Overview
This role is responsible for managing the financial operations of multiple departments, including financial reporting and analysis, budgeting and forecasting, compliance with various regulations and policies, transaction approval and oversight, internal controls, and serving as a liaison and resource for department directors and managers on budget and financial matters.
Responsibilities
Financial Reporting and Analysis
- Prepare financial reporting packages for area directors and department managers, analyzing and highlighting significant budget and year-over-year variances.
- Serve as the primary contact for area directors and department managers, providing requested information, resolving issues, and advising on the financial impact of new initiatives.
- Conduct quarterly meetings with area directors and department managers to discuss budgetary issues and initiatives.
- Collaborate with area personnel to prioritize expenditures and identify savings opportunities to meet unanticipated needs without exceeding annual budgets.
- Work with the school accountant on quarterly Core report variance explanations (year-to-year actuals and budget-to-actuals).
- Determine reporting needs and create customized user reports tailored to departmental operational requirements.
- Analyze income and expenses, investigate discrepancies, assemble data, and prepare projections and reports for planning and decision-making.
- Process journal entries and budget adjustments for restricted and unrestricted accounts as necessary.
Budgeting and Forecasting
- Assist area directors and department managers in developing annual departmental budgets, ensuring adherence to school parameters and resolving discrepancies.
- Prepare budget reporting packages for submission to leadership, including summarized and detailed reports with footnotes on significant variances.
- Manage entry and balancing of departmental budgets in the school’s budget workbook and the University’s Reporting and Planning System.
- Update the current budget in the Administrative Information System once approved by the Dean.
Financial Operations
- Provide day-to-day oversight of financial transactions for assigned departments.
- Research discrepancies and deviations from University or School policies and communicate with key department personnel.
- Approve unrestricted and restricted non-payroll financial transactions for assigned departments.
- Provide training to department personnel on University and School systems, policies, and procedures.
- Perform document processing functions as needed.
Additional Responsibilities
- Manage restricted funds, including maintaining records, reporting, and budgeting for gifts, endowments, scholarships, grants, and contracts.
- Perform revenue and other account reconciliations.
- Compile 1098T information.
- Collaborate with University Central Finance Operations units such as School Accounting, Financial Aid, Alumni and Development, Gift Accounting, Payroll and Human Resources, Tax, and Accounts Payable.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Working Conditions
- Normal office environment.
- Typically sitting at a desk or table.
- Use of standard office equipment.
Education and Experience
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting.
- Minimum of 3 years of professional accounting experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master of Business Administration (MBA).
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, or Missouri Division of Professional Registration).
- At least 5 years of relevant experience.
Skills
- Accounting and fund accounting.
- Analytical and critical thinking.
- Financial budgeting and reporting systems.
- Communication and interpersonal skills.
- Confidentiality and exercising judgment.
- Customer service and deadline management.
- Organizing, prioritization, and project administration.
- Ability to work independently and in groups.
Compensation and Benefits
- Salary range: $53,100.00 - $90,600.00 annually, based on qualifications, performance, equity, market rates, and department budget.
- Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
- Competitive health insurance with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
- Free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
- Defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan with university contributions starting at 7%.
- Wellness programs including challenges, health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness courses, employee assistance program, financial resources, and access to dietitians.
- Family benefits including 4 weeks of caregiver leave, family care resources, and tuition coverage for employees and their families (up to 100% at the institution and 40% elsewhere after seven years).
Additional Information
- This position requires compliance with University, Federal, International, and other regulations and policies.
- Pre-employment screening includes criminal background check, drug screening, employment and education verification, physical examination, vaccinations, and governmental registry checks as applicable.
- Reasonable accommodations will be made for employees with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Location
- The position is based in a normal office environment with typical office equipment usage.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The organization is committed to equal employment opportunity and access without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.