Associate Director Financial Administration

Department: Safety & Security Admin

Salary/Grade: EXS/10

Job Summary

The Associate Director of Administration and Finance manages the Department of Safety & Security budget, financial operations, and analysis as well as related units/schools. Reporting to the Senior Director, Finance and Business Operations and Chief of Staff, the Associate Director responsibilities include budget planning, annual budgeting, quarterly forecasting, regular budget reporting, and year-end close activities. This position coordinates with central offices such as HR, Budget, Procurement, and Facilities. The Associate Director implements existing policies and ensures the effective, compliant, and efficient completion of daily financial administrative operations and serves as a point of contact for business matters for the Department and related units/schools.

Please submit a cover letter and resume with your application to be considered for this position.

Budget

Specific Responsibilities:

• Plans, manages, and implements complex budget(s) that fund the Department’s strategic mission, including financial sustainability and enhancement models, and provides timely, accurate financial status reports for the current fiscal and future plan.
• Plans and implements annual budget process including fiscal resource allocation of appropriated and discretionary funding.
• Updates and submits for review quarterly forecasts due to the Budget Office.
• Monitors recharge accounts and requests chart strings.
• Develops and recommends budget parameters to senior staff based upon those provided by the Budget Office as well as parameters that may be required per a comprehensive understanding of Department’s and related units/schools financial position and forecasting model.
• Guides units to finalize proposed budgets ensuring compliance with established budget parameters as well as a consolidated department balanced budget.
• Oversees budget reconciliation and analyzes budget position.
• Approves funds reallocation within budgets as necessary and appropriate.
  
  

Analysis, Statements & Reporting

• Measures individual net performance of all areas/units as well as consolidated area/unit income statement & balance sheet with the use of pre-defined analytical financial tools.
• Establishes proper accounting and audit trails for revenue & expenses related to programs and initiatives.
• Oversees monthly reconciliation & reports on current financial performance, impact on year-end forecast and opportunities & risks.
• Prepares area or program financial statements and regulatory reports.
• Acts as the key contact for external auditors; prepares financial statement and audit work papers.
• Performs complex financial account reconciliations, statement analysis, and transaction research
  
  

Transactions

• Ensures compliance of financial processes & systems, including the implementation and monitoring of financial controls and training of managers with financial responsibilities in accordance with all associated University, local, state & federal rules & regulations.
• Manages completion of annual fiscal year-end close.
• Coordinates with Budget Office and other schools/depts for proper recording of cross school/dept transactions.
• Prepares consolidated financial statement to report final net position; & partners with Budget Office to provide variances from expected performance.
• Oversees efficient processing of all daily financial transactional activity.
• Reviews status of related university unit accounts and processes; troubleshoots issues as needed.
  
  

Administration

• Identifies current & future resource planning and allocation issues and develops, leads, and supervises complex studies and analyses that will assist senior staff in reaching resource planning and allocation decisions.
• Processes and presents associated data and information through the application of sophisticated database, graphic, & spreadsheet tools.
• Negotiates with vendors for purchases and leases
• Acts as project manager for design and implementation of regulatory and system changes.
• Manages operation of a computer system or system processes that support the area or program.
• Ensures that service level goals are met.
  
  

Training

• Provides training and support to related university units or program participants.
• Develops and maintains website content and training materials.
  
  

Supervision

• Trains employees.
• Provides work direction to other employees.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a major such as accounting, business administration, finance, or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• 8 years financial, budgeting &/or preparing account reconciliations or financial statements along with financial analysis or other relevant experience.
  
  

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Excellent computer skills including proficiency in the use of spreadsheet, database and word processing software. (Microsoft Office Suite: Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; OneDrive and SharePoint)
• Strong understanding of financial reporting.
• Familiarity with FASB requirements.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

• CFE-Certified Fraud Examiner
• CIA-Certified Internal Auditor
• CISA-Certified Information Systems Auditor
• CPA-Certified Public Accountant
  
  

Target hiring range for this position will be between $90,000 - $110,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Benefits

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life And Wellness

Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.

We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development

Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more .

Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.