Director Finance, University Services

Princeton University•Princeton, NJ

2d•$160,000 - $180,000•Onsite

About The Position

University Services focuses on providing high-quality, integrated services to the University community. The departments of Campus Dining, Campus Support Services (AV Services, Performing Arts Services, Venue Services), Conference and Event Services, Housing and Real Estate Services, Mail Services, The Service Point (integrated customer service center), Talent and Organizational Development, Trademark Licensing, Transportation and Parking Services (including the Fleet Program), and University Services Administration (which includes Business Services, Finance, and Information Technology) are housed within University Services. University Services employs over 500 staff and has annual revenue and expense operating budgets of approximately $150 million and $80 million, respectively. The estimated capital spend by the division over the next 10 years is expected to be approximately $150 million. These budgets are diverse and complex, with some departments using a cost-recovery model and the remainder funded through general fund allocations. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Finance and Administration, University Services, the Director of Finance provides leadership and direction to several departmental and capital finance staff within University Services, comprised of five direct reports and a team of approximately eight FTEs. The Director reports to the Assistant Vice President of Finance and Administration of University Services and supervises the operating and capital finance staff. The position is responsible for providing leadership and oversight of the finances of University Services’ complex capital budgets (Housing Major Maintenance and The Princeton Faculty Residential Purchase Plan (PFRPP)), departmental operating budgets (Campus Support Services (AV Services, Performing Arts Services, Venue Services), Conference and Event Services, Housing and Real Estate Services, Mail Services, The Service Point (integrated customer service center), Talent and Organizational Development, Trademark Licensing, Transportation and Parking Services (including the Fleet Program), and University Services Administration (which includes Business Services, Finance, and Information Technology)), inclusive of policy interpretation, design and implementation of processes and internal controls, accounting accuracy, budgeting, financial modeling, reporting, and monitoring and reconciliations. This position is responsible for working with finance staff to identify and track key current and historical data and metrics that can facilitate informed decision-making. The Director is responsible for advising and presenting accurate and timely operational and capital financial information to senior departmental staff. The Director supports the priorities of the Assistant Vice President and has a good understanding of the operational finances for all University Services units. The position will represent the Assistant Vice President in finance meetings and projects as required. The position balances a significant workload, collaborates with a diverse group of people, and manages multiple challenges daily while maintaining routine responsibilities. The Director of Finance is always expected to maintain confidentiality and ensure that confidentiality is maintained by direct reports. A cover letter is required for full consideration. A full job description will be furnished prior to interview.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or related field or bachelor’s degree in another field with eight to ten years relevant experience
Extensive financial acumen with demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and resource allocation.
Strong leadership and managerial skills, with a proven ability to lead, develop, mentor, and evaluate staff and project teams.
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement internal controls, policies, and processes that support a strong and compliant financial environment.
Excellent analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to collect, synthesize, organize, and interpret complex financial and operational data.
Proven ability to lead projects and manage multiple priorities, competing deadlines, and long-term initiatives.
Demonstrated ability to design and improve workflows, business processes, and operational procedures to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across departments and with internal and external stakeholders.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex financial information to diverse audiences.
Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain high ethical standards, and handle confidential information with discretion.
Proficiency with financial systems, business applications, and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
Demonstrated adaptability, initiative, and commitment to continuous learning in a dynamic and changing environment.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree
Prior experience in higher education administration
Experience with a complex financial accounting system, such as Peoplesoft/Prime, Oracle, Workday.
Experience with data analysis and related applications (i.e.- Tableau software)

Responsibilities

Provide oversight of the finances of University Services’ departments operating and capital budgets (Major Maintenance and The Princeton Faculty Residential Purchase Plan (PFRPP))
Oversee the annual operating budget and capital budget development process for all University Services departments including unrestricted, restricted, allocated, reserve funds.
Represent the needs of University Services departments in allocating and managing resources and work collaboratively with the Office of Finance & Treasury.
Serve as the primary administrator and owner of the University Services PRIME planning tool.
Serve as the primary coordinator for personnel budget reconciliation across all assigned departments, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and alignment with approved budgets.
Oversee the eForms process for all assigned departments, ensuring timely submission, review, approval, and compliance with university policies and procedures.
Management of capital programs – oversee the process of managing the approvals process and the opening and closing of all projects related to the University Services Major Maintenance and PFRPP.
Understand and enhance cash flow projections for the capital programs.
Provide financial reporting, trend analysis, and modeling for the capital program.
Oversee the compilation of documents for presentations and approvals (FPG and Quarterly reports).
Oversee and facilitate financial modeling, reporting, and monitoring for the division’s operating budgets and accumulated reserves and ensure that unit Directors and the Assistant Vice President are kept apprised of the financial health of the respective departments.
Oversee the annual release of major maintenance projects and The Princeton Faculty Residential Purchase Plan (PFRPP) program, and monitor the available balances and funding accounts year-round.
Collaborate with embedded financial and departmental personnel and Budget Office staff to identify potential revenue and fee structures, where applicable.
Oversee the process to periodically reconcile available balances (balance sheet accounts and non-operating funds).
Review and approve respective reconciliations.
Represent University Services in issues related to changes in the Chart of Accounts, financial and business systems, and reporting and budgeting.
Perform a variety of tasks that include the preparation of journal entries and ensure that transactions are accurately recorded.
Provide financial support and counsel to departmental units.
Supervise and manage operating and capital finance staff, including performance evaluation, mentoring, and professional development to ensure effective team performance and growth.
Support the implementation of Diversity and Inclusion initiatives within University Services.
Provide oversight of financial policies and processes
Ensure that University Services financial policies and procedures are designed to support a controlled environment.
Ensure adherence to University and University Services financial policies.
Develop and evaluate processes and corresponding accounting mechanics to ensure accurate financial reporting
Collaborate with staff to identify and implement process automations that create efficiencies both in operating and capital reporting.
Support strategic planning efforts related to University Services operations, programs and initiatives
Serve as a strategic advisor to University Services leadership by providing financial insights, risk assessments, and recommendations that support operational and long-term planning decisions.
Identify potential funding source, prepare funding requests and monitor spending for new initiatives
Oversee the process to develop projections related to the impact on operational and maintenance (O&M) costs from various capital projects.
Actively participate in University Services data analytics and AI initiatives, identifying, developing, and leveraging data, metrics, visualizations, and AI-enabled solutions to support operational effectiveness and informed decision-making.
Work with operational directors to consider efficiency and effectiveness initiatives.
Other duties
Member of the University Services leadership team.
Support and represent the Assistant Vice President, as requested.
Represent University Services on committees and participate in special projects, as assigned.
Create and maintain relationships with staff in the Office of Finance and Treasury, including but not limited to the Budget Office and Controller’s Office.