FINANCE MANAGER - Requisition ID 404624
Institute for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Colorado

This position provides financial oversight for both the Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP) and the Institute for Health Research (IHR) and is responsible for the day to day management of financial activities, financial reporting, and supervision of the finance staff in the OSP.  The Finance Manager works with the Manager of Sponsored Projects Administration and the Director of Research Administration, as well as other members of the IHR leadership team, to ensure effective management of sponsored research post-award activities and assures compliance with federal, state, and private regulations concerning research grants/contracts terms and conditions.  S/he analyzes and interprets federal agency rules, regulations, and changes in regulations, provides policy guidance, and assists and advises KPCO staff on sponsored research grant management and compliance.  S/he collaborates with Kaiser Foundation Research Institute (KFRI) on the coordination of financial reporting to funding agencies, and ensures administrative and fiscal obligations to sponsors are met.  This position participates in research administration and financial system oversight.  S/he is responsible for participating in financial systems functional requirements assessment and implementation, implementing best practices, and maximizing functionality of financial systems.  S/he conducts workshops and disseminates information to staff on post-award issues and provides grant training.  The Finance Manager is regularly involved in communication and collaboration with KFRI/Program Office and Kaiser Permanente sites outside Colorado.

In addition to the activities related to the oversight of sponsored research, s/he is responsible for oversight of the IHR’s departmental finances and budget.  The Finance Manager is responsible for ensuring accurate and relevant financial reporting in compliance with relevant accounting standards such as Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and the Sarbanes- Oxley (SOX) Act of 2002. S/he possesses a thorough understanding of Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS) to ensure proper design and controls within the control environment, coordinates the on-going assessment of the control environment and financial reporting process and provides expert advice to all levels of management to support accurate and meaningful financial reporting. This manager maintains knowledge of policies and procedures and performs work in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements, external laws, and accreditation standards as they relate to the IHR. S/he is held accountable for compliance with federal, state, institutional, and departmental requirements.

Essential Functions:
- Provides leadership to accounting team members by planning and coordinating activities, helping as needed to prioritize workloads, and monitoring quality and performance.
- Supervises assigned staff, including coaching, motivating, training, disciplining, and terminating in compliance with EEO goals and personnel policies of the organization.
- Assumes responsibility for planning, development, and implementation of effective accounting strategies, policies and procedures.
- Works as the liaison between the Controllers office, General Accounting, Corporate Governance and operational units to ensure that strong internal controls and financial reporting standards are accurately applied to financial transactions.
- Provides expert guidance to operational areas (including the IHR management team and IHR directors) to ensure that transactions are in compliance with GAAP, FASB, SSAP and other accounting regulations.
- Understands work flows to ensure that best practices are applied and gaps are identified and remedied.
- Assists in the development and implementation of new policies and procedures as needed.
- Champions and leads implementation of financial monitoring systems (e.g., "dashboards," software, project status reports, etc.) and methods of communicating financial information to IHR management and staff. Increases "visibility" into IHR finances and develops documentation of systems and approaches used. Comfortable with a variety of administrative systems and experienced in working with said systems.
- Works closely with the Manager of Sponsored Projects Administration to oversee and manage research related cost centers.
- Works closely with the Director of Research Administration to conduct financial forecasts, analyze funding scenarios, develop IHR budgets, and provide senior IHR management with timely and accurate financial information. Assists with strategic decision-making and troubleshooting of issues that have financial implications.
- Coordinates all audits including the annual A-133 (single) audit, SOX audits, and other internal audits.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience
- Minimum three (3) years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including invoicing, accounts receivable and forecasting.
- Strong experience with word processing, spreadsheet and database applications.

Education
- Bachelor's degree in business accounting, finance or information systems.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Strong communication and leadership abilities required.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and direct a small team in finance/accounting tasks.
- Knowledge of principles of accounting and contract administration/law.
- Ability to work independently and exercise sound ethical judgment.
- Excellent communication skills (oral and written).
- Extensive knowledge and application of professional accounting principles, concepts and techniques.

Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with PeopleSoft Financials and Grants Management Suite.
- Prior supervisory or management experience.
- Auditing experience in a large firm or significant consulting engagements.
- Master's degree in relevant field, CPA, OR six (6) years of experience in a directly related field.
- Initiative and judgment to independently problem solve and prioritize.  Ability to work independently, but also a strong team player when needed.  Must have flexible and adaptive work style to manage multiple priorities to achieve goals for operational efficiency and fiscal stability.  Strong customer service orientation is required.  Must be able to take initiative and keep up with the changes in research administration policies and procedures, as well as Kaiser Permanente policies and procedures.  Proven ability to lead and manage change.
- In-depth knowledge of Federal regulations for sponsored project funding; working knowledge of sponsored project accounting and reporting functions; working knowledge of the award life cycle, including pre-award activities; experience with external audits; experience in working with a variety of different funders – federal, state, pharmaceutical (clinical trials) and internally funded projects.

Applicants need to apply online at http://www.kaiserpermanentejobs.org/jobs.aspx, Requisition ID 404624

Julie P. James
Director of Research Administration
Institute for Health Research | Kaiser Permanente Colorado
10065 E. Harvard Ave, Suite 300 | Denver Highlands, 3rd floor, Denver, CO  80231
Office: 303-614-1310 | Email: xxxxxx@kp.org

<br>
======================================================================<br>
 Instructions on how to use the RESADM-L Mailing List, including<br>
 subscription information and a web-searchable archive, are available<br>
 via our web site at http://www.healthresearch.org (click on the<br>
 "LISTSERV" link in the upper right corner)<br>
<br>
 A link directly to helpful tips:  http://tinyurl.com/resadm-l-help<br>
======================================================================<br>