Careers
Woods Hole, Massachusetts
New York, NY
Posted: 29-Aug-23
Location: Evanston, Illinois
Salary: Open
Internal Number: 48520
Department: Norris University Center Admin
Salary/Grade: EXS/9
Norris University Center and our satellite venues offer spaces, services, and guidance that are focused on supporting student learning and community engagement. We are home to a variety of meeting rooms and performance spaces, the campus bookstore, a box office, a US Bank branch, several dining options, an art gallery, game room, student organization and activity offices, and so much more. Learn more about Norris University Center here: https://www.northwestern.edu/norris
About Student Affairs: By pursuing justice, equity, and belonging, Student Affairs cultivates student programs, services, and skills; disrupts barriers; and partners across Northwestern and neighboring communities to create an inclusive culture in which all students can thrive. Learn more about the Division of Student Affairs here: https://www.northwestern.edu/studentaffairs/about/strategic-plan/strategic-themes.html
Job Summary:
Reporting to the Executive Director of Norris University Center, the Assistant Director of Business and Finance is responsible for managing the financial processes for Norris University Center and safeguarding a fiscally responsible environment for decision-making by senior leadership. These efforts include financial planning, forecasting, reporting, budgeting, advising on financial policy, performance, audit, compliance, process improvement, and expense transactions. The Assistant Director of Business and Finance ensures coordination of strategic initiatives and integration of all financial and administrative areas of Norris University Center.
The Assistant Director manages a university accounting-related area or program, manages financial operations and/or analysis in support of area/unit's mission and in coordination with Student Affairs and central offices such as HR, Budget, Financial Aid, Facilities, Purchasing, IT, Provost, etc. The role manages daily, monthly, quarterly and annual financial processes for the area or program, applies industry and professional standards, interprets university policy and procedure, federal and state laws, granting agency guidelines, and other regulations (as applicable); recommends accounting policy for the university. The Assistant Director represents and/or guides Norris on internal and external financial affairs by recommending alternatives and suggestions for both compliance and improvement.
The position serves as the business manager and chief financial officer for Norris University Center. The position provides supervision and oversight of the Norris Box Office, Student Organization Finance Office, Norris Cashiers Office, Norris Event Management Billing, and human resource related functions for student employee onboarding and payroll. Responsibilities also include supervision and analytical review of all department accounts; supervision and training of all fiscal staff; budget forecasting; financial tracking and reporting for bookstore and food service contracts, ensure proper and correct business practices are adhered to in all department and student organization financial transactions, and ensure that the leadership team is appraised of the departments financial status. This position serves on the Norris Management Team, and also has a non-reporting dotted line to the Student Affairs Business and Finance team.
Pay Range: The pay range for the Assistant Director of Business and Finance (Norris) position is $90,000-98,000, depending on experience, skills, and internal equity.
Principal Accountabilities:
Budget 25%
- Serves a primary role in the development and implementation of annual budget including fiscal resource allocation of appropriated, discretionary, endowment and gift revenues and expenses.
- Manages budget and provides timely, accurate financial status for the current fiscal and future plan.
- Guides units through university budgeting and forecasting processes, reviews budget and forecasting submissions.
- Coordinates and completes all associated fiscal year close/open processes.
- Reviews and reconciles actual expenses to budget per NU Audit guidelines.
- Approves funds reallocation within budget as necessary and appropriate.
- Oversees routine budget reconciliation and analyzes budget position.
- Approves funds reallocation within budget as necessary and appropriate.
- Builds, applies, and handles, in conjunction with leadership, strategic plans to best utilize revenue and minimize expense in support of Norris Center mission.
Analysis, Statements, Reporting 25%
- Measures individual net performance of all areas/units as well as consolidated area/unit income statement and balance sheet with the use of pre-defined analytical financial tools.
- Establishes proper accounting and audit trails for revenue and expenses related to programs and initiatives.
- Oversees monthly reconciliation and reports on current financial performance, impact on year-end forecast, and opportunities and risks.
- Prepares area or program financial statements and regulatory reports.
- Acts as the key contact for external auditors; prepares financial statements and audit workpapers. Prepares sections of the divisions annual financial report.
- Performs complex financial account reconciliations, statement analysis, and transaction research.
Transactions 25%
- Oversees accurate, efficient, and compliant workflow of all transactional processes across areas/units.
- Serves as approver for Norris-related NU Financial transactions. Oversees processing of all daily financial transactional activity.
- Works regularly with colleagues in Compass and Barnes & Noble ensuring accurate and timely billing occurs for departmental charges consistent communication is critical.
- Manages completion of fiscal year end close.
- Coordinates with Budget Office and other schools/departments for proper recording of cross school/dept transactions, with a focus on proper management of student organization finances via SOFO.
Administration 25%
- Serves as a department leader with the Norris Management Team.
- Identifies current and future resource planning and allocation issues and develops, leads, and supervises complex studies and analyses that will assist senior staff in reaching resource planning and allocation decisions.
- Processes and presents associated data and information through the application of sophisticated database, graphic, and spreadsheet tools.
- Maintains relationships throughout NU which enhances collaboration among several departments in connection with Norris Center.
- Management of several financial projects and reporting within Student Affairs to multiple areas while communicating with senior leadership effectively.
- Trains, develops, and supervises a staff of 6-7 full time employees and 10+ part time student employees. Evaluates work, approves time, manages work schedules, and mentors employees as needed.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a major such as accounting, business administration, finance, or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
- 5 years financial, budgeting &/or preparing account reconciliations or financial statements along with financial analysis or other relevant experience.
Minimum Competencies:
- Excellent computer skills including proficiency in the use of spreadsheet, database and word processing software.
- Strong understanding of financial reporting.
- Familiarity with FASB requirements.
Preferred Qualifications:
- MBA in Finance or other graduate degree in related field.
- Experience with and understanding of Northwestern University financial and HR systems.
- Previous experience working with a unit that serves students.
Preferred Competencies:
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong professional relationships with colleagues and partners.
- An understanding of and ability to teach excellent customer service strategies.
- An ability to offer creative solutions to problems, including in-depth analyses.
- Should be self-motivated and maintain a high level of professionalism, while also enjoying the role and having some fun.
Benefits: At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.
Work-Life and Wellness: Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate lifes challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.
Professional Growth and Development: Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If youre interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.
Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.
The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.
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