Director, Financial Administration

University of Chicago • Chicago, IL

4d

About The Position

The Office of Civic Engagement (OCE) is seeking a talented and experienced Director of Financial Administration to provide strategic financial leadership and analysis to support the programs and initiatives of the department, as well as its sub-units, the Office of Federal Relations and the Commercial Real Estate Operations Office. Reporting to the Associate Vice President and Chief of Staff, the Director of Financial Administration oversees all department wide financial operations. This includes budgeting, financial planning and reporting, procurement, revenue generation, human resources, and compliance. This role collaborates closely with OCE senior leadership and operational teams to ensure effective financial management and decision-making.

Requirements

• Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in finance, business administration, accounting, statistics, economics, or a related field .
• MBA or advanced degree in finance, public policy, non-profit administration, or a related field strongly preferred.
• 7 years of financial analysis experience , with demonstrated expertise in financial systems.
• Background in an agency , institution, or corporate setting strongly preferred, with a proven track record of success in the financial environment.
• Familiarity with grant administration and budgetary compliance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills, financial computing, and database software applications, with an emphasis on their integration with financial platforms.
• Proficiency in financial principles, practices, and applications, including budgeting, planning, and reporting within the organization's financial ecosystem.
• Strong financial modeling skills within financial platforms.
• Translate financial data into actionable insights and anticipate trends.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate complex environments, exercise sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality.
• Background working with senior university officials within the financial environment.
• Work independently and manage projects with minimal supervision, while navigating financial systems.
• Strategic thinking and translate strategic objectives into operational plans, considering the financial landscape.
• Work effectively under pressure, adapting to changes within financial systems.
• Passion for civic engagement and a commitment to the mission and values of the University of Chicago.
• Excellent analytical and organizational abilities, with a focus on maximizing efficiency within financial systems.
• Effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, essential for collaboration within the financial community.
• Collaborative work style with strong consultative skills, facilitating effective engagement with financial stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Prepares financial statements, activity reports, and forecasts, providing direction on budgeting and accounting responsibilities, with a focus on optimizing use of the financial platforms.
• Leads the development and coordination of financial planning and reporting, including the creation of financial models to support decision-making within the department’s leadership.
• Collaborates with OCE leadership and budget managers to provide budget guidance, spending analysis, and revenue projections, utilizing expertise in the institution's financial systems.
• Provides financial input based on the development of data collection, metrics, reports and other analytical applications.
• Establishes and implements guidelines and procedures for departmental reporting to ensure compliance and streamline processes within the university’s financial systems.
• Stays updated on University procedures, system updates, and compliance requirements, particularly within the financial systems landscape.
• Works in collaboration with the University’s Research Administration team to administer, track, and manage OCE’s grants and contractual obligations.
• Reviews accounts to identify inconsistencies and recommend strategies to address financial issues, leveraging an understanding of both legacy and new financial systems.
• Represents the Department's financial interests in interactions with internal and external stakeholders, including the Budget Office and Financial Services Office, while utilizing knowledge of the organization's financial systems.
• Partners with the central HR Business Partner for OCE as it relates to talent management and compliance with the University’s job architecture.
• Serves as an experienced liaison interacting with financial administrators within operational units on financial, budget or accounting matters to prepare, advise and recommend.
• Conducts quantitative and qualitative analyses to monitor and manage for expense optimization by identifying market drivers, enhance strategies, or improve revenue generation.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Benefits

• The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook .

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees