Director Of Budget And Administration

Position will be responsible for administering the current year budget and long-range planning for the Office of Academic Affairs (AA) and supporting units (includes faculty affairs, strategic initiatives, academic programs, enrollment management, the graduate school, office of research, Syracuse Abroad/Study Away, and all related programs) through collaboration with the Associate Vice President of Academic Operations. The chosen candidate will coordinate the allocation and monitor budgets, expenditures, fund balances and related financial activities ensuring allocations are accurate, revenues are recorded, spending is done in accordance with policies and best practices, and within available resources. This position is also responsible for creating and analyzing the monthly financial statements for AA units for the purpose of providing resource allocation direction and support. The Director will make recommendations, maximizing utilization of funds, and/or ensure overall operations are within the budget plan. The position will provide direct oversight of the day-to-day financial/administrative operations and staff, including approval of payroll and HR transactions, procurement card reconciliations, e-pro review and approval, etc. This role will act as a liaison between AA and university offices and will provide support and act as a back-up to the Associate Vice President of Academic Operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in financial or management field; masters degree preferred.

• Seven (7+) plus years of experience in a financial/ budget/accounting role with increasing responsibility.

• Experience in higher education preferred.

Job Specific Qualifications

• Candidate must possess strong written and verbal inter-personal skills, comfortable with working with executive level teams.

• Must have significant experience in budget development, monitoring, forecasting, making resource recommendations, accounting and/or related administrative field.

• An attention to detail is required, as well as exceptional organizational and time management skills.

• Ability to multi-task and perform successfully in a fast-paced environment in cross functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee/manage all aspects of AA budgeting, working closely with the central Office of Budget and Planning, on monthly estimated finals based on input from the units and the development of the long-range plan.

• Responsible for budget development and monitoring in support of Academic Affairs (AA) initiatives.

• Routinely monitor and evaluate the budget and meet with Executive Leadership Team and department administrators to review their budgets and compare to estimated finals to identify any potential savings opportunities or concerns.

• Must possess the ability to effectively communicate and execute across different levels and units regarding financial matters.

• Facilitate the identification of funding sources for AA commitments, and coordinate processing with academic deans and budget officers.

• Oversee input of the annual budget input to the University's Hyperion Planning budget system.

• Provide regular updates of AA's financial position to the Associate VP of Academic Operations, identifying opportunities, concerns, and strategize how to appropriate allocate resources within AA.

• Supervise AA's finance staff and provide appropriate oversight of all spending, i.e. payroll, purchasing, contracts, vendors, relocation, travel, etc.

• Monitor compliance with university and unit policies regarding expenditures and procurement.

• Ensure that all administrative staff across AA understand and follow University guidelines and procedures.

• Serve as the authorized signer for all program funds including unrestricted, restricted, endowed and sponsored.

• Work closely and maintain positive relationships with university offices; Purchasing, Disbursements, Physical Plant, Sponsored Programs and Sponsored Accounting, Treasurer's Office, General Counsel, and the Comptroller's office to resolve any issues or in collaborative manner to enhance processes.

• Complete ongoing detailed review of spending by the Vice Chancellor and Provost's direct reports.

• Make recommendations for maximizing AA's financial resources. Oversee year-end close procedures.

• Partner with University Office (HR and Payroll) to oversee the HR related processes in AA and serve as a point of contact for the Senior HR Business Partner.

• Responsible for understanding the organizational structure of AA and ensure resources are being utilized efficiently across units.

• Oversee Human Resources functions for AA, including the approval of Position Evaluation Requests (PERs), Requests for Additional Pay (RAPs).

• Ensure hiring, pay rates, variable pay requests, etc. are within the unit's budget parameters.

• Coordinate and oversee the annual salary and performance review process.

• Participate in complex and confidential issues related to employment, compensation, appointment letters, and employee relations.

• Maintain an in-depth understanding of ongoing AA capital projects, ensure projects are appropriately sourced, monitor budget versus actuals, timelines, and raise concerns to the AVP of Academic Operations as appropriate.

• Other duties as assigned

Physical Requirements

• Tools/Equipment

• Application Instructions

In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.