Job Abstract

The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA (DGSOM) seeks to hire a Principal Financial Analyst in the Financial Affairs Office. The Financial Affairs Office supports the DGSOM organization at large. The Financial Affairs team's financial expertise informs the school's key strategic decisions and help overcome complex financial challenges. The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA (DGSOM) is comprised of 24 academic departments, 5 organized research units, and 8 interdisciplinary research centers and is the academic home to approximately 3,400 faculty and 2,900 trainees, students, and fellows. The DGSOM employs about 8,400 staff and non-faculty academics. The DGSOM’s annual revenue totals approximately $3.8B, its expendable net assets approximately $1.3B and its endowments and quasi endowments approximately $2.3B.

The Principal Financial Analyst supports month-end and year-end close processes, revenue recognition, account reconciliations, annual audits, and financial reporting to both internal stakeholders and external accrediting organizations. Reporting to the Assistant Controller for Financial Reporting and Accounting, you will act as a liaison to various stakeholders, including senior management, DGSOM department managers, internal auditors, and external accrediting agencies.

Primary responsibilities include preparing and analyzing internal and external financial reports, utilizing financial systems, multiple databases, data cubes and software tools such as SQLServer and Power BI. Additionally, serve as a technical leader with profound knowledge of accounting information systems, including Oracle and/or other modern ERP systems. The successful candidate demonstrates advanced project management skills and takes ownership of key financial reporting platforms used across the organization.

Furthermore, this role involves researching and drafting accounting policies and procedures, delivering presentations, offering expert-level analytical support on special projects, and executing fiscal year-end closing activities. Scrutinizes financial records for exceptions and unexpected trends, providing written recommendations for enhancing internal controls to management in a clear and concise manner.

Candidates must possess meticulous attention to detail to ensure accurate reporting, excellent organizational and time management skills, and advanced knowledge of reporting tools. Effective interdepartmental communication skills are essential, along with the ability to simplify complex financial concepts and cultivate relationships with stakeholders. Strong experience in Government and Non-Profit accounting is also required.

Beyond the core competencies, candidates should have experience in building and developing accounting databases and systems, managing multiple projects concurrently, and collaborating effectively with employees at all levels. The ideal candidate exhibits proactive, flexible, and enthusiastic qualities.

The full annual salary range for this position is $86,900.00 - $197,300.00.

Required:

• BA/BS with a major in accounting or a related field.
• Minimum 6-7 years’ experience in public accounting and general ledger/corporate accounting at a large and complex organization.
• Knowledge of GAAP and GASB
• Minimum 2-3 years’ experience leading projects using well established PMO tools and frameworks.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to synthesize complex and diverse information; collect and research data and use intuition and experience to complement data.
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Advanced Excel skills, proficiency in data query and reporting tools such as SQL and Power BI
• Ability to communicate effectively, collaboratively, and professionally.