Finance Manager
Stanford, California, United States

Schedule: Full-time
Job Code: 4456
Employee Status: Regular
Grade: J
Requisition ID: 93420

Stanford Continuing Studies

Stanford Continuing Studies (SCS) is an umbrella organization that is home to several high-quality university programs that serve learners of all ages. Included in this suite of programs is: the Continuing Studies Program, Summer Session, Online High School, Master's of Liberal Arts (MLA) and the Distinguished Careers Institute (DCI). The mission of Stanford Continuing Studies is to share the rich educational resources of Stanford University with students living in the Bay Area and beyond.

The Continuing Studies Program (CSP) is a premier adult learning program offering more than 600 courses, workshops, and seminars to more than 17,000 adult students annually. Summer Session is Stanford University's fourth academic quarter, offering more than 200 courses from 35 departments to over 2,500 graduate, undergraduate, and advanced high school students.

The Stanford Distinguished Careers Institute (DCI) brings 25-35 established leaders to Stanford for a year-long program of intellectual exploration, renewal, and preparation for the next phase of their lives. The Stanford's Master of Liberal Arts (MLA) program is a part-time graduate degree program for adults.

Stanford Summer Session (SS) is Stanford University's fourth academic quarter, offering more than 200 courses from 35 departments to over 2,500 graduate, undergraduate, and advanced high school students. Along with serving the needs of Stanford matriculated students, Summer Session makes it possible for visiting students to take advantage of the same courses, culture, and resources available at Stanford University. The mission of the Stanford Summer Session office is to offer a transformative educational experience to all students, both in the classroom and through an array of enrichment programs, community-building activities, academic support services, and more.

Stanford Continuing Studies is seeking a Finance Manager to join the Continuing Studies' Dean's Office finance team. Reporting to the Director of Finance, the FM has broad oversight and responsibility for the financial activities of four different programs, ranging from oversight of the consolidated budget of ~$30M, leading a staff of 4 who execute the full range of financial activities, serving as a strategic advisor to program leaders, and continually ensuring collaborative yet compliant financial operations for each group. This is an ideal job for an individual with outstanding leadership, communication and analytical skills who thrives within a collaborative environment.

Your responsibilities include:

• Plan, direct, and monitor the consolidated unit annual budget of ~$30M, including oversight of the multiple administrative accounts, and approximately 50 instructional/academic department accounts. Systemize budget management and accelerate budget workflows, creating a sense of predictability and allowing for meaningful planning and completion of budget milestones and activities.
  • Set goals for fund balances and recommend strategy for unforeseen circumstances which impact the financial picture of the organization.
  • Develop and oversee the consolidated unit's reports to President & Provosts Office, as well as the University Budget Office, establishing consistent and effective reporting structures. Represent the consolidated unit's financial activities, respond directly to inquiries regarding financials, transactions, and budgets.
  • Oversee Summer Session's instructional budgeting, encompassing partnerships with the 50+ academic departments which operate Summer Session courses, designing a collaborative yet compliant approach to partnership.
• Serve as a key member of the Program teams, working closely with the Directors, and other key leadership positions, to support their financial objectives and unit strategic direction. In conjunction with the Director of Finance, provide expert guidance on topics of financial direction for all unit programs.
  • Develop short and long term strategic financial models in support of a wide range of aspects of program financials.
  • Provide expert guidance on the development of executive reports and reporting tools/dashboards, creating effective and flexible ongoing reporting for program leadership.
• Provide leadership and coaching to more than a dozen staff members handling financial tasks across all programs including Summer Session, Continuing Studies, MLA, and DCI. Provide oversight to ensure compliance, oversee training and development plans, and contingency plans to provide back-up for staffing gaps & absences.
• On a year-round basis, monitor the quality of all transactional operations for the unit. In summer, extend this oversight to the dozens of contingent staff members making purchases on behalf of the Summer Session, as well as the 50+ academic departments operating courses which are funded directly by Summer Session.
  • Identify inconsistencies in application/interpretation of policy and protocol, or other areas of financial risk.
  • Provide expert analysis of policy issues, and disseminate information accordingly. Continually assess practices to evaluate financial compliance, implementing protocol changes as needed. Proactively plan for, and respond to, changing policy/business requirements.
• Serve as a key leader within the Stanford Continuing Studies finance team. Act as the Director of Finance's designee, representing the unit's finance leadership at unit-wide events and to other university groups.

Note: The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

To be successful in the position, you will bring:

• Bachelor's degree and six years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience.
• Advanced proficiency in business applications, such as Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel.

• Strong consulting and partnering skills, including the ability to lead and influence employees at all levels, and work successfully with unit/program directors.
• Solid understanding of financial principles, knowledge of business financial systems.
• Advanced oral and written communication skills, ability to clearly and effectively present information to internal and external audiences, and all levels of management.
• Excellent analytical, conceptual, and organizational skills and ability to manage and manipulate large data sets; thorough knowledge of financial modeling, variance analysis, and common practices used for financial forecasting, ideally in an academic setting.
• Strong leadership and management skills with previous experience managing people, delegating workload and providing direction/corrections as necessary.
• Demonstrated competency in project management of a high volume of work, some of which is cyclical. Demonstrated success in performing meticulous, high quality and compliant work.

• Ability to interpret complex research and fiscal policies, assimilate information from a wide range of resources and act like a mentor and resource to others.

Why Stanford is for You

Imagine a world with limitless connections and access to knowledge. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

How to Apply

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