Department
 

BFI - Finance and Operations

About the Department
 

The Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI) works with the Chicago Economics community to turn its evidence-based research into real-world impact. BFI takes a unique approach to bridging the divide between academic researchers and decision-makers in the business community and government by translating and packaging the rigorous work of the Chicago Economics community into accessible formats, and proactively sharing those findings with relevant decision-makers and thought leaders around the globe. BFI is a collaborative platform serving the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, the Harris School of Public Policy, and the Law School.

Job Summary
 

Reporting to the Deputy Executive Director, the Finance Manager will provide high-level analytical and financial support to the senior leadership team, including all departments within the Becker Friedman Institute.

In planning and implementing the Institute's financial strategy, this position will demonstrate superior organizational and financial management skills, including escalating and resolving issues. Develops a common set of metrics and methodologies for evaluating University and unit-specific financial performance by managing and integrating unit-specific financial data analytics and reporting. Contributes to the development of long- and short-term financial goals, business strategies/plans, and financial forecasts/models. Conducts research and advises senior management about financial reporting requirements at BFI. Prepares financial reports for the operating budget on a quarterly and annual basis. In addition, this role is essential for improving compliance and enhancing internal controls in accordance with US GAAP, University audits, and other agencies' policies and procedures.

This position manages operating and capital budgets for divisions and/or University-wide administrative units. Helps develop long and short term financial goals, business strategies/plans, and financial forecasts/models for major service programs and initiatives. Manages quarterly and year-end reporting for the operating budget.

Responsibilities

Provides direct supervision and mentorship to the Finance Associate(s) and Finance Coordinator(s).Assists the Deputy Executive Director to develop and implement metrics and methodologies toolkits for evaluating financial performance for both the unit overall and specific assigned departments.Assists the Deputy Executive Director in the annual budget process such as preparing departmental budget packets and inputting budgets into budgeting system.Helps to develop and maintain a financial administration manual for staff with relevant University policies and procedures.Analyzes, reviews, and tracks comprehensive financial activities for the Becker Friedman Institute, primarily in the areas of finance, auditing, budgeting, and forecasting, purchasing, and other operational-related financial activities.Leads the development and coordination of financial planning and reporting, including the creation of multi-year financial models to support decision-making within the unit’s leadership. Oversees the review, approval, and reporting of all expenditure goods and services, and costing allocations.Leads reconciliation of actual expenditures and revenue against budget; and prepares monthly, quarterly, and annual reports. Works closely with departments to understand variances and develops recommendations for programmatic changes or cost containment strategies to avoid deficits.Reviews financial reports and accounts to identify inconsistencies and recommend strategies to address financial issues, leveraging an understanding of University's financial systems. Approves financial transactions through the University procurement and payment systems.Assists staff with the GEMS system and runs reports to ensure that transactions are reconciled at regular intervals.Prepares presentations to convey financial and administrative matters to leadership and members of the assigned departments.Develops and manages budgets for assigned BFI Programs and Initiatives.In coordination with the Director, Research Support Programs, manages the various calls for proposals and awarding of internal grant funds to faculty. Assists faculty and staff with review and execution of contracts and data use agreements; works to understand needs, assesses contract suitability to meet those needs, and negotiates with vendors to ensure contracts comply with University standards and guidelines. In addition, assists faculty and staff with requests to access datasets within the BFI data library.Coordinates with BFI's Senior Grants Manager to integrate reporting, tracking, and management of BFI's grants and non-grant financial administration. Represents the department's financial interests in interactions with internal and external stakeholders, including the Budget Office and Financial Services Office, while utilizing knowledge of the organization's financial systems. Researches and advises the senior leadership at BFI on financial reporting requirements.Ensures that BFI’s decision-makers understand the short- and long-term implications of current financial commitments.Monitors compliance with University policies and procedures.Creates and implements strategies for improving budget and financial planning processes while improving and maintaining robust administrative processes and policies to support efficient operations. Has a deep understanding of operational budgets for departments or other operational units. May recommend methods for improved financial operations.Serves as a resource for team members.Reviews estimated expenditures. Develops expenditure projections and periodic budget variance reports. Prepares forecasts as well as analyses.Acts as a resource for team members, solves complex problems. Explains complex and sensitive information.Performs other related work as needed.
 

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or related field.Master’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or related field.
 

Experience:

Minimum of 5 years of financial analysis experience, with demonstrated expertise in financial systems.Background in an agency, institution, or corporate setting strongly preferred, with a proven track record of success in the financial environment.Proven record of increased responsibility in audit, risk mitigation and compliance, financial planning and analysis, accounting, change and project management, process improvement, operations transformation, and internal controls optimization roles highly preferred.Prior experience with finance administration and budgetary compliance, GAAP and practical implementation of financial policies, pronouncements, and procedures.Proven track record of superior financial and strategic analysis and operational savviness.
 

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

In-depth knowledge of finance and accounting principles, commercial and governmental laws, and best practices.Knowledge of financial computing and database software applications, including Delphi, GEMS, BuySite, e-Ledgers, Business Objects.Knowledge of various financial principles, practices, and applications including budgeting, financial planning, and financial reporting.

Preferred Competencies

Excellent decision-making, time management, priority-setting and learning agility capabilities.Strong financial modeling skills.Strong technical and analytical accounting skills.Strong communication skills.Identify, analyze and resolve problems.Handle sensitive and confidential information with absolute discretion.Think strategically and translate into operational objectives.Strong written and verbal communication skills.Manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.Work closely with senior University officials.Work both independently and as a team member.Excellent organizational and leadership skills.Work effectively with team members, staff, and faculty across the University of Chicago, from faculty at the Chicago Booth School of Business, Harris School of Public Policy, Law School, and the Department of Economics, to other internal and external University of Chicago partners.Demonstrated leadership abilities, including developing strategic plans against a vision, and involving others in the execution.

Application Documents

Resume/CV (required)Cover Letter (preferred)

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
 

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

37.5

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, 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.

 

Staff 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.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

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.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.