Director of Budget and Administration

Job Description

Position will be responsible for administering the current year budget and long-range planning for the Office of Academic Affairs (AA) and supporting units (includes faculty affairs, strategic initiatives, academic programs, enrollment management, the graduate school, office of research, Syracuse Abroad/Study Away, and all related programs) through collaboration with the Associate Vice President of Academic Operations. The chosen candidate will coordinate the allocation and monitor budgets, expenditures, fund balances and related financial activities ensuring allocations are accurate, revenues are recorded, spending is done in accordance with policies and best practices, and within available resources. This position is also responsible for creating and analyzing the monthly financial statements for AA units for the purpose of providing resource allocation direction and support. The Director will make recommendations, maximizing utilization of funds, and/or ensure overall operations are within the budget plan. The position will provide direct oversight of the day-to-day financial/administrative operations and staff, including approval of payroll and HR transactions, procurement card reconciliations, e-pro review and approval, etc. This role will act as a liaison between AA and university offices and will provide support and act as a back-up to the Associate Vice President of Academic Operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in financial or management field; masters degree preferred.
• Seven (7+) plus years of experience in a financial/ budget/accounting role with increasing responsibility.
• Experience in higher education preferred.
  
  

Job Specific Qualifications

• Candidate must possess strong written and verbal inter-personal skills, comfortable with working with executive level teams.
• Must have significant experience in budget development, monitoring, forecasting, making resource recommendations, accounting and/or related administrative field.
• An attention to detail is required, as well as exceptional organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to multi-task and perform successfully in a fast-paced environment in cross functional teams.
  
  

Responsibilities

• Oversee/manage all aspects of AA budgeting, working closely with the central Office of Budget and Planning, on monthly estimated finals based on input from the units and the development of the long-range plan.
• Responsible for budget development and monitoring in support of Academic Affairs (AA) initiatives.
• Routinely monitor and evaluate the budget and meet with Executive Leadership Team and department administrators to review their budgets and compare to estimated finals to identify any potential savings opportunities or concerns.
• Must possess the ability to effectively communicate and execute across different levels and units regarding financial matters.
• Facilitate the identification of funding sources for AA commitments, and coordinate processing with academic deans and budget officers.
• Oversee input of the annual budget input to the University’s Hyperion Planning budget system.
• Provide regular updates of AA’s financial position to the Associate VP of Academic Operations, identifying opportunities, concerns, and strategize how to appropriate allocate resources within AA.
• Supervise AA’s finance staff and provide appropriate oversight of all spending, i.e. payroll, purchasing, contracts, vendors, relocation, travel, etc.
• Monitor compliance with university and unit policies regarding expenditures and procurement.
• Ensure that all administrative staff across AA understand and follow University guidelines and procedures.
• Serve as the authorized signer for all program funds including unrestricted, restricted, endowed and sponsored.
• Work closely and maintain positive relationships with university offices; Purchasing, Disbursements, Physical Plant, Sponsored Programs and Sponsored Accounting, Treasurer’s Office, General Counsel, and the Comptroller’s office to resolve any issues or in collaborative manner to enhance processes.
• Complete ongoing detailed review of spending by the Vice Chancellor and Provost’s direct reports.
• Make recommendations for maximizing AA’s financial resources. Oversee year-end close procedures.
• Partner with University Office (HR and Payroll) to oversee the HR related processes in AA and serve as a point of contact for the Senior HR Business Partner.
• Responsible for understanding the organizational structure of AA and ensure resources are being utilized efficiently across units.
• Oversee Human Resources functions for AA, including the approval of Position Evaluation Requests (PERs), Requests for Additional Pay (RAPs).
• Ensure hiring, pay rates, variable pay requests, etc. are within the unit’s budget parameters.
• Coordinate and oversee the annual salary and performance review process.
• Participate in complex and confidential issues related to employment, compensation, appointment letters, and employee relations.
• Maintain an in-depth understanding of ongoing AA capital projects, ensure projects are appropriately sourced, monitor budget versus actuals, timelines, and raise concerns to the AVP of Academic Operations as appropriate.
• Other duties as assigned
  
  

Physical Requirements

Tools/Equipment

Application Instructions

In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.

About The Syracuse Area

Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.

EEO Statement

Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity, affirmative-action institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.

Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans

Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.

Commitment to a Diverse and Inclusive Campus Community

Syracuse University maintains an inclusive learning environment in which students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all other aspects of campus life reflect a diverse, multi-cultural, and international worldview. The University community recognizes and values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to understand, live among, appreciate, and work in an inherently diverse country and world made up of people with different ethnic and racial backgrounds, military backgrounds, religious beliefs, socio-economic status, cultural traditions, abilities, sexual orientations and gender identities. To do so, we commit ourselves to promoting a community that celebrates and models the principles of diversity and inclusivity.