Director of Finance and Budget Analysis

Requisition Number: JR25844
Division /Dept. / Unit: Library Administration - Human Resources & Facilities Administration
Reports to: Associate Dean of Operations and Administration
Work Schedule: Full-time

About the Department

Widely known as the guardian of one of the largest academic library collections in North America, the University of Chicago Library is redefining its role as a provider of services within an increasingly open global knowledge ecosystem. We value open and equitable access to knowledge, freedom of speech and inquiry, and working in partnership within and beyond the UChicago community. We are creating a working environment that embraces innovation and respect and that celebrates and develops staff.

As part of the University of Chicago, we offer a wide variety of strong benefits and programs to academics and staff. From a choice of comprehensive health plan options and wellness programs, short and long-term disability insurance, continuing education opportunities including educational assistance plans, competitive retirement plans, and paid time off (vacation, personal, and university holidays), we’re committed to providing benefits and a work environment that matters!

Job Summary

The Director of Finance and Budget Analysis will lead and manage the operating budget, financial planning and analysis, and procurement for the Library and the subunits of research, and philanthropic revenue and ensure alignment with University operational budgets/strategies. Reporting to the Associate Dean of Operations and Administration functions as a liaison to University Finance, Research, and other organizational partners on fiscal matters related to the Library's financial operations. The individual who holds this position exemplifies the University of Chicago and Library's mission, vision, and values and acts following organizational policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

  • Manages Library operational, research, gifts, and endowment budgets for functional areas of responsibility and ensures the budget aligns with Library budget strategy.
  • Responsible for the creation of regular budget and expense projections for all operating units.
  • Responsible for the revenue management and expense functions within the Library and maintains fiduciary responsibilities that benefit the Library.
  • Directs the analysis and reporting of the fiscal impact of efforts in services, research, and practice by proactively forecasting for long-term planning. Examples include providing and interpreting financial information for senior Library leadership/reports regularly.
  • Works with Library management and supervisors to provide analysis and refine fiscal functions, presenting recommendations/advisement to the Associate Dean of Operations and Administration. Examples include preparing and managing the Library’s financial accounting, monitoring, and reporting systems for the operational budget.
  • Collaborates with Associate Dean of Operations and Administration to develop, revise, and implement policy and procedures of finance areas (revenue/expense management), professional fee billing, grants/contracts and review financial feasibility and provide pro forma proposals to ensure interdependencies between specific areas of functional oversight and other areas within the Library have appropriate hand-offs.
  • Stays abreast of industry changes impacting Library finance; identifies potential impact and required changes; strives to promote best practices in Library finance including organization policy adherence and advises Associate Dean on best fiscal practices.
  • Responsible for directing any financial communications to internal stakeholders.
  • Conducts regular education and training on financial metrics, technical skills, and other relevant financial and operational concepts to the Library community.
  • Analyzes and prepares budgets, creates accounts, and works with the financial accounting system to allocate, authorize, monitor, and control expenses.
  • Prepares monthly reports, conducts and correct errors in accounts using existing procedures that are in place, and provides advice on the financial impact of human resources and academic affairs decisions.
  • May work with other administrators on the procurement process, allocates expenditures for authorization, and advises in communications regarding funding agencies, subcontractors, and others at the instruction and direction of others.
  • Performs other related work as needed.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

--

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

  • Master’s degree in a relevant field or undergraduate degree combined with equivalent professional experience.

Experience:

  • Minimum of five years or more of experience in at least one of: financial, administrative, program/project management, human resources, and/or facilities.
  • Minimum of three years of proven leadership in managing units/projects in a research organization, public institution, non-profit, library, museum, or similar organization.
  • Understanding of fiscal management of grants, philanthropic gifts, and GAAP (accounting).
  • Accounting /account reconciliation knowledge.
  • Excellent working knowledge and experience with MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access).
  • Problem solving and financial analytical skills.
  • Ability to interact professionally with all levels of employees.
  • Knowledge of data extraction and reporting.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

  • Aptitude for translating complex issues and ideas to general audience.
  • Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel.

Preferred Competencies:

  • Financial and analytical ability.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively with others in difficult situations.
  • Ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality of all financial reports.
  • Excellent time management and organization skills.
  • Ability to meet established deadlines.

Working Conditions:

  • Ability to travel around University Campus for errands and departmental deliveries.

Application Documents

  • CV/Resume(required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

To Apply

To apply for this position, external candidates must submit an application and any other required materials through https://uchicago.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/External/job/Chicago-IL/Director-of-Finance-and-Budget-Analysis_JR25844. Internal candidates must apply by logging into Workday and selecting the Career worklet; for more information, please see How to Apply for a UChicago Job (Current Employee) QRG. Resumes sent via mail, fax, or email will not be considered. For more information, please see https://www.uchicago.edu/jobs/.

Posting Statement:​​

Employees must comply with the University’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements. More information about the requirements can be found on the University of Chicago Vaccination GoForward.

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff 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.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

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: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.