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Assistant Director, Business & Financial Operations (5184C), Intercollegiate Ath

Inside Higher Ed, Berkeley, CA, United States


Assistant Director, Business & Financial Operations (5184C) Position Summary: The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics at the University of California, Berkeley is seeking a financially sophisticated professional who understands the fast‑paced, high‑accountability world of competitive athletics. This role sits at the center of an intricate financial environment and will lead financial processes that directly support coaches, administrators, and student‑athletes. The successful candidate will bring a strong foundation in financial management, internal controls, and policy compliance, paired with an appreciation for the unique demands of collegiate athletics.

Responsibilities

Financial Operations Leadership:

Provide oversight of accounts payable/receivable, purchasing, and transactional financial operations within a high‑volume Division I athletics environment.

Travel, Entertainment & Business Expenditures:

Lead management of travel, entertainment, recruiting, and business‑related expenses, including reconciliation and reimbursement procedures; oversee transaction review processes to ensure timely reconciliation, receipt verification, documentation compliance, and appropriate approvals.

Card Program Administration:

Serve as Athletics Department Business Officer for the U.S. Bank Card Program and act as the primary point of contact for corporate purchasing cards and per diem cards, ensuring policy adherence, reconciliation oversight, and program integrity.

Policy Interpretation & Exception Management:

Liaise to the Chancellor’s Office and Controller’s Office regarding exceptions to University of California Office of the President policy, leading complex interpretation and application of UCOP, campus, NCAA, and departmental policies.

Cross‑Functional Partnership:

Collaborate with Sport Operations, Compliance, Development, and Licensing to align business processes with operational needs; develop educational materials and deliver training to department staff on financial services policies and procedures.

Staff Leadership & Process Excellence:

Provide leadership to support professional staff, fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and operational precision; ensure financial processing functions are executed accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with all applicable regulations.

Additional Areas Of Opportunity

Assess and recommend management changes as needed to ensure financial processes comply with federal and state requirements and internal policies.

Implement changes to internal policies and procedures to maintain compliance and adhere to campus and industry best practices.

Lead training, send program communications, evaluate program and members, and recommend corrective action when necessary.

Research complex financial discrepancies and facilitate escalation of customer service issues through UC Berkeley administration.

Other duties as assigned, including assisting in departmental initiatives, strategic plan projects, and professional development within the department and the College Athletic Business Management Association.

Required Qualifications

Thorough demonstrated knowledge and experience of financial processes, policies and procedures.

Experience with financial data management and reporting systems.

Strong proficiency in the use of spreadsheet and database software.

Strong interpersonal skills, analytical skills, service orientation, active listening, critical thinking, attention to detail, ability to multi‑task in a high‑volume environment, organizational skills, effective verbal and written communication skills, sound judgment and decision making; ability to develop original ideas to solve problems.

Ability to function effectively as a member of a team.

Ability to adapt to changing priorities.

Thorough knowledge and understanding of internal control practices and their impact.

Leadership skills to provide guidance, coaching and mentoring to professional and support staff.

Bachelor’s degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in a collegiate athletics environment at a university, conference, or national level.

Experience within NCAA Division I athletics.

Experience leading teams or operational units.

Strong organizational, management, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that promotes collaboration and mutual respect among all members of the UC Berkeley community.

Salary & Benefits Full pay scale: $74,700.00 – $132,900.00. Budgeted annual salary range: $74,700.00 – $79,000.00.

This is an exempt monthly‑paid position.

How To Apply

Submit your resume and cover letter.

Other Information

The position is governed by the terms and conditions in the agreement for the Clerical & Allied Services Unit (CX) between the University of California and Teamsters Local 2010.

This is not a visa opportunity and does not include sponsorship of a new consular H‑1B visa petition.

Conviction History Background This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Mandated Reporter This position has been identified as a mandated reporter required to report the observed or suspected abuse or neglect of children, dependent adults, or elders to designated law enforcement or social service agencies. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon completion of signed statements acknowledging the responsibilities of a mandated reporter.

Equal Employment Opportunity The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

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