Job Details

Department
Provost Financial Strategy and Capital Budgeting

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
The Manager of Financial Planning will provide specialized financial knowledge to the University of Chicago Budget Office, which reports directly to the Provost. Working collaboratively with financial managers and leaders throughout the University, including counterparts in the Finance & Administration team, the Manager of Financial Planning will develop and support plans to optimize University financial resources and meet strategic financial goals. This work will include the management of the Budget Office's long-term financial plan, as well as annual budget scenario planning.

Responsibilities

• Supports the Budget Director and Director of Financial Strategy in developing and executing long-term financial scenario building, multi-year budgeting, and the annual budget.
• Supports ongoing management of the University budget model, including annual development of University allocation scenarios, analysis, and proposal of rates. Identifies areas for improvement and recommends strategies for resource optimization.
• Executes recommendation for annual budget, as well as monthly forecast, for total University expenditure base, including payroll and all non-compensation expenses.
• Performs business case analyses and provides quantitative modeling expertise for various financial management projects in the Budget Office and the Office of the Provost.
• Serves as the primary Budget Office liaison to financial administrators in several University units as assigned, providing those units with budget development and financial management support with annual and monthly University budget processes as well as variance analysis.
• Prepares presentations to convey complex financial data to leadership and members of the University community.
• Prepares long-term financial models and scenario analyses to assess institutional sustainability and resource allocation.
• Uses specialized knowledge and breadth of expertise to perform a variety of complex analyses.
• Leverages expertise in financial modeling and analysis of large data sets to recommend streamlined financial management and tools for University-wide adoption, using Excel and Oracle financials modules.
• 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:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Master's degree in a related field.

Experience:

• Higher education experience.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Familiarity with financial software and tools, particularly Oracle modules.
• Ability to 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: Ability to analyze complex financial data and create detailed reports. Expertise in financial modeling and quantitative analysis.
• Financial Acumen: Demonstrated understanding of advanced financial and accounting concepts, budgeting processes, and financial forecasting. Knowledge of budgetary procedures and financial regulations.
• Communication Skills: Ability to prepare and present financial and administrative information clearly to diverse audiences. Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Project Management: Capable of coordinating multiple projects and managing timelines effectively. Experience in developing and implementing standard operating procedures.
• Continuous Improvement: Commitment to promoting a culture of continuous improvement and efficiency.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and implement metrics and methodologies for financial performance evaluation.
• Adaptability: Flexibility in managing changing priorities and dynamic financial environments.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)

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
$120,000.00 - $135,000.00
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-###-#### 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.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.