The Central Administrative Services (CAS) unit of AURA is seeking a Division Chief for its office in Tucson, AZ. The CAS Division Chief is responsible for developing and executing financial and administrative strategies for AURA's ground-based astronomical observatories of approximately $180 million, operating in the U.S. and Chile. Strategies are to support the overall business plan and strategic direction of the organization, specifically in the areas of financial operations; procurement and contracts, financial planning, reporting and analysis; tax and compliance, accounting business systems, and logistics administration. Provides strategic leadership by articulating subject matter expertise, resources and plans to the senior management team and governing boards. Serves a key role in developing and implementing financial procedures to maintain and improve the financial and logistic services provided to the organization. Operates as a primary liaison with various Federal and State government agencies and auditors.

Essential Functions:

Provide strategic management and leadership to the finance and administrative functions by overseeing the Central Administrative Services (CAS) departments of Procurement, Accounting Operations, Financial Reporting, Contracts Administration, Compliance and Logistics. The teams total 53 staff across the U.S. and in Chile.
Develop CAS plans, strategy and structure to support the achievement of the overall business operations objectives.
Establish and maintain strong relationships with senior leaders in the ground-based observatories to identify their needs and deliver a full range of business and financial solutions.
Establish and direct related processes, procedures and internal controls in compliance with AURA policies, Federal Uniform Guidance, laws, regulations and other industry best practices.
Ensure financial reporting is accurate, timely and in compliance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification.
Manages AURA's independent audits of financial statements and Federal compliance (Single Audit) for ground-based and space observatories. Manages incurred cost, business systems and accounting system audits directed by funding agencies.
Leads forecasting and budget processes for ground-based observatories and the Corporate offices.
Directs cash management processes in compliance with Federal standards, ensuring funds are available to meet operational needs.
Develop strong working relationships with staff from Federal awarding agencies and serve as a primary liaison with other Federal and state government agencies.
Continually analyzes and evaluates the services provided by the CAS function to ensure activities achieve and surpass agreed upon levels of service along industry best practices.
 Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

Fifteen years of experience in accounting and finance functions, including a minimum of five years in a senior management role.
CPA or advanced degree in Business Administration, Finance, MBA preferred.
Broad knowledge of accounting, procurement and information technology functions with a strong knowledge of all aspects of generally accepted account principles.
Extensive experience with Federal awards, Uniform Guidance, and indirect cost proposals.
Experience in a complex operation, matrix environment.
A proven strategic leader in Finance operations with a strong track record identifying and implementing best practices.
Proven record of strong collaboration with a wide variety of administrative, technical and scientific personnel in the accomplishment of organizational goals.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
AURA offers an excellent benefits package, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment.

Preference will be given to qualified internal candidates.

Please list 3 professional references in your application and attach a CV or resume (PDF files preferred) to your application. Please name any attachments with the following format: LastnameDocname. Application documents that are not uploaded as part of the application may be sent to employment@aura-astronomy.org.

AURA, as a leader in the astronomical community, is committed to diversity and inclusion. AURA develops and supports programs that advance our organizational commitment to diversity, broaden participation, and encourage the advancement of diversity throughout the astronomical scientific workforce. Learn more at http://www.aura-astronomy.org/diversity.asp.

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below as well as the requests for self-identification are required pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements which are included for protection and to assist us in our recordkeeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.

Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at employment@aura-astronomy.org.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.