Department
Provost Budget Operations
About the Department
Through the Budget Office, the Office of the Provost manages, administers, and implements the University’s annual operating, long-term planning and capital budgets. The Budget Office also provides strategic and operational leadership in financial planning and analysis and works collaboratively with units across campus on their budgets. In addition to these core duties, the unit provides financial analysis on a wide range of subject matters including total student charges, research performance, and enrollment trends.
Job Summary
Reporting to the Director of Budget Operations, the Associate Director of Budget Operations provides strategic business leadership, financial insight and analysis, and oversees the financial management of operating and capital budgets for University-wide administrative units. The Associate Director will develop long- and short-term financial goals, business strategies/plans, and financial forecasts/models for major service programs and initiatives, analyzing risks and opportunities and challenging assumptions as appropriate. This role will coordinate quarterly and year-end reporting for unit operating budgets as well as review and recommend the implementation of accounting procedures and controls.
The Associate Director provides specialized financial knowledge and breadth of expertise to complex units enabling leaders to meet organizational needs, align with established goals, and accomplish strategic targets.
Responsibilities
- Prepares financial statements, activity reports, and forecasts, providing direction on budgeting and accounting responsibilities, with a focus on optimizing use of the financial platforms.
- Leads the development and coordination of financial planning and reporting, including the creation of robust financial models to guide decision-making for a department’s leadership.
- Reviews, evaluates, and advises the unit as to multi-year program financial plans, program objectives, level of program activities, resource requirements, and program effectiveness.
- Coordinates closely with leadership to provide budget guidance, spending analysis, and revenue projections, leveraging expertise in the institution's financial systems.
- Leads and partners with leaders to develop financial business plans and forecasts for new and existing programs and partnerships.
- Serves as a leader across the University on the development and implementation of processes that 1) improve the utilization of financial and budget reporting tools to strengthen data validity and real-time budget tracking; 2) explore the creation of multi-year financial plans to strengthen financial planning at the University; and 3) ensure accounting and financial plan assumptions are aligned with budget planning processes.
- Establishes and implements guidelines and procedures for reporting to ensure compliance, streamline processes within the University’s financial systems, and to monitor actual performance against budget.
- Reviews and recommends the implementation of accounting procedures and controls.
- Remains updated on University procedures, system updates, and compliance requirements.
- Works in collaboration with the University’s Research Administration office and Vice President of National Labs office to administer, track, and manage grants and contractual obligations.
- Conducts quantitative and qualitative analyses to monitor and manage expense optimization by identifying market drivers, enhancing strategies, or improving revenue generation.
- Analyzes, organizes, and communicates sophisticated business information to ensure deliverables are meeting or exceeding expectations.
- Provides financial input based on the development of data collection, metrics, reports, and other analytical applications.
- Understands and improves upon available data sources and uses that information to create clear and concise presentations to leadership, ensuring informed decision-making.
- Provides high level specialized analysis and administration of the budget process. Reviews and partners with senior staff from all units to ensure budget proposals are accurate, complete, and in compliance with established procedures, regulations, and organizational objectives.
- Advises others on operational budgets. Reports on variances between the approved budget and actual performance and recommends revised procedures.
- Provides analytical support for complex budget projects. Analyzes budget estimates and proposals for completeness; accuracy; and conformance with established procedures, regulations, and organizational objectives.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- Master’s degree in a related field.
Experience:
- Five years of relevant experience managing budget development and execution.
- Higher education experience.
Technical Skills or Knowledge:
- Familiarity with financial software and tools, particularly Oracle modules.
- Work with IT staff to enhance budgeting and reporting systems.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills, financial computing, and database software applications, with an emphasis on their integration with financial platforms.
Preferred Competencies
- Analytical Skills - analyze complex financial data and create detailed reports. Expertise in financial modeling and quantitative analysis.
- Financial Acumen - understanding of advanced financial and accounting concepts, budgeting processes, and financial forecasting. Knowledge of budgetary procedures and financial regulations.
- Communication Skills - prepare and present financial and administrative information clearly to diverse audiences. Effective in written and verbal communication.
- Project Management - capable of coordinating multiple projects and managing timelines effectively. Developing and implementing standard operating procedures.
- Leadership and Team Management - manage teams, provide guidance, and ensure timely completion of tasks.
- Continuous Improvement - commitment to promoting a culture of continuous improvement and efficiency.
- Strategic Thinking - develop and implement metrics and methodologies for financial performance evaluation.
- Adaptability - flexibility in managing changing priorities and dynamic financial environments.
Working Conditions
- This role may be hybrid with the expectation of 2-3 days per week on campus.
Application Documents
- Resume/CV (required)
- Cover Letter (preferred)
- References Contact Information (3) (required)
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Financial Management
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$150,000.00 - $160,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
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