Job Description:

• Leads the development and analysis of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial planning cycles including budget, forecast, and long-range strategic plans.
• Prepares and presents timely, accurate, and relevant financial statements, activity reports, forecasts, and other reports as required by regulatory agencies.
• Develops and delivers timely, value-add financial analysis, key performance indicators and dashboards.
• Communicates financial results, operational overview, and strategic recommendations to senior management in a concise, clear, and timely manner.
• Oversees all financial aspects of internal and external audit engagements by closely partnering with auditors, senior management, and other stakeholders at the University.
• Implements, improves, and oversees operational efficiency, strengthen unit-wide internal controls, and enhances the utilization of ERP systems.
• Ensures timely compliance with federal, state, and local governmental and international requirements.
• Oversees unit-wide compliance and adherence to University and Unit policies related to procurement, fund and gift management, program execution and budget stewardship.
• Implements efficient and effective strategic and operational long-range plans by leveraging business-driven inputs and performance metrics.
• Provides financial and operational consulting services to the senior leadership team on key strategic initiatives to help the Units stay focused on achieving their strategic goals.
• Collaborates with the Polsky Center teams to appropriately document financial aspects of patent applications and patent prosecution, license and interinstitutional agreements, and science venture equity and investments.
• Works closely with Polsky Center team and partners, including the Office of Civic Engagement, to appropriately document financial aspects of community engagement programs and services as well as facilities charges and space use.
• Develops strong partnerships with a broad range of key internal stakeholders, including the Budget Office, Financial Services, and Office of Legal Counsel, and external stakeholders, including partners and collaborators in higher education, industry, and government.
• Leads and develops a high performing team in a hybrid work environment.
• Manages financial staff through subordinates, usually other managers and professional staff. Establishes performance goals, allocates resources and assesses policies for the related departments managed.
• Executes functional business plans and contributes to the development of financial goals, strategies, plans, and policies for the unit.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• BSc/BA in accounting, finance or relevant field.
• MSc/MA/MBA.

Experience:

• Fifteen or more years of progressive experience leading the end-to-end development of budgets, strategic business plans, revenue/expense forecasts, and monthly results analysis in industry (Fortune 500, private equity, government), Big 4 or large consulting firm.
• Experience in higher education is a plus if coupled with a strong background in industry experience and/or business consulting.
• Proven record of increased responsibility in internal and external audit, financial planning and analysis, controllership, international accounting, global treasury, change and project management, and operations transformation and optimization roles.
• Minimum of 10 years demonstrated supervisory, team building, and team development experience.
• Prior experience with legal entity compliance, IFRS GAAP, technology transfer, patent and IP management.
• Proven track record of superior financial and strategic analysis and operational savviness.

Certifications:

• CPA or other relevant certification.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Microsoft Excel power user with experience using multiple financial/accounting systems.
• In-depth knowledge of finance and accounting principles, laws, and best practices.

Preferred Competencies

• Influential leader with robust critical thinking, strategic mindset, and ability to transform abstract concepts into actionable solutions.
• Outstanding manager who can effectively develop and motivate a team to consistently deliver superior results.
• Excellent communicator with exceptional writing and presentation skills.
• Prioritize tasks, work on multiple assignments.
• Thrive in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment and exhibit the highest personal and professional standards of integrity.
• Consistently display initiative, motivation, discipline, and ability to work effectively and autonomously.
• Cultivate finance environment that challenges tradition and inspires innovation.
• Relentlessly pursue financial excellence and optimization.
• Plan, prioritize and oversee multiple projects, and meet deadlines for deliverables.
• Proactive and follow through with attention to detail.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected 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 the Applicant Inquiry Form.

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