Job Description:

• Serves as an experienced liaison interacting with financial administrators within operational units on financial, budget or accounting matters to prepare, advise and recommend.
• Leads the development and analysis of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial planning cycles including budget, forecast, and year-end reports and submissions in compliance with governmental, and US GAAPs pronouncements.
• Responsible for the timely and accurate preparation of relevant monthly financial statements, activity reports, financial position forecasts, and other reports as required by regulatory agencies (DOE, IG, and UoC).
• Oversees all financial aspects of internal and external National Laboratories and Board of Governors engagements, Graduate Research Cooperative (GRC), Joint Task Force Initiatives, and other projects by closely partnering with senior management and other stakeholders at the University, the National Laboratories and the DOE.
• Provides financial input based on the development of data collection, metrics, reports and other analytical applications.
• Implements, improves, and oversees unit-wide operational efficiency, strengthens internal controls, and enhances the utilization of ERP systems.
• Oversees unit-wide compliance and adherence to procurement policies, fund and grant management, program execution and overall revenue generation stewardship.
• Provides financial and operational consulting services to the senior leadership team on key strategic initiatives to help the units stay focused on achieving their strategic goals.
• Develops strong partnerships with a broad range of key internal stakeholders including: the Budget Office, Financial Services, DOE contracting offices, National Laboratories Finance and Procurement teams, Office of Legal Counsel, etc.
• Develops and leads the implementation of change management initiatives (such as shared services outsourcing, FST, COA, etc.) and University-wide projects.
• Conducts quantitative and qualitative analyses to monitor and manage for expense optimization by identifying market drivers, enhance strategies, or improve revenue generation.
• Analyze, organize and communicate business information to ensure deliverables are meeting or exceeding expectations.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• BSc/BA in accounting, finance, or relevant field.
• MSc/MA/MBA.

Experience:

• Seven or more years of progressive experience leading the end-to-end development of budgets, strategic business plans, year-end reporting and analysis, internal and external audit, forecasts, and monthly results analysis in higher education, government, or industry.
• Experience in higher education / governmental entities (finance, grant administration, FP&A) is a plus.
• Diverse and combined experience with Fortune 500, private equity, government, Big 4 or large consulting firm.
• Proven record of increased responsibility in audit, risk mitigation and compliance, financial planning and analysis, accounting, grant administration, controllership, change and project management, process improvement, operations transformation, and internal controls optimization roles.
• Minimum of 3 years demonstrated supervisory, team building, and team development.
• Prior experience with legal entity compliance, GAAP and practical implementation of governmental policies, pronouncements, and procedures.
• Proven track record of superior financial and strategic analysis and operational savviness.

Certifications:

• CPA or other relevant certification.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Power BI coupled with previous experience using financial/accounting systems.
• In-depth knowledge of finance and accounting principles, governmental laws, and best practices.

Preferred Competencies

• Influential leader with robust critical thinking, strategic mindset, and ability to take abstract concepts into solutions.
• Initiate and cultivate key relationships with senior external stakeholders in the government, industry, and other higher education organizations.
• Excellent communicator with superior writing and presentation skills.
• Prioritize tasks, work on multiple assignments and meet deadlines for deliverables.
• Thrive in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment and exhibit the highest personal and professional standards of integrity.
• Consistently display initiative, motivation, discipline, and ability to work effectively and autonomously.
• Relentlessly pursue financial excellence and optimization.
• Proactive and to follow through with attention to detail.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

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 the Applicant Inquiry Form.

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