Manager, Academic Finance & Operations - Office of Provost Shared Services

Temple University • Philadelphia, PA

2h • $49,250 - $65,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Temple University's Provost Office is searching for a Manager, Academic Finance & Operations! This role provides high-level support to academic and administrative units in the areas of finance, human resources, and operational planning. Working across units, the manager ensures consistent and compliant execution of university business processes, supports long-range budget development and financial analysis, and leads initiatives to improve operational efficiency. The manager collaborates closely with unit leaders and serves as a liaison to central university offices, including Finance, HR, Research, and Facilities. They provide expert guidance on policy implementation, financial reporting, and administrative planning, contributing to both day-to-day operations and strategic decision-making. This position plays a key role in fostering consistent service delivery, supporting academic excellence, and advancing the university’s commitment to stewardship, transparency, and continuous improvement. This role ensures consistent and compliant execution of university business processes, supports long-range budget development and financial analysis, and leads initiatives to improve operational efficiency within their assigned portfolio. This role functions within a shared services framework, meaning the manager may be assigned to support one or more academic administrative units. While all managers will share core financial and operational functions, specific responsibilities may vary depending on the portfolio’s size, complexity, and specialized needs. The ideal candidate will have strong collaborative and communication skills, a service-oriented mindset, and the ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on execution. The Manager creates ad hoc financial reports for the Vice Provost and Department Directors; interacts with other University fiscal units and outside vendors on financial matters, including processing payments for students and faculty. Performs other duties as assigned. This position requires the following background checks: criminal history review.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, accounting, higher education administration, or related field; Master’s preferred.
• At least four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in finance and administrative management, preferably in a higher education environment.
• Demonstrated experience developing and managing six (6) to seven (7) figure budgets and human resources processes.
• Experience managing or providing a high level of support to multi-unit program budgets.
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets, human resources processes, and staff supervision.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Advanced knowledge of compliance requirements for multi-source funding, including grants, contracts, and philanthropic awards.
• Strong skills in financial modeling, analysis, and presentation.
• Proven ability to work in a matrixed environment and with multiple stakeholders.
• High emotional intelligence and ability to build relationships across diverse units.
• Adaptability and comfort with both ambiguity and structure-building.
• Commitment to inclusive excellence and equitable administrative practices.
• Ability to exercise discretion, use professional and independent judgement to make decisions and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to develop and manage a budget.
• Ability to prioritize, maintain confidentiality, complete multiple budgeting tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to interpret and apply University policies and procedures, including collective bargaining agreements (e.g., TUGSA).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Project and team management skills.
• Understanding of HR policies and procedures.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, along with the ability to effectively interact with a diverse group of students, staff, and faculty and all levels of administration.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and databases.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of Banner, Kronos, Cognos.
• Experience supporting graduate student funding (assistantships, fellowships, scholarships) and grant management.

Responsibilities

• Develop, monitor, and reconcile operating and restricted budgets across assigned units.
• Prepare multi-year financial plans and projections; lead annual budget submissions.
• Provide financial analysis and advice to senior leaders on spending trends, deficits, and funding opportunities.
• Approve financial transactions and maintain oversight of fiscal compliance.
• Oversee day-to-day business operations, including workflow approvals, purchasing, invoicing, and expense reporting.
• Serve as a liaison to university central offices (Budget, HR, Purchasing, Controller’s, etc.).
• Coordinate space planning, equipment ordering, and office needs as required.
• Prepare and process hiring requests, payroll forms, one-time payments, and reclassifications.
• Coordinate onboarding and separation procedures for faculty, staff, student workers, and temporary employees.
• Assist in HR functions such as hiring student workers and staff.
• Track position control numbers (PCNs) and support unit leaders with organizational planning.
• Ensure financial and administrative practices are in compliance with university policies, sponsor requirements, and unit-specific needs.
• Maintain internal controls and prepare for internal/external audits.
• Produce regular and ad hoc financial and operational reports.
• Monitor financial data for trends, variances, and accuracy; recommend actions based on findings.
• Maintain confidentiality due to exposure to sensitive and confidential data
• Oversee program fee setting, billing, and reconciliation for study abroad programs.
• Liaise with Student Financial Services and Bursar on international tuition, third-party billing, and scholarships.
• Coordinate tuition remission, stipend processing, and award disbursement for undergrad and/ graduate students in partnership.
• Administer, monitor, and reconcile university-wide graduate fellowship and scholarship programs (e.g., NSF, NIH, Fulbright, Bond Hill).
• Support visa payments and travel logistics for faculty teaching abroad.
• Manage international financial compliance and reporting (e.g., IIE Open Doors).
• Support graduate assistantship appointments and ensure compliance with the university collective bargaining agreement.
• Collect, analyze, and report data on award impact and student progress.
• Manage grant-financed and non-credit program budgets (e.g., DestinyOne).
• Coordinate with program leadership on fee-for-service activities and course budgeting.
• Support summer programs, bridge funding, or unit-driven innovation initiatives.
• Support event budgeting, stipends, and engagement-related purchases or contracts.
• Process payments, honoraria, and contracts for academic programs, speakers, trainings, and events.

Benefits

• Full medical, dental, vision coverage
• Paid time off
• 9 Federally Observed Paid Holidays
• 3 Personal Days
• Tuition remission - eligible employees and their dependents can obtain a degree TUITION FREE
• A generous retirement plan

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager