Department

SSD: M. A. Programs Administration - Staff and Temporary Employees

About the Department

The MA program in the Social Sciences (MAPSS), the MA program in Computational Social Science (MACSS), and the Committee on International Relations (CIR) have 550 annual MA students, a combined academic staff of 35, an administrative staff of 8, and 4 Faculty Directors.

Job Summary

The job coordinates projects in monitoring the operating and capital budgets for divisions and/or University-wide administrative units. At the instruction of others, performs work that contributes to development of long and short term financial goals, business strategies/plans, and financial forecasts/models for major service programs and initiatives. Utilizes moderate knowledge of finance to help coordinate quarterly and year-end reporting for the operating budget.

Reporting to the Executive Director of MA Programs, the Financial Manager will work closely with the different MA leaderships and the academic and administrative staff of MAPSS, MACSS, and CIR to supervise all financial matters, including FST accounting and budgetary analysis for three operating budgets, all staff accounts, external charges, vendor payments, and reimbursements. In addition, this position will research and analyze data to create reports to assist in the monitoring of various financial and budgeting activities. The Financial Manager will also be responsible for all hiring formalities, assuring that all positions are approved, advertised, and filled in accordance with Divisional, University, and HR policy. The Financial Manager will be the principal MA program liaison to Divisional HR, the Local Business Center, Facilities, Divisional IT, and Faculty Affairs in the Dean’s office. Finally, this hire may be assigned other responsibilities, as part of a team of dedicated MA administrators.

Responsibilities

Analyzes and prepares budgets, creates accounts, and works with the Divisional Director of Financial Operations, the Divisional Business Manager, and the University’s financial accounting system to allocate, authorize, monitor, and control expenses.

Assures that all payments, reimbursements, transfers, gift accounts, and other financial transactions are properly processed, recorded, and finalized.

Creates financial budget reports and projections for review, including monthly reports on how best to allocate discretionary and event spending accounts for specific program needs.

Prepares and submits annual budgets, in collaboration with MA leadership and the Divisional Director of Financial Operations, for each of the MA programs.

Participates in University-led orientations, trainings, and advanced skill workshops in critical financial software. Keeps MA leadership informed of all important changes in University and Divisional financial policy.

Takes on other administrative and program responsibilities, as may be necessary or required.

Provides professional support as a primary account administrator for account owners in an intensive customer service environment.

Analyzes and prepares budgets, creates accounts, and works with the financial accounting system to allocate, authorize, monitor, and control expenses.

Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

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

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

An advanced degree in the social sciences, higher ed administration, accounting, or public policy is highly valued.

Experience:

The applicant should be comfortable working with diverse persons from many different backgrounds.

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

Strong prior exposure in accounting / quantitative analysis, and ideally in financial data analysis.Very comfortable working with new software and accounting platforms.Intermediate to advanced background in Excel.

Preferred Competencies

Familiarity with financial management processes and methods of budgetary analysis.Strong analytical and organizational skills.Comfort/interest in learning new software and new tools of financial data analysis.High degree of professionalism and attention to detail.Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken.Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and under tight deadlines.Ability to work independently and with a high degree of initiative.Ability to handle sensitive and confidential data with absolute discretion.Commitment to providing a high level of service and working in a team environment.Ability to work effectively and collegially with various campus offices.

Application Documents

Resume/CV (required)A cover letter outlining the candidate’s interest in the position, any relevant prior experience, and areas where the candidate hopes to grow in the role (required)Contact information for three professional references (required)

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

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$64,228.00 - $83,119.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

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.