Description

The Chief Business Officer (CBO) serves as the financial leader for the Division of Research and Innovation (VCRI). The CBO will provide strategic leadership and oversight for financial planning and analysis, budgeting, forecasting, organizational administration and resource allocation, operational effectiveness, and the administration and tracking of key research support programs, including start-up commitments and cost-share obligations, across the division and the research enterprise.

The position provides financial oversight for division units including, but not limited to, the Office of Research Administration (which includes sponsored programs, research compliance, contracting, and campus services), Research Technology & Infrastructure, Technology Ventures, Research Security, Research Advancement, and Research Operations, as well as research centers and core facilities such as the Arkansas High Performance Computing Center and the Arkansas Materials Institute.

The CBO partners closely with division leadership, academic units, associate deans of research and department heads; central administrative offices; and external stakeholders such as the Arkansas Biosciences Institute and Arkansas Research Alliance to support the university’s strategic research objectives, ensure responsible stewardship of resources, and strengthen operational infrastructure.

This position reports directly to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Capital and Financial Planning and indirectly to the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation

Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or related field from an accredited institution of higher education
• At least four years of financial planning and analysis experience
• At least two years of experience in a supervisory role
• At least three years of accounting experience related to research enterprise activities
• Experience with written and verbal presentations of financial activity
• Experience developing, implementing and monitoring budgets
• Experience working with federal and state regulation of sponsored research

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in business, accounting or a related field
• Experience working with federal uniform guidance and related federal regulatory systems
• At least four years financial planning and analysis experience in post-secondary higher education
• Successful completion of a CPA or similar professional certificate
• Director level experience
• Experience managing financial operations, accounting, budget, and reporting functions in a post-secondary environment
• Workday experience

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• In depth understanding and knowledge of best practices in the areas of budgeting, analytics, operations and planning
• Excellent communication skills both oral and written
• Time management skills
• Decision-making and problem-solving skills
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret financial data
• Ability to collaborate and work well with others
• Ability to work under time constraints
• Proficient abilities with Microsoft Office Suite – with expertise in Word and Excel