Case Western Reserve University

Senior Director of Finance

No longer accepting applications

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The senior director serves as chief financial officer responsible for the oversight of a comprehensive management model for the schools and units reporting to the Office of the Provost. Responsibilities include the oversight and coordination of the annual operating budget, capital budget, quarterly forecast, multi-year plans and other projects, as assigned. The senior director will develop financial models and forecasts; analyze actual spending versus budget; and work with the various programs and schools to ensure that resources are allocated optimally, and budgetary goals are met. In cooperation with others, the senior director will support the academic and administrative leadership with timely financial information and analysis.

Essential Functions

  • In keeping with the university mission and core values, assure the effective stewardship of institutional resources through strong, ongoing financial planning which supports the attainment of the university mission. Develop financial models and forecasts, analyzing actual versus budgeted activity. Meet regularly with the deputy provost to report on budgetary issues, and resolution of problems in areas of responsibility. Participate in leadership meetings to remain apprised of issues within the division. (15%)
  • Responsible for and oversee the financial management of budgets reporting to the university Provost. Advise and work with the various units to assure that resources are allocated optimally, and budgetary goals are met, providing experienced oversight of these areas. Oversight also extends to grant-funded, cost-share, endowment, agency, and reserve funds connected to those divisions and departments reporting to the provost. (15%)
  • Develop, implement and responsible for the strategic short-term and long-term financial planning process for the portfolio of schools and units. Train unit heads and staff on the strategic financial planning process and hold them accountable for timeliness, accuracy, and monitoring of financial activity. (15%)
  • Oversee the creation, review, approval, reporting and administration of all grant/foundation proposals/projects, accompanying documentation and budgets to assure that they are in compliance with university guidelines. Administer the management center liaison relationship between departments and the Office of Research Administration, Grants Accounting, Corporate and Foundation Relations, the Controller's Office, and the university Budget Office in the resolution of grant related issues. (15%)
  • Responsible for the development of policies and procedures to assure compliance with institutional, local, and federal guidelines in relation to financial and grant related management. Consult and serve as contact with other university departments to assure appropriate monitoring and control of accounts. Represent department¿s interests on university committees. (15%)
  • Facilitate the development, review, and approval of all capital project requests on behalf of the Vice President of Student Affairs. Participate in the financial planning necessary to implement development of new housing. Provide advice and feedback to the Chief Financial Officer and Office of Budget and Planning with the development and implementation of financial planning models (i.e. debt modeling, business plan implementation, and development activities) to address aspects of the student life experience. (10%)


Nonessential Funcitons

  • Authorize the processing of all financial paperwork routed for the approval of the provost, vice president for student affairs and the deputy provost, to include all contracts, budget, and grant documents. Assure the proper review and processing of all grants and contracts and consult with the university Office of the General Counsel, Procurement Services the Office of Research Administration, and the Controller¿s Office to assure they are in compliance with university guidelines. (5%)
  • Serve as the liaison to staff members in Development and Alumni Affairs, particularly in the offices of Major Gifts, Annual Campaign and Corporate and Foundation Relations in the coordination of fund-raising collaborations and initiatives. (5%)
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the provost, deputy provost. and vice president for student affairs. (5%)


CONTACTS

Department: Daily/frequent contact with the deputy provost and vice president for student affairs, as well as the other direct reports and administrative and student staff who work in those offices.

University: Frequent or periodic contact with staff at all levels in the Offices of: university Budgets and Planning; Sponsored Projects Administration; the Controller; Grants Accounting; Development and Alumni Relations; Construction Administration; Facilities Management and Operations; Facility Services; Internal Audit; and Procurement and Distribution Services.

External: Periodic contact with vendors and contractors for purposes of monitoring contract compliance and administration of services to students and staff. Periodic contacts with local, state and federal contracts, grant and/or foundation funding sources/agencies. Periodic contact with major gift donors and alumnae supporters of student life initiatives.

Students: Occasional contact with student workers.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Direct supervisory responsibility for financial staff and student workers.

QUALIFICAITONS

Experience: 10 years of experience in the finance area. including capital and/or operational budgeting. Experience in a university setting highly preferred.

Education/Licensing: MBA or equivalent advanced degree in a financial discipline required. CPA preferred.

Required Skills

  • Knowledge of accounting principles and financial analysis. Demonstrated skills in annual operational budgeting, budget-to-actual reporting, and financial forecasting. Ability to build financial models to assist in the evaluation of proposed (and continuing) initiatives.
  • Advanced analytical skills and demonstrated ability to recognize and interpret trends and non-standard. Ability to think both strategically and tactically.
  • Supervisory/management skills including the ability to facilitate/negotiate matters.
  • Effective writing, communication, and presentation skills, including strong interpersonal skills.
  • Strong understanding of organizational dynamics with a service /customer orientation.
  • Understanding of regulatory and legal issues, and the goals of the university.
  • Highly organized and detail oriented with project management skills.
  • Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with diverse constituencies. Ability to develop relationships with different types of stakeholders. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
  • Proven problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects.
  • Ability to work effectively under stress/deadlines.
  • High integrity and strong professional standards.
  • Ability to meet consistent attendance.
  • Working knowledge of various software applications to include Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Knowledge of ERP systems and business intelligence software. Database management skills required. Ability to extract data from a wide range of sources using a variety of tools.


WORKING CONDITIONS

General office environment.

In employment, as in education, Case Western Reserve University is committed to Equal Opportunity and Diversity. Women, veterans, members of underrepresented minority groups, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Case Western Reserve University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.
  • Seniority level

    Executive
  • Employment type

    Full-time
  • Job function

    Finance and Sales
  • Industries

    Higher Education

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Case Western Reserve University by 2x

See who you know

Get notified about new Senior Director Finance jobs in Cleveland, OH.

Sign in to create job alert

Similar Searches

Looking for a job?

Visit the Career Advice Hub to see tips on interviewing and resume writing.

View Career Advice Hub