Associate Director, Special Projects

University of Pennsylvania

19h•Onsite

About The Position

The primary function of this position will be to serve as a highly versatile utility resource within the Department of Finance, providing broad-based, cross-functional support across all University funding sources. The incumbent will develop comprehensive knowledge of operating, restricted, gift and endowment funds to enable seamless coverage and strategic support across functional areas as institutional needs arise. Under the direction of the Director of Finance and Administration, this position will be a finance partner who can step in to troubleshoot, support special initiatives, process improvements, system enhancements and operational priorities across the school. The position requires strong independent judgment, discretion, and advanced problem-solving skills, along with the ability to manage competing priorities, identify workflow gaps, mitigate risk, and deliver high-quality analytical support in a dynamic academic environment. The incumbent may track progress on multiple concurrent projects spanning a broad range of financial and operational topics. This position may serve on various project teams throughout the School and the University. Ensures that projects stay on track within stated timelines. In coordination with the PSOM finance team, the incumbent will help identify and prioritize projects that are most beneficial to PSOM. The position operates professionally and independently when appropriate, while maintaining strong collaborative partnerships with departmental business administrators and central University colleagues. Other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science and 7 to 10 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

Responsibilities

Advances special project and planning efforts on behalf of the Director of Finance and Administration, covering a broad range of financial areas. Including but not limited to analyzing fund groups that require specialized reporting and tracking; variance analysis; multi year financial modeling.
Participates in annual budget process and ongoing financial monitoring.
Serve as a utility resource within the department to provide cross functional support.
Analyze data from various systems to produce regular and ad hoc financial reports.
Ensures accuracy, clarity and appropriate interpretation of financial information.
Develop, maintain, review and troubleshoot PSOM metrics, including those related to procurement and WorkDay.
Partner with school and University colleagues to improve transparency, identify trends, and explain variances.
Evaluate and research system or technology solutions for increasing efficiency in financial tracking or business processes.
Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Benefits

Excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families
Generous retirement benefits
A wide variety of professional development opportunities
Supportive work and family benefits
A wealth of health and wellness programs and resources
Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits
Flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars
Tuition assistance for employee, spouse, and dependent children at Penn and other institutions
Generous retirement plans (Basic, Matching, and Supplemental) with pre-tax or Roth basis options
Wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard
Substantial amount of time away from work
Long-Term Care Insurance
Wellness and Work-life Resources
Professional and Personal Development resources
Access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities
Free or discounted admission and memberships to Penn arts and cultural centers and museums
Substantial savings on other goods and services
Flexible work options
Penn Home Ownership Services (forgivable loan for eligible employees)
Adoption Assistance (reimbursement for qualified expenses)