Director, Financial Analysis

Department: Kellogg Financial Admin
Salary/Grade: EXS/11

Job Summary:

Manages more than one university accounting-related area or program.

Directs the development of & manages a school's/department's budget & financial operations including the development & implementation of strategies for: budgeting;  forecasting, modeling & projecting; identifying & explaining variances; financial reporting; internal controls; expense reductions; cost containment; & revenue enhancements.

Manages a portfolio of multiple schools/departments' financial operations comprised of very complex financial work such as internal & external organizations, international situations, and very large dollar volumes.

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 and other regulations; recommends accounting policy for the university.

Represents &/or guides business area on internal & external financial affairs & is viewed as an expert resource regarding area's financial affairs.

Areas of responsibility:

• Accounting policy & procedure
• Analysis
• Balance sheet accounting
• Budget
• Capital spending
• Cost accounting
• Endowment and gift accounting
• Financial Statements
• Forecasting
• Plant, debt & loan accounting
• Reporting

Specific Responsibilities:

Budget:

• Plans & manages complex budget(s) which fund strategic mission including financial sustainability & enhancement models.  Budget structure may require “stand-alone” financial health to not only ensure that school/department can financially support its strategic plan but also requires providing financial & strategic support to strengthen & enhance the University’s reputation. 
• Plans & implements annual budget process including fiscal resource allocation of appropriated, discretionary, endowment &/or gift revenues. 
• Develops & recommends budget parameters to senior staff for all units based upon those provided by the Budget Office as well as more restrictive parameters that may be required.
• Per a comprehensive understanding of school/department’s financial position & forecasting model. 
• Reviews & partners with senior staff from all areas/units to finalize proposed budgets ensuring compliance with established budget parameters as well as a consolidated school/department balanced budget. 
• Oversees routine budget reconciliation & analyzes budget position. 
• Approves funds reallocation within budget as necessary & appropriate.     

Analysis, Statements & Reporting:

• Measures individual net performance of all areas/units as well as consolidated area/unit income statement & balance sheet with the use of pre-defined analytical financial tools. 
• Recommends changes to tools to improve analysis, forecasting, modeling & reporting & ultimately quality of financial information & analyses provided to management for planning, evaluating & controlling operations. 
• Reports on current financial performance, impact on year-end forecast & opportunities & risks.
• Prepares area or program financial statements and regulatory reports.
• Performs complex financial statement analysis

Transactions:

• Coordinates with Budget Office & other schools/departments for proper recording of cross school/department transactions.
• Prepares consolidated financial statement to report final net position; & partners with Budget Office to provide variances from expected performance. 

Administration:

• Identifies current & future resource planning & allocation issues & develops, leads, & supervises complex studies & analyses that will assist senior staff in reaching resource planning and allocation decisions. 
• Processes & presents associated data & information through the application of sophisticated database, graphic & spreadsheet tools. 

Supervision:

• Supervises employees
• Trains employees
• Hires employees
• Evaluates employees' performance
• Provides work direction to other employees

Miscellaneous:

• Performs other duties as assigned

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.   
• 8 years financial, budgeting &/or preparing account reconciliations or financial statements along with financial analysis or other relevant experience.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Excellent computer skills including proficiency in the use of spreadsheet, database and word processing software.
• Strong understanding of financial reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to influence rather than exert direct control over business decisions.
• Proven oral and written communication, customer service, and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated project management skills and ability to multi-task and work independently.
• Ability to establish and follow processes in a respectful manner, engage people, and listen to multiple view points and collaborate with them to solve problems.
• Ability to evaluate budget scenarios as well as analyze and interpret complex budget and accounting reports.
• Ability to collaborate with others to create a yearly (and in some cases multi-year) budgets.
• Working knowledge of accounting theory, methods, and procedures.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to assess projects and understand that not all answers are clearly defined.
• Demonstrated ability to create, interpret, and present management level reports.
• Ability to explain financial concepts to people with non-financial backgrounds.
• Comfortable interacting with senior leadership.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in institutions such as higher education, hospital administration, government agencies, or other non-profit groups.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Working knowledge of Cognos reporting
• Working knowledge of PeopleSoft products, including the HR and financial modules

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. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.