Chief Financial Officer University of Southern California, Andrew and Erna Viterbi School of Engineering, Information Sciences Institute | Marina del Rey, California USC’s Information Sciences Institute (ISI), a unit of the University’s Viterbi School of Engineering, is a world leader in the research and development of advanced artificial intelligence, information processing, computing, microelectronics, cybersecurity, and communications technologies. ISI’s 400 faculty, professional staff and graduate students carry out extraordinary information sciences research at three distinct locations - Marina Del Rey, CA; Arlington, VA; and Waltham, MA.The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will play a pivotal role in the strategic financial management of the institute. They will collaborate with senior leadership to drive financial decisions, manage budgets, and ensure the fiscal success of ISI. Reporting to the Executive Director of ISI, the CFO will be part of the ISI Senior Leadership Team and will be the financial liaison with the University. The CFO will interpret USC and federal contracting policies as they apply to ISI and represent ISI’s interests with the broader USC and federal contracting communities.The CFO will be responsible for the following: Oversee all aspects of financial operation for the institute. This involves developing and administering ISI financial policies and procedures; cost control strategies; fiscal data management programs; regular, recurring analyses of budgets and expenditure data; government rate structures for DCMA audited rates, various statistical summaries related to the contract and fiscal operations of ISI. Ensure that all activities and expenditures remain within approved budgets, and within Government, University and ISI policies, rules, and regulations so they will be favorably viewed under audit.Oversee the Administrative Services Division functions: pre- and post-award contract administration, purchasing, property control, accounting and finance, payroll, facility management, administrative support, security, audit, contract compliance, agreements, and legal issues, etc.Provide financial leadership in grant and contract management.Develop and implement improved management procedures and practices, business systems and computerization, and methods of administration, organization, public relations, and staff utilization. Continuously look for ways to improve/streamline processes to reduce bureaucracy and improve customer experience.Modernize internal systems and build and maintain business intelligence capabilities to support contract and financial reviews and reporting. Interface with University administrative organizations and assure that they support ISI programs in a timely and effective manner.Collaborate with internal and external partners to find “win-win” solutions.Handle various special projects as required.Preferred Qualifications:Working knowledge of university budget and accounting operations (particularly fund accounting).Research administration experience with work supported by government contracts to include cost estimation policies and procedures, contract and grant negotiation, expense allowability, and the various Federal regulations governing contract activities.Minimum Education: CPA or MBA degree or master’s degree in a field related to finance. Minimum Experience: Minimum of 7 years of experience leading a finance organization with strong knowledge of fiscal principles. Especially management accounting, cost accounting, project and cost oversight.Strong fiscal management skills and education.Strong leadership skills.Strong communication skills.The anticipated salary range for this position is $250-$300k annually, commensurate with the successful candidate’s experience. USC provides a competitive compensation package that recognizes experience, credentials, and education alongside a robust benefits package to meet candidate needs.Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be submitted below. Electronic submission of materials is strongly encouraged.Courtney Wilk-Mandel is leading this search with Drew Nichols and Cara Meyers.USC is an equal-opportunity educator and employer, proudly pluralistic and firmly committed to providing equal opportunity for outstanding persons of every race, gender, creed, and background. The university particularly encourages members of underrepresented groups, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply. USC will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship. Further information is available by contacting uschr@usc.edu. APPLY NOMINATE contact Drew Nichols
USC’s Information Sciences Institute (ISI), a unit of the University’s Viterbi School of Engineering, is a world leader in the research and development of advanced artificial intelligence, information processing, computing, microelectronics, cybersecurity, and communications technologies. ISI’s 400 faculty, professional staff and graduate students carry out extraordinary information sciences research at three distinct locations - Marina Del Rey, CA; Arlington, VA; and Waltham, MA.The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will play a pivotal role in the strategic financial management of the institute. They will collaborate with senior leadership to drive financial decisions, manage budgets, and ensure the fiscal success of ISI. Reporting to the Executive Director of ISI, the CFO will be part of the ISI Senior Leadership Team and will be the financial liaison with the University. The CFO will interpret USC and federal contracting policies as they apply to ISI and represent ISI’s interests with the broader USC and federal contracting communities.The CFO will be responsible for the following: Oversee all aspects of financial operation for the institute. This involves developing and administering ISI financial policies and procedures; cost control strategies; fiscal data management programs; regular, recurring analyses of budgets and expenditure data; government rate structures for DCMA audited rates, various statistical summaries related to the contract and fiscal operations of ISI. Ensure that all activities and expenditures remain within approved budgets, and within Government, University and ISI policies, rules, and regulations so they will be favorably viewed under audit.Oversee the Administrative Services Division functions: pre- and post-award contract administration, purchasing, property control, accounting and finance, payroll, facility management, administrative support, security, audit, contract compliance, agreements, and legal issues, etc.Provide financial leadership in grant and contract management.Develop and implement improved management procedures and practices, business systems and computerization, and methods of administration, organization, public relations, and staff utilization. Continuously look for ways to improve/streamline processes to reduce bureaucracy and improve customer experience.Modernize internal systems and build and maintain business intelligence capabilities to support contract and financial reviews and reporting. Interface with University administrative organizations and assure that they support ISI programs in a timely and effective manner.Collaborate with internal and external partners to find “win-win” solutions.Handle various special projects as required.Preferred Qualifications:Working knowledge of university budget and accounting operations (particularly fund accounting).Research administration experience with work supported by government contracts to include cost estimation policies and procedures, contract and grant negotiation, expense allowability, and the various Federal regulations governing contract activities.Minimum Education: CPA or MBA degree or master’s degree in a field related to finance. Minimum Experience: Minimum of 7 years of experience leading a finance organization with strong knowledge of fiscal principles. Especially management accounting, cost accounting, project and cost oversight.Strong fiscal management skills and education.Strong leadership skills.Strong communication skills.The anticipated salary range for this position is $250-$300k annually, commensurate with the successful candidate’s experience. USC provides a competitive compensation package that recognizes experience, credentials, and education alongside a robust benefits package to meet candidate needs.Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be submitted below. Electronic submission of materials is strongly encouraged.Courtney Wilk-Mandel is leading this search with Drew Nichols and Cara Meyers.USC is an equal-opportunity educator and employer, proudly pluralistic and firmly committed to providing equal opportunity for outstanding persons of every race, gender, creed, and background. The university particularly encourages members of underrepresented groups, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply. USC will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship. Further information is available by contacting uschr@usc.edu.
