Director of Finance & Planning

$74,476 - $140,000/Yr

University of Pennsylvania - Philadelphia, PA

Full-time - Director

Philadelphia, PA

Educational Services

About the position

The Director of Finance and Planning at the University of Pennsylvania will play a pivotal role in overseeing all financial matters within the School of Social Policy and Practice (SP2). Reporting directly to the Associate Dean of Finance & Administration, this position is designed for a strategic leader who will act as a key adviser to faculty and staff, ensuring the integrity of SP2's financial statements and compliance with university policies. The Director will be responsible for managing the financial operations of the school, including budget advisement, financial reporting, and strategic decision-making that aligns with the school's vision and mission. In this role, the Director will establish and manage sophisticated accounting and management reporting systems that provide departments with detailed analyses of their financial results. This includes identifying spending patterns and recommending strategic solutions to enhance financial health. The Director will also lead the SP2 Finance and Administration Office in ensuring compliance with university policies for all financial operations, including payroll, purchasing, and revenue processing. The Director will oversee the management of restricted funds, ensuring compliance with donor agreements and maximizing resource utilization across various programs. They will contribute to the forecasting and budgeting processes, maintaining budgets in the university's financial systems and ensuring alignment with the school's strategic goals. Additionally, the Director will supervise and mentor the Senior Business Administrator, Financial Analyst, and Financial Administrative Coordinator, fostering their professional development and ensuring effective team performance. This position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders, including faculty, staff, and senior leadership. The Director will also represent SP2 on university operational committees and working groups, contributing to the broader financial strategy of the university.

Responsibilities

• Establish and manage sophisticated accounting/management reporting systems for departments.
• Develop and review management reports to recommend and implement strategic plans.
• Lead compliance with university policies for all financial operations, including payroll and purchasing.
• Troubleshoot daily financial problems and alert senior leadership of potential issues.
• Manage restricted funds and ensure compliance with donor agreements.
• Contribute to the forecasting and 5-year budgeting process.
• Supervise and mentor the Senior Business Administrator, Financial Analyst, and Financial Administrative Coordinator.
• Coordinate with Dean's Office and SP2 Sponsored Research for financial planning of sponsored programs.
• Perform additional duties as assigned, including participation in convocation and graduation ceremonies.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree and 7 to 10 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Strong background in strategic portfolio management, especially with sponsored programs and gifts, is preferred.
• Experience managing and motivating staff.
• Demonstrated decision-making and problem-solving ability.
• Excellent critical thinking, communication, interpersonal, leadership, and strategic thinking skills required.
• Capability to independently manage multiple projects from start to finish.
• Ability to work under demanding timelines and utilize details in financial performance.

Nice-to-haves

• Familiarity with Penn financial systems strongly preferred.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits.
• Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children.
• Generous retirement plans including Basic, Matching, and Supplemental options.
• Substantial time away from work for personal needs.
• Long-term care insurance for faculty and staff and eligible family members.
• Wellness and work-life resources to support health and balance.
• Professional and personal development resources.
• Access to university resources and cultural activities.
• Discounts on goods and services for faculty and staff.
• Flexible work options for work-life balance.
• Forgivable loan for home buying or improvements in West Philadelphia.
• Adoption assistance for qualified expenses related to legal adoption.