Director of Finance
University of Pennsylvania - Philadelphia, PA
posted 4 months ago
About the position
The Director of Finance and Planning will report to and work in partnership with the Associate Dean, Finance & Administration in all financial related matters at the School of Social Policy and Practice (SP2). They will serve as a key adviser to faculty and staff, act as budget adviser, financial operations leader, and thoughtful leader for the academic programs and administration of the school. Serving as a key member of team leadership in the Finance and Administration office of the School of Social Policy and Practice (SP2), they will ensure and safeguard the integrity of SP2's financial statements, the propriety and appropriateness of all account/fund balances, spending in accordance with fiduciary responsibility, and compliance with University and School policies. They will recommend strategic decisions and identify issues and concerns that need to be addressed by leadership and be a key problem solver for the school. This position will have a major impact on the financial health of the school by recommending and implementing strategic priorities directly related to SP2's vision and mission. The Director of Finance & Planning will work collaboratively and collegially with faculty and staff and consult with Senior Staff on findings requiring implementation to meet institutional goals. They will be the primary liaison with the University Comptroller's Office, having responsibility for the school's asset and liability reconciliations, tax reporting, and other such accounting and reporting matters. This role will also serve as SP2's representative on University operational committees and working groups as needed. The Director of Finance and Planning oversees the Senior Business Administrator, Financial Analyst, and Financial Administrative Coordinator positions within Finance and Administration.
Responsibilities
- Establish and manage sophisticated accounting/management reporting systems that provide departments with analysis of their actual results in a format conducive to collaborative strategic decision making, including variance, trend, and activity analysis.
- Develop and review management reports for the school to recommend and be part of implementation of strategic plans as appropriate.
- Lead the SP2 F&A Office and School community in ensuring compliance with university policies and procedures for all financial operations, including payroll, purchasing, revenue processing, travel, and reimbursements.
- Participate in and oversee the process of troubleshooting daily problems that arise in financial matters and alert senior leadership of related issues that could have a negative impact on SP2's overall financial health.
- Manage restricted funds to ensure appropriate indirect cost recovery rates and spending of restricted before unrestricted funds when possible.
- Contribute to the forecasting and 5-year budgeting process by applying in-depth knowledge of the school's strategic plan and financial results to the master plan for the school.
- Supervise, advise, and collaborate with the Senior Business Administrator, Financial Analyst and Financial Administrative Coordinator positions within SP2 F&A.
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 as well as 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 to utilize details in financial performance to meet institutional goals.
- Familiarity with Penn financial systems strongly preferred.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience in higher education financial management.
- Knowledge of compliance regulations related to financial operations in educational institutions.
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 retirement plans.
- Substantial time away from work for personal needs.
- Long-term care insurance options for faculty and staff.
- 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.
- Adoption assistance for qualified expenses related to legal adoption.
