Director, Finance, Budget and Procurement

Department

UCPE Administration & Operations

About the Department

Innovative, career-driven learning experiences define University of Chicago Professional. In our commitment to spread the University's knowledge as broadly as possible, we offer impactful and flexible programs and courses that introduce individual and corporate audiences to up-to-the-minute research, the latest standards in their field, a new professional network, and the University of Chicago's rich intellectual community. Our instructors, all seasoned professionals, deliver unparalleled expertise drawn from years of industry experience. We give our students the tools to succeed in our fast-moving, interconnected world and achieve a competitive edge at any stage of their careers.

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Senior Director of Administration and Operations, the Director of Finance, Budget and Procurement will lead and manage the operating budget, financial planning and analysis, and procurement for UChicago Professional, its revenue- and non-revenue generating departments, and other University-wide programs the unit supports. This role requires hands-on ownership of the unit’s full financial operation, balancing day-to-day financial processing with higher-level strategic budgeting and analysis. The Director serves as a subject-matter expert to UCPro and its supporting units, and as the primary liaison to the University Budget Office, Procurement and Payment Services, and the Financial Services unit employees.

Responsibilities

• Provides comprehensive financial leadership, supporting staff and resolving complex problems across programs and sub-units.
• Oversees the development and implementation of accounting, financial analysis, internal reporting, budgeting, procurement, and financial controls for the unit.
• Develops and maintains financial models, analytics, and long- and short-term projections; regularly prepares and presents financial reports and recommendations to unit and University leadership.
• Organizes and manages budgeting processes, monitors budget-to-actual status, sets priorities with leadership, and develops fiscal policies and procedures.
• Advises on multi-year financial plans, program objectives, resource requirements, program effectiveness, and profitability benchmarks for academic and non-degree programs.
• Identifies and explains financial variances; recommends revenue enhancements and cost-containment measures; conducts quantitative and qualitative analysis for expense optimization and strategy improvement.
• Manages all aspects of procurement, contract administration, expense reimbursements, vendor relationships, and compliance with university financial policies and procedures.
• Coordinates onboarding and training for new staff; maintains financial operations manuals; delivers staff and unit-wide training on fiscal systems, policies, and procedures.
• Facilitates close collaboration with central accounting, budget, and procurement teams to ensure effective communication, process improvement, and best practices across the unit.
• Conducts quantitative and qualitative analyses to monitor and manage for expense optimization by identifying market drivers, enhance strategies, or improve revenue generation.
• Provides financial input based on the development of data collection, metrics, reports and other analytical applications.
• 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 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• MBA or advanced degree in finance, accounting, business administration, public policy, not-for-profit administration, or a related field.

Experience:

• 7+ years of progressively responsible work experience in financial management, financial services, accounting, academic budgetary roles, or related disciplines.
• Mid- to senior-level skills in financial and data analysis, modeling, forecasting, and formulating long-term strategic plans.
• Background in a university setting or other not-for-profit enterprise.

Certifications:

• CPA certification is a plus.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Knowledge of financial computing and database software applications.
• Knowledge of various financial principles, practices, and applications, including budgeting, financial planning, and financial reporting.
• Knowledge of GAAP accounting principles and restricted fund accounting.
• Familiarity with the University of Chicago's financial systems and structure is a plus.
• Skilled at analysis, spreadsheet modeling, and forecasting.
• Design, implement, and sustain a workable budget model.
• Familiar with accounting and budget systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Preferred Competencies

• Demonstrated comfort owning an end-to-end finance function in a lean or growing organization, with willingness to handle both transactional work and strategic analysis.
• Excellent leadership, influence, and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment with non-negotiable deadlines and comfortable operating independently and within a certain level of ambiguity.
• Manage interpersonal relationships, develop positive working relationships, and communicate clearly and tactfully.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including presentations and careful editing.
• Handle sensitive and confidential situations and information with absolute discretion.
• Excellent time management skills, including adaptively multitask, prioritize, and work on schedule and within deadlines.
• Develop project plans, timelines, deliverables, and measures across projects and gather inputs from across the organization.

Working Conditions

• Produce work outside of standard business hours, on occasional evenings and weekends.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)
• References Contact Information (3) (preferred)

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

$115,000.00 - $145,000.00

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 equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, 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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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