Careers at Virginia Tech

Assistant Director of Finance - Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI)

Join a mission-driven organization at the forefront of transportation innovation. VTTI is Virginia Tech’s largest research institute, managing over $40 million annually in sponsored research funding. As the Assistant Director of Finance, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the financial integrity and strategic growth of VTTI’s research enterprise.

This leadership position is responsible for overseeing financial compliance, research administration, and budgetary planning across VTTI’s diverse funding portfolio. You will guide a high-performing finance team, collaborate with university partners, and support executive decision-making through accurate reporting and insightful analysis.

This role offers strong potential for advancement within VTTI’s leadership structure for individuals who demonstrate strategic insight, operational excellence, and collaborative leadership.

Why VTTI?
At VTTI, we’re not just crunching numbers—we’re enabling breakthroughs in transportation safety, sustainability, and technology. Our work directly impacts lives, and your financial leadership will help ensure that our researchers have the resources and support they need to drive change.

Key Responsibilities
• Financial Leadership: Lead VTTI’s finance team, including post-award managers and fiscal technicians, fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability.
• Sponsored Research Administration: Oversee financial operations for VTTI’s research portfolio, ensuring compliance with university, state, federal, and sponsor regulations. Provide expert guidance on complex financial and compliance issues.
• Compliance Oversight: Develop and maintain financial policies and procedures. Lead compliance efforts including reconciliations, certifications, cost transfers, and audit coordination.
• Budgeting & Forecasting: Manage institute-wide budgeting processes, including operations, foundation funds, and sponsored research budgets.
• Financial Reporting & Analysis: Deliver timely, accurate financial reports to sponsors and key stakeholders. Collaborate with the business systems developer to ensure accuracy of automated financial reports that provide KPIs to support executive decision-making.
• Risk & Asset Management: Identify and mitigate financial risks. Oversee asset management, insurance billing, inventory tracking, and surplus processes.
• VTT LLC Financial Oversight: May serve as or support the Treasurer for VTT LLC, an affiliated corporation of Virginia Tech. Support audits, tax filings, and financial operations in collaboration with the Executive Director.

Reporting Structure & Collaboration
• Reports directly to VTTI’s Chief of Staff / Chief Finance Officer
• Leads VTTI’s finance team and interfaces regularly with pre-award staff, project managers, and researchers
• Collaborates with Virginia Tech central offices including the Controller’s Office, Procurement, Sponsored Programs, Legal, and Risk Management

• Master’s degree in management, accounting, finance, or related field (or Bachelor’s with related significant experience)
• Demonstrated experience in sponsored research administration in a university or research setting
• Demonstrated experience leading a team of finance professionals
• Experience managing diverse funding sources (state, foundation, federal)
• Strong knowledge of financial compliance and proven experience with financial audits, budgeting, and cost control principles
• Proficiency in MS Excel and standard office software

• Advanced certification (CPA, CRA, CMA)
• Proven ability to produce actionable financial insights and support strategic decision-making
• Background in accounting or bookkeeping
• Expertise in developing written procedures and training materials

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Restricted

Starting rate of $94,200 - Commensurate with experience

40

10/2/2025

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.