Manager of Financial Planning

University of Chicago • Chicago, IL

21h • $120,000 - $135,000

About The Position

The Manager of Financial Planning will provide specialized financial knowledge to the University of Chicago Budget Office, which reports directly to the Provost. Working collaboratively with financial managers and leaders throughout the University, including counterparts in the Finance & Administration team, the Manager of Financial Planning will develop and support plans to optimize University financial resources and meet strategic financial goals. This work will include the management of the Budget Office’s long-term financial plan, as well as annual budget scenario planning.

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

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Higher education experience.
• Familiarity with financial software and tools, particularly Oracle modules.
• Ability to work with IT staff to enhance budgeting and reporting systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills, financial computing, and database software applications, with an emphasis on their integration with financial platforms.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze complex financial data and create detailed reports. Expertise in financial modeling and quantitative analysis.
• Financial Acumen: Demonstrated understanding of advanced financial and accounting concepts, budgeting processes, and financial forecasting. Knowledge of budgetary procedures and financial regulations.
• Communication Skills: Ability to prepare and present financial and administrative information clearly to diverse audiences. Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Project Management: Capable of coordinating multiple projects and managing timelines effectively. Experience in developing and implementing standard operating procedures.
• Continuous Improvement: Commitment to promoting a culture of continuous improvement and efficiency.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and implement metrics and methodologies for financial performance evaluation.
• Adaptability: Flexibility in managing changing priorities and dynamic financial environments.

Responsibilities

• Supports the Budget Director and Director of Financial Strategy in developing and executing long-term financial scenario building, multi-year budgeting, and the annual budget.
• Supports ongoing management of the University budget model, including annual development of University allocation scenarios, analysis, and proposal of rates.
• Identifies areas for improvement and recommends strategies for resource optimization.
• Executes recommendation for annual budget, as well as monthly forecast, for total University expenditure base, including payroll and all non-compensation expenses.
• Performs business case analyses and provides quantitative modeling expertise for various financial management projects in the Budget Office and the Office of the Provost.
• Serves as the primary Budget Office liaison to financial administrators in several University units as assigned, providing those units with budget development and financial management support with annual and monthly University budget processes as well as variance analysis.
• Prepares presentations to convey complex financial data to leadership and members of the University community.
• Prepares long-term financial models and scenario analyses to assess institutional sustainability and resource allocation.
• Uses specialized knowledge and breadth of expertise to perform a variety of complex analyses.
• Leverages expertise in financial modeling and analysis of large data sets to recommend streamlined financial management and tools for University-wide adoption, using Excel and Oracle financials modules.
• Provides high level specialized analysis and administration of the budget process.
• Reviews and partners with senior staff from all units to ensure budget proposals are accurate, complete, and in compliance with established procedures, regulations, and organizational objectives.
• Advises others on operational budgets.
• Reports on variances between the approved budget and actual performance and recommends revised procedures.
• Provides analytical support for complex budget projects.
• Analyzes budget estimates and proposals for completeness; accuracy; and conformance with established procedures, regulations, and organizational objectives.
• 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: Manager
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees