Senior Academic Budget Manager

Provost/Dean of Faculty Job Description

Job Summary

Provide financial analysis and fiscal management oversight for the Office of the Provost & Dean of Faculty, as well as all units reporting thereto, and other areas of the college on an as-needed. Analyze data and statistical trends, model future funding scenarios using business intelligence platforms in partnership with Finance and Institutional Research offices. Administer and provide oversight of academic financial matters for the Provost’s area; liaise with academic and administrative departments as needed on policies, processes, expenditures, and reporting. As a member of the budget team, support central college activities, ad-hoc analyses and modeling at the direction of the college’s Director of Budgets & Financial Planning.

Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Essential Functions

Central Academic Budget Management

Oversee and manage a ~$2.5M operating budget as well as ~$2.6M in restricted funding. Make recommendations for resource allocations in alignment with the core mission and academic strategy of the Provost’s Office, and within the institutional context and framework of the college's overarching financial plan. Perform advanced, strategically-focused financial planning, including but not limited to: budget and endowment analysis, multi-year financial projections, as-needed modeling and forecasting for both the Provost and Budget Offices. Develop and enhance models for new Provost-funded initiatives and advise Provost & Deans on financial policies and practices. Provide recommendations and support to the Provost & Deans on the annual strategic initiative’s presentation. Advise the Deans of recommended funding allocations, determine appropriate funding sources and ensure proper usage of funds, track commitments, handle direct transactions (invoices, journals, etc.), perform reconciliations and budget vs actuals analyses. Develop and enhance management reporting packages to provide Deans with financial management data and key metrics to inform decisions.

Oversee Academic Finances

In partnership with the Associate Provost, oversee and monitor all budgets as well as restricted funding in units reporting to the Provost ($10M operating budget, ~100 individual departments/units), as well as Graduate & Special Programs, the Campus School, and the Center for Early Childhood Education. Serve as the financial subject matter expert for the Provost's area. Lead the annual budget call cycle for the Provost's area, providing detailed evaluations of requests, and delivering nuanced recommendations to the Deans on strategic budget allocations or reductions for final budget approval. Support and adhere to institutional fiscal targets and budgetary guidance by collaborating and communicating with a variety of constituents. Manage and lead the fiscal year close processes for Provost's area. Reconcile and resolve budget and gift balances when issues arise. Collaborate with the Budget Office, Human Resources, other Provost staff, and departmental constituents on faculty and staff position control, labor allocations, and compensation budgeting. Oversee annual sweep of operating budget and gift funding towards faculty compensation in partnership with the Associate Director for Faculty Analytics. Provide in-depth financial analyses, modeling, and projections for departments, programs, and initiatives in service of the mission and strategic goals.

Manage and Coordinate Financial Positions in the Provost's Area

Lead the finance function of the Provost's area through managing, and collaborating with various financial constituents to achieve a streamlined and cohesive approach to Provost area financial sustainability, management, and reporting. Serve as a dotted line manager to major Provost area financial coordinators, including the Botanic Gardens Business Operations Coordinator, the Campus School Office Coordinator, the Clark Science Center Resource Manager, the Libraries Administrative & Budget Coordinator, the Museum of Art Financial & Systems Coordinator. Provide financial onboarding and training for new Provost area staff in finance-facing roles. Oversee Finance security role assignments and access through Workday for faculty and Provost area staff, in conjunction with Budget and ITS security staff.

Analytics and Central Budgeting Support

At the direction of the Director of Budgets and Financial Planning, support and engage in centralized college analysis, projects, and modeling as needed. Participate in strategic college initiatives where financial or academic representation is needed; speak to and advocate for academic priorities and needs. As a member of the Budget Office, provide backup to other team members as needed. Collaborate with the Director of Budgets & Financial Planning, the Controller, and other members of Finance & Administration in process improvement initiatives across campus, including but not limited to: financial report development, policy development, community training & documentation, financial systems enhancements, data integrity, and the rollout of new analytic technologies.

Faculty Internal Grants

In consultation with the Associate Provost, provide budget analysis, reporting, and modeling to the Deans, and CFCD as appropriate. Serve as staff liaison to CFCD; in partnership with the Associate Provost, make recommendations on policy changes and new grant programs; develop and implement policies to ensure compliance and sound fiscal management while prioritizing the academic mission of the College. Oversee the administration, approval, distribution, and faculty guidance and support related to internal grants as functionally applied and conducted by the Grants Specialist, including the development of processes and reports for fellowships, starter and discretionary grants, and other faculty research and development funds awarded by CFCD (Committee on Faculty Compensation and Development) and/or Provost’s funds.

Leadership, Communication, Critical Thinking, and Problem-Solving Skills

Effectively develop, implement, and communicate financial recommendations and policies equitably to support strategic goals, compliance, and sound fiscal stewardship. Capable of significant autonomy and responsibility; demonstrates high level of initiative and self-direction, with the ability to work largely independently as well as in a variety of teams. Work closely with financial managers in multiple areas across campus on provostial and collegewide initiatives and funding commitments. Proactively identify and address finance-related questions and issues throughout the Provost's area. Advanced critical thinking, problem solving skills, and high level of resilience to be nimble in a complex, rapidly changing environment. Solid sense of judgment on data and information sharing when navigating multiple key stakeholders. Tactfully and clearly communicate around financial issues with the utmost discretion and confidentiality to a variety of constituents across the Provost area and the college, serving as a representative of both the Provost's and Budget / Finance & Administration Offices.

Other Functions

All employees are expected to participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Minimum Qualifications (knowledge, skills, education, experience, certifications, licenses)

Bachelor's degree, with 5-7 years of experience in financial management and oversight or an equivalent combination of education/experience. Proficient to advanced knowledge of Excel. Experience with data analysis and presentation, Workday, and financial record-keeping and disbursements.

Preferred Qualifications

M.B.A. or similar experience preferred. Workday experience and Fund accounting acumen desirable. Higher education administration experience highly desirable.

Skills

High degree of initiative, self-direction, critical & creative thinking, and independent judgment. Must possess exemplary problem solving and organizational skills with proven judgment. Ability to develop and execute several key projects simultaneously in a high-paced, collaborative office setting. Demonstrated strong administrative, leadership, verbal and written communication skills as well as the ability to analyze complex data. Excellent interpersonal and technical skills.

Please attach BOTH a current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position . You may combine your resume and cover letter into a single file or attach multiple files to your application, but BE SURE you have provided all attachments BEFORE SUBMITTING your application. You will NOT be able to attach additional files after you have hit the Submit button.

Review of applications will begin

September 10, 2021

Compensation Grade:

Grade H

Position Type:

Regular

About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Smith College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression or veteran status in the recruitment and employment of faculty and staff, and the operation of any of its programs and activities, as specified by all applicable laws and regulations. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.