Financial Systems Project Manager

Support Astronomy! Come join and be part of our finance team at AURA’s Central Administrative Services group that supports the day-to-day operations for a $170 million division.  AURA’s Centers enable the next decade of astronomical discoveries through world-class facilities and science. AURA offers a mix-model workspace (office & virtual) and stimulating environments for all. Candidate can work Baltimore, DC, Arizona, Boulder- hybrid model.

The Financial Systems Manager is responsible for providing clear leadership and management of overall execution of finance, business system, and operations initiatives and projects, to include system implementation and enhancements, and will be responsible for all deliverables, customer relations, coordination with consultants, and reporting. This role will partner with and analyze the organization’s needs, coordinate external consultants, and also be a hands-on independent contributor. This role will have strong interactions with the various team and project stakeholders to establish seamless processes that meet all program and contract requirements.

Essential Financial Systems  Manager Functions:

• Identifying process and system solutions for enhancements, acting in the capacity of a Business Systems Analyst
• Works with the cross functional managers to identify potential improvements to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the role, including a clearly defined requirements hand off process between teams
• Guide the completion of root cause analysis to ensure issues do not recur
• Maturing the SDLC processes around configuration, testing, and deployment of solutions
• Document, maintain and enhance all program processes, workflows, and quality standards
• Ensures team development of expertise with existing or new systems 
• Serves as a conduit between the cross functional managers, program and business stakeholders, fostering relationships across the organization 
• Serves as a stakeholder across all active projects

Essential Project Management Functions:

• Lead and perform all stages of project management for Financial, Business system and Operations projects.  Including clear project plans with roles and responsibilities, requirements,  success criteria, regular status updates, risks, and scope and date changes.
• Develop and/or review program specific planning and control documents. Lead and collaborate with multiple cross-functional teams to support program requirements of varying size, complexity and duration. Develop and manage change control processes. 
• Prepares reports, slide presentations, or memos to distribute regular communications about project progress with staff, managers, organizational executive leadership and governance members.
• Reviews critical project documentation for completion and provides feedback and coaching as required. 
• Holds team members accountable to meet estimates and time frames for all team’s tasks and deliverables. 

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree or greater in a related discipline
• Experience with Deltek Costpoint including extensive use of multiple project module systems
• Minimum of 5-7 years of project management experience in a technology, construction, A&E or other highly technical organizations
• Extensive experience documenting organizational policies, procedures, and system documentation and requirements
• Have had responsibility for a numerous successful, complex projects (delivered meeting client requirements and with high team satisfaction)
• Experience with implementing ERP systems to include experience evaluating system vulnerability assessments and developing mitigation plans
• Strong business acumen to include an understanding of financial concepts, US GAAP, and internal controls
• Analytical with an ability to present complex financial information to non-finance team members
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary and international environment
• Excellent communication skills and high integrity and ethical behavior
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills

We also offer an excellent benefits package and competitive salary. The salary range $140k-$180K, and the position provides relocation assistance. 

Highlights:

• Health Benefits – Start first on the month following hire
• Retirement Options:
• 401(a) Money Purchase Pension Plan / 10% Employer Contribution
• Paid Time Off:
• Vacation / Accrual of up to 24 days per/yr.
• Paid Sick Leave / 8 hour per/mo.
• Holiday Time / 10 days per/yr.

• Benefit Guide: https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/employee-benefits-guide

TO APPLY: Share your experience by completing an online application and uploading your resume. We would like to fill these positions by February 24, 2024 and will accept applications until they are filled.

Any inquiries about your application status can be directed to careers@stsci.edu.

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

 The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of over 40 US institutions and three international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. AURA is responsible for managing the operations of the NSF’s NOIRLab, the National Solar Observatory, and the construction of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory and the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope under cooperative agreements with the National Science Foundation and operations of the Space Telescope Science Institute under contracts with NASA.

  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.