Director of Finance

Title: Director of Finance

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: College of Information & Computer Sciences

Department: Computer Science

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Job Summary

The Director of Finance leads the daily financial management, planning, and related data analysis activities for the Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences (CICS). The Director is directly responsible for the financial management of the College's $30 million operating budget and overall budget of $50 million spanning multiple fund types, including the annual operating budget, fiscal policies and procedures, efficiency and effectiveness of systems, long term forecasting, and fiscal compliance and control. The position also gathers, analyzes, and interprets financial data necessary for the assessment and continuous process improvement for all academic and operational areas within the College. The Director of Finance acts as an advisor and partner to the Dean and Associate Dean on all matters related to strategic and long-range financial planning for the College.

Essential Functions

Instrumental in setting and executing the overall financial management for the Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences (CICS). Leads the finance team to provide financial management direction to the operations of the College. Works with a broad constituency of faculty, administrators, and staff to support a diverse operation in a professional and time-sensitive environment.

Serves as a strategic business partner to the Associate Dean of Finance and Administration and senior College leadership. Plays a critical role in shaping and impacting the operational efficiencies, processes, and strategies in the continued growth and success of CICS.

Gathers, analyzes, and interprets financial data necessary for the assessment and continuous process improvement for all academic and operational areas within the College. Receives financial data project requests from the Dean, Associate Deans, Chair, and Staff Directors and prioritizes them based on the urgency and impact of the requested analyses. Provides suggestions on data sources and methods of manipulation and directs the analysis of data.

Works collaboratively with University offices including the Provost's, Research and Engagement, and Administration & Finance (Budget Office, Controller's Office, Internal Audit, etc.) to ensure that the College is operating efficiently and effectively and is compliant with all appropriate practices, policies, and laws governing the University.

Researches and applies new tools and practices to improve data collection, reporting and data generation for College-wide initiatives and overall financial operations.

Other Functions

Performs related duties as assigned or required to meet College, Executive Area/Division, and University goals and objectives.

Understands responsibilities with respect to Uniform Guidance for Federal Awards, Title IX, Clery and other compliance requirements.

Works creatively, collaboratively, and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality and inclusiveness. In the performance of work, takes initiative, is creative, and operates with self-direction. Works in partnership with colleagues within the CICS community and across the campus to support the Dean's strategic priorities.

Contributes toward creating a positive and respectful workplace defined by personal and professional competence, integrity, and collaboration.

Understands and contributes to implementation of College and institutional goals for achieving non-discrimination and creating a respectful, inclusive environment that is supportive of diversity.

Uses access to sensitive and/or not yet public university related information only in the performance of the responsibilities of position and exercises care to prevent unnecessary disclosure to others.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree with five (5) years of relevant financial experience. A Master's Degree or higher in Business, Accounting, or related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.

Strong collaborative and communication skills; must have the ability to work effectively as part of a diverse and dynamic team in a fast-paced environment.

Must possess strong analytical skills and the ability to think strategically.

Highly self-motivated and self-managed individual with the ability to manage multiple projects/priorities simultaneously. Ability to organize and work under strict time and production deadlines, while producing quality deliverables.

Willingness to take on a variety of projects related to the successful operation and administration of the College. The ability to adapt and work effectively as the College or programs grow and change. Ability to work effectively under pressure.

The ability to think through problems, organize and seek out information, identify key factors and underlying causes, and generate solutions or resolve discrepancies.

Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively and work productively in establishing and maintaining harmonious working relationships with a diverse population of faculty, staff, students, and external constituents.

Ability to read, understand, apply and explain rules, regulations, and policies/procedures.

Commitment to thorough and positive customer service.

Strong computer skills including at least intermediate expertise with:

Spreadsheets such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.

Databases such as FileMaker or Microsoft Access.

Presentation software such as Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides.

Email.

Preferred Qualifications

Master of Business Administration, MS Finance, or MS Business Analytics.

CPA/CMA.

Experience in assessing, developing, and re-engineering processes.

Demonstrable and successful management and fiscal oversight experience, planning, budgeting, reporting, and development of financial and operational metrics to align organizational strategy to business operations.

Working knowledge of technologies/tools surrounding operational management including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting tools and analytical software.

Additional Details

Reports to the Associate Dean of Finance and Administration.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Typical office hours between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee's work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 28

Click here to view the Professional Staff Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions for Applicants

In addition to the application, please include your resume, a cover letter, and three (3) professional references.References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.