Senior Director Finance and Administration, SOM

Duke University • Durham, NC

43d • $111,129 - $222,260 • Hybrid

About The Position

Shape the Future of Financial Strategy at Duke School of Medicine! Are you ready to lead transformative financial planning and analysis? In this pivotal role, you'll drive annual operating and projection processes, deliver mission-focused reporting, and spearhead innovative business plans for new programs and initiatives. As a trusted partner to senior leadership, you'll manage key fiscal projects, optimize processes, and provide insights that power strategic decisions. Under the direction of the Associate Dean for Finance School of Medicine (SOM) and in collaboration with the Assistant Dean for Data Analytics and Business Intelligence, SOM Controller, and Associate Vice President, Finance DHIP leads the annual operating and financial projection processes for the Basic Science Departments, Centers & Institutes and Administrative units within the SOM. Supports the generation of financial reports and analysis for all components of the operations for the portfolio, with a focus on comparative financial and mission-based reporting, long-term modeling, budget development tools, sponsored research analytics, and the development of business plans for new programs and initiatives. Responsible for leading an interactive, collaborative, qualitative assessment of all regularly scheduled and ad hoc financial reporting. Acts as project manager for key fiscal and operational projects in support of the school's mission, including but not limited to, new business development, business process improvement, and professional development.

Requirements

• In depth knowledge of fund accounting, government contract accounting, and grants administration.
• Strong ability to provide strategic level input to senior leadership while delivering a hands-on approach to the operations management of all finance functions.
• Strong personnel management and leadership skills with a collaborative mindset. Ability to build relationships across diverse teams and functions.
• Strong organizational, planning, prioritization, negotiation, and decision-making skills.
• Strong analytical capabilities, including the ability to think critically and strategically about financial and business issues and to propose and implement change. Ability to assess and resolve problems in a complex, interdisciplinary setting.
• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to influence others at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, changing environment, take initiative, be flexible, and perform multiple tasks maintaining a high level of autonomy and accountability.
• Bachelor degree in business administration, accounting, finance or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Work requires at least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in accounting/finance related field, including five to seven years of management responsibility to include supervisory responsibility.

Nice To Haves

• Candidates with an MBA, CPA, or equivalent professional qualification (i.e., Certified Management Accountant, Chartered Accountant) preferred.
• Financial experience in a complex academic medical center or higher education strongly preferred.
• Financial experience in a complex academic medical center or higher education strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversees and leads annual operating budget process for the Basic Science Departments, Centers & Institutes and Administrative Units; works directly with unit, school and university senior leadership as well as Duke University Health System (DUHS)/Duke Health Integrated Practice (DHIP) leadership (as needed) to facilitate the promotion and development of accurate and representative budgets to support the school's academic missions.
• In partnership with the Associate Dean for Finance, Assistant Dean for Data Analytics and Business Intelligence, SOM Controller, and Associate Vice President, Finance DHIP and with support from School of Medicine Finance (SOMF) analyst team, leads the development of both short- (e.g. - fall and spring financial projections) and long-range forecasts (e.g., University's 5 Year planning effort) for the school.
• Collaborates with unit/department leadership to jointly manage and continuously drive to improve the operating and financial performance of the school through monthly budget-variance analysis, regular assessment of revenue and spending patterns, and through the development of forward-looking projection models.
• Organizes and coordinates efforts of the analyst team to perform ongoing financial performance and variance analysis throughout the fiscal year in relation to budgets and projections.
• Regularly reviews and communicates trends in expenses and revenues with school leadership ensuring transparency of financial performance and financial risks/opportunities.
• Works closely with the Associate Dean for Research Administration to ensure effective integration of sponsored projects into unit budgeting and financial planning processes.
• Works closely with the School Controller to budget, project, and regularly monitor funding commitments.
• Maintains a current understanding of the financial status of all Basic Science Departments, Centers & Institutes and administrative units through structured periodic reviews of performance against budget, projections, and/or other prior year activity.
• Develops and maintains close working relationships with department/unit leaders, appropriate University and DUHS/DHIP financial managers/research administrators to ensure that the financial services meet the needs of school and its partners.
• Undertakes projects to improve processes and reference documentation, in alignment with University policies and procedures, to make it easier for department administrative staff to complete their work.
• Contributes to the development and is responsible for the promotion of accurate and timely financial and analytical reporting tools to support leadership decision-making at the department/unit and school levels.
• Continuously works with school leadership and University finance team to assess emerging business needs and gaps in financial/analytical reporting and oversee the development and promotion of improved analytical tools, processes, and financial reporting for portfolio.
• Responsible for the monthly and year end close process for portfolio.
• Oversees the utilization of standardized reporting tools as well as supports ad hoc requests subject to review and analysis by the Associate Dean for Finance and school, university, and health system leadership.
• Participates in testing and assessment of new university systems and reporting tools (e.g., SAP GL, A40, etc.) providing feedback on their suitability for the school; develops expertise in existing and new tools and processes; collaborates with SOMF team to disseminate these across the school.
• Works with the Associate Dean for Research Administration and the Assistant Dean for Data Analytics and Business Intelligence to develop improved reporting and analysis of the school's research portfolio.
• Manages and continuously develop a high performing team through regularly structured feedback, annual reviews, and professional development opportunities.
• Recruit and direct a staff of Finance professionals who are technically proficient, knowledgeable, customer service oriented, and demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills.
• In coordination with the Associate Dean for Finance, determine appropriate staffing levels and skill mix of Finance staff and organizational structure to maintain high performance.
• Oversee the management of personnel within the Finance group including, but not limited to, recruitment and hiring, compensation, scheduling and work assignments, coaching, professional development, disciplinary action, promotions, and transfers.
• Oversee all components of the PEP System including performance plans, coaching and feedback, performance evaluations, and development plans.
• Ensure that Finance personnel stay abreast of trends in the field of financial management and clinical research and are knowledgeable about the mission, vision, and goals.
• Promote an open environment within the Finance group, which builds trust and provides opportunities for personnel to offer suggestions, obtain clarification, and voice concerns.
• Work to develop and maintain a business community within SOMF and across departments and center financial and administrative personnel.
• Ensures compliance with University's and School accounting, fiscal management and other applicable policies and guidelines and advises SOMF analyst team with respect to these policies.
• Assists in priority setting and coordination of fiscal activities to ensure that institutional needs, standards, goals, and deadlines are met.
• Supports responses to investigative concerns raised by departments, Internal Audit office and School leadership.
• Develops professional development training, and trains other members of the SOMF team and departments/units on existing and new reporting and analytic tools.

Benefits

• Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family- friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members.
• Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Educational Services
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees