to support the strategic growth of the research enterprise.
• Develop, maintain, and deliver financial reporting to Research and Education leadership teams, driving continuous improvement in budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
• Develop metrics and analytics to monitor and assess performance to budget in volumes, revenues, and expenses. Create and lead a monthly financial review for each office.
• Partners with the Controller and Office of Research to assure the necessary control environment is in place to comply with federal regulations, to appropriately recognize grant and contract revenue, assure that grant and contract accounts receivable are properly recorded with any necessary allowance for doubtful accounts.
• Coordinates with the Office of Finance, Controller, Chief Financial Officer, and the Compliance Office on all financial and compliance audits by regulatory, internal, external, and taxing authorities.
• Represents UT Tyler leadership regarding research and educational financial matters on various institutional committees and ad hoc groups.
• Represents Finance to other operational components, UT System, outside agencies, and on intra and inter-unit committees as needed.
• Collaborates with Finance leadership to ensure business continuity plans are maintained, documented, and routinely tested.
• Ensures financial transactions on research accounts are compliant with research sponsors and university guidelines. Works closely with clinical research groups to ensure timely reconciliation of charges and payments between the clinical research groups and UT Health East Texas service lines.
• Maintains compliance with all applicable laws and regulations; consistent, fair administration of policies and procedures; and timeliness in meeting deadlines.
• Explores opportunities and facilitates new clinical research opportunities and assists with study acquisition by cultivating relationships with industry sponsors.
• Proactively establishes quality initiatives; manage ongoing improvements of standards, policies and procedures related to research finance.
• Standardizes contract processes for clinical and non-clinical research across the Health Affairs Division of the University. Develop ongoing consultation with Office of Legal Affairs to align contract processes for review and approval efficiency.
• Develops and standardizes a research productivity incentive program for investigators across the University.
• Ensures compliance with UT Tyler, UT Health Science Center, UT Health East Texas, and UT System policies.
• Executes departmental account reconciliation and segregation of duties monitoring in alignment with UT System Policy 142.1.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Economics, I.T. Informatics, or related field.
• Five (5) years of related experience.
• Three (3) years of clinical research managerial experience.
• A combination of experience and education may be accepted.

Preferred Education/Experience

• Master’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Economics, I.T. Informatics, or related field.

Accompanying Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies

• Proficiency with financial analysis and fiscal planning techniques in a university academic, healthcare, and research setting.
• Must possess broad industry knowledge of academic health care
• Conducts business with the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct.
• Proficiency in and assists others with university financial, budgetary, cost, productivity, and statistical systems, as well as in Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to present ideas and effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, throughout all levels of the organization, including senior leadership, and in a variety of delivery formats.
• Working knowledge of various accounting software systems
• Well-developed analytical skills and corresponding ability to summarize results in charts, graphs, and reports.
• Demonstrated professionalism, sensitivity, and discretion in handling confidential information.
• Proficiency in using other Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.)

About The University of Texas at Tyler and UT Tyler Health Science Center

The University of Texas at Tyler is part of the prestigious University of Texas System that includes 14 institutions located throughout the state. Founded in 1971, UT Tyler today enrolls 10,000 students and consists of six colleges.

Designated an R2 research institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, UT Tyler supports our surrounding region through innovation intended to uplift communities, spearhead sustainability initiatives, preserve ecosystems and support entrepreneurship. UT Tyler has the highest Carnegie classification in East Texas.

Providing exceptional patient care, comprehensive education and innovative research, The University of Texas at Tyler Health Science Center and UT Health East Texas combine to serve as the university medical center for Northeast Texas and beyond.

For more information, please visit https://www.uttyler.edu/about.

Why work for UT Tyler? Find out more: Why Work for UT Tyler?

Additional Information

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code Section 51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information. Applicants selected must be able to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States by time of hire.

For more information regarding benefits offered by UT Tyler, please visit https://www.uttyler.edu/offices/human-resources/employees/benefits.

Clinical Position Requirements

Clinical positions require pre-screening through our Occupational Health department, including a drug test. Employees are required to obtain annual influenza vaccines.

EEO Statement

The University of Texas at Tyler is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.