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Executive Director of Finance & Business Operations

  • Job
    Full-time
    Expert Level
  • People, HR & Administration
    Banking & Finance
  • Philadelphia

AI generated summary

  • You must have a Bachelor's in finance or related field, 5+ years in higher education administration, supervisory experience, budget management skills, and excellent interpersonal skills.
  • You will manage budgets, analyze financial data, advise leadership, oversee HR operations, facilitate purchases, monitor expenditures, and support strategic planning and efficiency across the college.

Requirements

  • Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or other relevant business operations majors or equivalent combination of education and work experience. (Please review the Equivalency Chart for additional information.)
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in higher education or similar institution administration.
  • Minimum of 5 years supervisory experience.
  • Proven skills in budget preparation and strategic fiscal management and forecasting.
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct complex analysis of financial data.
  • Proven proficiency in organizational skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Experience in managing teams to success.

Responsibilities

  • Oversees fiscal resources within the college and provides strategic financial management of the college budget, collaborates with Dean, other administrative leaders and advisory councils in support of the academic and research mission and goals.
  • Develops long-term models to project the impact of changes or new assumptions affecting the College.
  • Coordinates the development and presentation of the annual College budget including quarterly reports and assessments.
  • Advises the Dean and other College and unit leadership on impact of budget commitments and communicates arising matters including larger strategic moves related to the physical plant of the college.
  • Regularly monitors and analyzes financial records to improve efficiency and planning.
  • Prepares and analyzes forecasting data to improve business decisions and communicate results to appropriate stakeholders.
  • Serves as administrative liaison between university offices and Westphal College department staff to ensure efficient and streamlined operations.
  • Structures internal budgeting processes and establishes internal controls to monitor operations and maintain budget limitations in alignment with College and University business processes.
  • Facilitates and advises on the completion and recording of all check requests, deposits, purchase orders, credit card payments and travel forms.
  • Assists Department Heads and Program directors with departmental and program cost centers management.
  • Prepares and oversees faculty contracts.
  • Reviews and facilitates large purchases, funding transfers, cost center requests and Web*Financials access for college level operations in collaboration with leadership and advisory councils.
  • Tracks and reports on research expenditures and funding in collaboration with the Associate Dean of Faculty Excellence & Research.
  • Works with Institutional Advancement to track and record donor gifts.
  • Tracks and prepares reports on faculty load and adjunct spending.
  • Monitors end-of-fiscal year closing and executes adjustments as necessary.
  • Implements and manages finances and strategic budgeting for large capital projects and expansion.
  • Oversees human resource operations for faculty and staff and liaises with Human Resources Business Partner who advises and works with the College.
  • Advises the Dean on issues related to compensation, job descriptions, recruitment, etc.
  • Coordinates and approves all job postings, offers, and prepares all faculty contracts and renewals. Collaborates with Associate Dean of IDEA to ensure that compensation throughout the college aligns with its strategic goals towards equity.
  • Advises staff who coordinate procedures and forms processing for faculty and staff hiring and pay.
  • Participates as a Dean’s Office representative, non-voting member of the Westphal Faculty Senate Committee on Budget, Planning & Development, supporting the committee’s efforts by supplying relevant information as requested.
  • Direct reports may include facilities, finance, and information technology teams as determined by college leadership.
  • Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

FAQs

What is the primary role of the Executive Director of Finance & Business Operations?

The primary role is to serve as the chief financial officer of the College, overseeing fiscal and administrative management, collaborating with the Dean and other leaders, and providing strategic advice on financial matters.

What qualifications are required for this position?

A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or related fields is required, along with at least 5 years of experience in higher education administration and 5 years of supervisory experience.

Is a Master's degree preferred for this position?

Yes, a Master's degree is preferred for candidates applying for this position.

What kind of skills are essential for this role?

Essential skills include budget preparation, strategic fiscal management, complex financial analysis, organizational skills, and excellent interpersonal abilities.

Will the Executive Director be involved in human resource operations?

Yes, the Executive Director will oversee human resource operations for faculty and staff and liaise with the Human Resources Business Partner regarding compensation and recruitment.

What will the Executive Director's reporting structure look like?

The Executive Director reports to the Dean and collaborates with other administrative leaders and advisory councils.

Are there specific tools or systems that candidates should be familiar with?

Yes, experience with systems such as Tableau, Banner, Hyperion, or similar financial and business operation tools is preferred.

How is the compensation for this position determined?

Compensation typically aligns with the minimum to midrange of the grade for the position, varying based on qualifications, experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.

What is the location of this position?

The position is located in University City, Philadelphia, PA.

What additional responsibilities might be assigned to the Executive Director?

The Executive Director may have other duties assigned by their supervisor, which can vary based on the needs of the college.

Education
Industry
10,001+
Employees
1981
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

Drexel is an academically comprehensive and globally engaged urban R1 research university, known for the nation’s premier co-operative education program.