Senior Advisor, Financial Controls and Policy

EXEC ADVISOR 5 (000555)

UCPath Position ID: TBD_4578

Position Description History/Status

Approved Date:

7/3/2025 7:50:30 PM

Date Last Edited:

7/3/2025 7:50:27 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

6400O

Organization:

VICE CHANCELLOR/CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Division Code:

6410D

Division:

ACAD PLNG & BUDGET DIV

Department:

381000 - VICE CHANCELLOR/CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

TBD_4578

Position Description ID

241361

UC Payroll Title:

EXEC ADVISOR 5 (000555)

Business Title:

Senior Advisor, Financial Controls and Policy

Personnel Program

Management and Senior Professional (MSP)

Salary Grade:

Grade 29

Job Code FLSA:

Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

99: Non-Represented (PPSM)

Employee Relations Code:

A: Manager - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

2 - Staff: Career

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

1

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

40069343

Reports to Payroll Title:

VC CFO HEALTH AND CAMPUS

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40069343

Department Head Payroll Title:

VC CFO HEALTH AND CAMPUS

GENERAL DIRECTION - Indicates that the incumbent receives guidance in terms of broad goals and overall objectives and is responsible for establishing the methods to attain them. Generally the incumbent is in charge of an area of work, and typically formulates policy for this area but does not necessarily have final authority for approving policy.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Advisor of Financial Controls and Policy is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining an institutional framework for internal controls, financial policies, and risk mitigation strategies across UCLA's financial operations. As the university's central resource for financial governance, this role ensures that UCLA meets UC policy, regulatory, and audit requirements, while enabling operational excellence and accountability.

The incumbent provides leadership in identifying financial risks, developing internal control practices, coordinating with audit and compliance bodies, and standardizing financial policies and procedures. The Senior Advisor works collaboratively across departments to strengthen financial stewardship, promote training and awareness, and support UCLA's mission with integrity and transparency.

Under the general direction of the Chief Financial Officer and Controller, incumbent will function independently to establish priorities, work flow and administer routine tasks as assigned, and ensure that all employees remain current with their assigned tasks in accordance with established policies and procedures. Consults with Chief Financial Officer and Controller to review progress and revise objectives as appropriate.

The Office of the Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer advises the Chancellor and Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost regarding academic and budgetary planning issues and allocation of campus resources, including issues involving students, faculty, staff, space, and university finances. The office also manages the key campus planning processes and data sets that support these decisions, and performs a central role in UCLA's systems of internal control and accountability. The office also is responsible for the capital planning and finance, real estate, design and construction of all campus capital projects.

Internal Controls Framework

 • Design and maintain a university-wide internal control framework for financial operations.

 • Assess and monitor control environments across key functional areas (e.g., cash handling, reconciliations, payroll, receivables, procurement).

 • Provide guidance to departments in implementing and improving controls to mitigate risk.

 • Coordinate periodic risk assessments and control testing with Internal Audit and management.

25%

Policy Governance

 • Lead the development, review, and maintenance of institutional financial policies and procedures.

 • Ensure policy alignment with UC system policies, federal/state regulations, and best practices.

 • Establish a structured review cycle and governance model for financial policy oversight.

 • Serve as a subject-matter expert and consultative resource to campus departments on policy interpretation.

25%

Audit Readiness and Risk Management

 • Act as liaison to Internal Audit, UCOP auditors, and external auditors for financial control matters.

 • Support departments in preparing for and responding to audit reviews or findings.

 • Track and ensure implementation of corrective actions across units.

 • Monitor emerging financial risks and propose mitigation strategies

20%

Training, Communication, and Culture

 • Develop and lead internal controls and policy training for campus financial leaders and business officers.

 • Publish guidance, toolkits, and communications that promote clarity and consistency.

 • Foster a culture of accountability, integrity, and continuous improvement in financial operation.

15%

Cross-Functional Collaboration

 • Partner with units such as Procurement, Payroll, Budget, Audit, IT, and Academic/Administrative departments to identify cross-cutting risks and opportunities.

 • Advise senior leadership on financial compliance and control implications of new initiatives.

15%

•

Performs other duties as assigned.

•

Complies with all policies and standards.

•

Complies with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Principles of Community.

•

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree

in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience

Required

Master's Degree

in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.

Preferred

Minimum of 8-10 years

of experience in financial controls, internal audit, compliance, or accounting in a complex organization or equivalent combination of education and experience

Required

Minimum of 2 years

experience in higher education or public sector environment.

Preferred

Strong understanding and knowledge of internal control frameworks (e.g., COSO), financial risk assessment, and audit practices.

Required

Demonstrated ability to lead change, build partnerships, and communicate complex policy concepts to diverse audiences.

Required

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

Required

Familiarity with UC policy environment or large ERP systems (e.g., UCPath, Oracle, PeoplesSoft).

Preferred

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.

5%

0-5% of travel related to conferences, meetings, etc.

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Campus

Location:

UCLA Murphy Hall and Wilshire Center

Standing/Walking

X

Sitting

X

X

Bending/Stooping

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

Climbing

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 26-50 lbs

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull over 50 lbs

X

Physical requirements other

X

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes

X

Loud noise levels

X

Marked changes in humidity or temperature

X

Microwave/Radiation

X

Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment

X

Exposures other

X

Sustained attention and concentration

X

X

Complex problem solving/reasoning

X

X

Ability to organize & prioritize

X

X

Communication skills

X

X

Numerical skills

X

X

Mental demands other

X

X

Classification 3:  Position in which exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues is not part of the position description. The normal routine task involves no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues and the employee can decline to perform tasks which involve a perceived risk without retribution.