Reporting to the Executive Director of University Services, the Senior Associate Director of Finance provides leadership and direction to departmental finance staff, comprised of three direct reports, two dotted-line reports, and a team of approximately ten FTEs. University Services employs over 400 staff and has annual revenue and expense operating budgets of approximately $118 million and $60 million, respectively. These amounts are projected to grow to over $140 million in revenue and $74 million in expenses as the campus expands over the next few years. These budgets are diverse and complex, with some departments using a cost recovery model and the remainder being funded from general fund allocations.

Departments that comprise University Services provide an integrated set of services to students, faculty, and staff and include Campus Dining; Campus Support Services (“CSS”); Conference & Event Services (“CES”); Business Services; Housing and Real Estate Services (“HRES”); Print and Mail Services (“P&M”); TigerCard, Transportation and Parking Services (“TTPS”); and University Services Administrative Offices inclusive of Communications, University Services IT, Finance, and the Office of the Vice President.

The position is responsible for providing leadership and oversight of the finances of University Services’ complex, departmental operating budgets, inclusive of policy interpretation, design and implementation of processes and internal controls, accounting accuracy, budgeting, financial modeling, reporting and monitoring, and reconciliations. This position is responsible for working with finance staff to identify and track key current and historical data and metrics that can facilitate informed decision making. The Senior Associate Director is responsible for advising and presenting to senior departmental staff accurate and timely operational financial information.

The Senior Associate Director supports the priorities of the Executive Director and has a good understanding of the operational finances for all University Services units. The position will represent the Executive Director in finance meetings and projects, as required.

The position balances a significant workload, works collaboratively with a varied group of people, and manages multiple challenges daily, while maintaining routine responsibilities. The Senior Associate Director of Finance is expected to maintain confidentiality at all times and assures that confidentiality is maintained by direct reports.

A full job description will be furnished prior to interview.

Provide oversight of the finances of University Services departments’ operating budgets.

• Oversee the annual operating budget development process for all University Services departments including unrestricted, restricted, allocated, reserve funds.
• Represent the needs of University Services departments in allocating and managing resources and work collaboratively with the Office of Finance & Treasury.
• Oversee and facilitate financial modeling, reporting and monitoring for the division’s operating budgets and accumulated reserves and ensure that unit Directors and the Executive Director are kept apprised of the financial health of the respective departments.
• Collaborate with embedded financial and departmental personnel and Budget Office staff to identify potential revenue and fee structures, where applicable.
• Oversee the process to periodically reconcile available balances (balance sheet accounts and non-operating funds). Review and approve respective reconciliations.
• Represent University Services in issues related to changes in the Chart of Accounts, financial and business systems, and reporting and budgeting.
• Perform a variety of tasks that include preparation of journal entries and ensure that transactions are accurately recorded.
• Provide financial support and counsel to departmental units.
  

Provide oversight of financial policies and processes.

• Ensure that University Services financial policies and procedures are designed to support a controlled environment.
• Ensure adherence to University and University Services financial policies.
• Develop and evaluate processes and corresponding accounting mechanics to ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Collaborate with staff to identify and implement process automations that create efficiencies.

Support strategic planning efforts related to University Services operations, programs, and initiatives.

• Identify potential funding source, prepare funding requests, and monitor spending for new initiatives.
• Oversee the process to develop projections related to the impact on operational and maintenance (O&M) costs from various capital projects.
• Actively participate in the University Services data analytics initiative, providing information and insight into data, its location, and the visualizations. Identify and make available data, metrics, and visualizations that are useful for operations and decision making.
• Work with operational directors to consider efficiency and effectiveness initiatives.

Supervise and manage finance staff comprised of both direct and dotted-line reports.

• Evaluate overall performance through the annual evaluation process and provide mentoring and professional staff development.
• Support the implementation of Diversity and Inclusion initiatives within University Services.
  

Other duties.

• Member of University Services leadership team.
• Support the Executive Director and represent the Executive Director, as requested.
• Represent University Services on committees and participate in special projects, as assigned.
• Create and maintain relationships with staff in the Office of Finance and Treasury, including but not limited to the Budget Office and Controller’s Office.

The Senior Associate Director of Finance must be flexible and adaptive to changing needs, able to work autonomously and with initiative, and be adept at problem solving. The Senior Associate Director must interact effectively with individuals at all levels within and outside the department, and possess the judgment and discretion needed to handle confidential information.

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field, or Bachelor’s degree in another field with eight to ten years relevant experience.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills and the ability to manage details and organize data and related information for various key constituencies.
• Financial acumen and demonstrated planning, analytical, and quantitative skills.
• Stong accounting acumen.
• Demonstrated ability to handle long-term planning and budgeting to ensure resources are efficiently and effectively deployed.
• Dynamic leadership skills.
• Knowledge of internal controls and proven ability to design and implement processes that support a controlled environment.
• Demonstrated skills in collecting and synthesizing data and designing work flows and procedures.
• Excellent problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with multiple units, both internal and external to University Services.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work well under pressure with multiple/competing deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a timely manner and maintain deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully in both a team environment and individual basis.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain high ethical and confidentiality standards.
• Proficiency in working with computer applications and information systems, including Microsoft Excel.
• Demonstrated ability to be flexible and successfully work in a constantly changing environment.
• Proven ability to lead projects.
• Strong managerial skills to engage and develop direct and dotted-line reports.
• Self-motivated to learn new concepts and participate in new projects.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree.
• Prior experience in higher education administration.
• Experience with a complex financial accounting system, such as PeopleSoft/Prime.
• Experience with data analysis and related applications (i.e., Tableau software).

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Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. EEO IS THE LAW

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