Department

PSD Budget & Finance

About the Department

The Physical Sciences Division (PSD) has a rich history of advancing and defining new fields of discovery in the physical and mathematical sciences, and this tradition of innovation continues today. Our inquiry and impact spans from the edge of the observable universe to human-computer interaction, from biophysical materials science to the geologic record of seawater composition, from gravitational waves to geometric flows, and beyond. The division includes the academic departments of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geophysical Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics. In addition, PSD includes a number of interdisciplinary research institutes and centers, including the Data Science Institute, Enrico Fermi Institute, the James Franck Institute, and the Kavli Center for Cosmological Physics. Many of our scientists have joint appointments at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and Argonne National Laboratory as well as joint affiliations with other Chicago-based research institutions such as the Toyota Technological Institute of Chicago, and the Field Museum. Our students build connections with world-leading scientists, collaborate across disciplines, and enjoy the dynamic Chicago and University communities.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Assistant Dean for Budgeting and Financial Planning, the Associate Director of Finance oversees the finance and budget responsibilities for the Division of the Physical Sciences. The Associate Director takes a proactive approach to financial management by developing advanced financial models, supporting long-range financial planning, and providing data-driven recommendations that align with the Division’s strategic goals. The Associate Director will work closely with senior management to deliver high-quality reporting and will play a key role in internal financial controls and compliance to support our mission and strategic priorities.

Responsibilities

Manages a team of professional staff responsible for financial management of the Division’s budget.Provides leadership to departments and centers in preparation of their budgets.Manages the Division’s budget by compiling and transferring financial data into budget spreadsheets which are provided to departments throughout the Division.Leads the analysis budget estimates and proposals for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with established procedures, regulations, and organizational objectives.Leads the development and analysis of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial planning cycles including budget, forecast, and long-range strategic plans.Communicates financial updates and strategic recommendations to senior management in a concise, clear, and timely manner.Monitors the budget by reviewing reports and accounting records to determine if allocated funds are being spent appropriately.Works mostly independently and serves as a financial strategist and modeling contributor. Acts as a trusted advisor and recommends improvements on financial strategy and situation.Guides budget administrators to help ensure the integrity of financial analysis and planning.Conducts financial research to advance decision-making and communication for critical.Identifies critical areas for attention and analysis. Devises approaches for improving the general level of strategic and analytical thinking.Collaborates with others to develop focused, effective reporting design and metrics.Designs and implements dashboards and visual analytics for real-time financial tracking.Analyzes complex data across areas like enrollment, faculty, and admissions, preparing detailed reports to support senior leadership.Manages resource planning and allocation, supervising detailed analyses and providing actionable recommendations to senior leadership.Manages the development, monitoring, and evaluation of a consolidated annual and intermediate (typically three to five year) budget plan and budget process for a unit, as well as actual performance against budget.Manages the preparation of financial statements, activity reports, financial position forecasts, and/or reports required by regulatory agencies.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:        

Bachelor’s degree, MBA, or other advance degree.Educational background with focus in business or related technical field.

Experience:       

Supervisory experience.Accounting, finance, or equivalent experience.Compiling data used for preparing budgets.Verifying electronic records for data integrity.Researching information.Background in a University setting or other complex not-for-profit organization.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

Proficient with record management systems.Familiarity with Oracle ERP system.Familiarity with Orbit reporting system.Exposure to the University of Chicago culture.Knowledge of gifts, endowments, payroll, and student systems.Strong financial modeling skills.Knowledge of database development and/or structure maintenance.Proficiency with Microsoft Office.Strong Excel skills to manipulate data via sort, v-look up, parse, and pivot data.Strong practical knowledge of financial analysis methodologies.

Preferred Competencies

Strong interpersonal skills.Strong communication skills. Tell a story in understandable manner to the non-financial individual.Demonstrated ability to think strategically, independently develop and evaluate options, and translate findings into operational objectives.Establish and maintain relationships at all organizational levels.Work closely and effectively with senior University leadershipIntellectual versatility and creativity.Demonstrated problem-solving, organization, analytical, and coordination skills, including attention to detail.Work independently and as part of a team, and to interact with a diverse workforce.Excellent time management skills and handle multiple, concurrent tasks within deadlines with minimal supervision.Work effectively and gracefully under considerable time pressure on high visibility, high stakes projects.Flexible and adaptable to changes in workflow and procedures.

Working Conditions

This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule with four days on-campus and one day remote.Work non-traditional hours when necessary.

Application Documents

Resume/CV (required)Cover Letter (required)References Contact Information (3)(required)

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

People Manager

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$120,000.00 - $140,000.00

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 773-702-5800 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.

 

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