Director - Finance

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: $145,000 - $165,000
• Visa Sponsorship is NOT available for this position
• Review of applications begins February 9

Position Summary

Reporting to the Associate Vice President, Administration & Chief of Staff, the incumbent provides leadership for the finance team in Columbia Health. Leading a team of finance and business services staff, the incumbent assumes primary responsibility for the development and implementation of a financial strategic plan for all Columbia Health units. The director will manage monthly, quarterly, and annual forecasting and budgeting; oversee collection of revenue; oversee the team processing invoices and payments; and ensure timely processing of payroll. The incumbent will work with senior leadership within Columbia Health to develop and submit annual budget requests. Working in partnership with the central University finance team the Director will ensure compliance with all University finance-related requirements. The Director provides guidance and consultation to managers and employees on a wide range of finance topics, policies, and procedures and recommends process improvements and best practice initiatives for core finance and business functions. The incumbent is responsible for Columbia Health finance policies, processes, and procedures. With an operating budget of over $40 million, along with grants and pass through financials, the Director of Finance oversees the collection and movement of over $100 million per year.

Responsibilities

Budget (40%)

• Ensures the timely preparation of the annual and monthly budget submissions.
• Administers approved budgets.
• Responsible for conducting analyses and developing and implementing corrective action reports to prevent overdrafts.
• Analyzes monthly financial variance reports and using data extracted from various University financial systems.
• Performs monthly and year-end closings related to the reconciliation of all internal accounting and billing systems.
• Provides high-level analytic support for ongoing operations and projects.

Financial Management (35%)

• In conjunction with Columbia Health leadership develops and implements a financial strategic plan.
• Reconciles all internal accounting and billing systems including student fees and fees from affiliates, and processes journal entries.
• Compiles financial data and costs analyses for departments.
• Ensures all financial standards and protections are in place and have been met.
• Prepares reports and analysis for the review of executive and senior management members.
• Works closely with the Office of Management and Budget, the Office of the Treasurer and Controller, and Purchasing.
• Oversees and leads implementation of workflows and processes, including recommending process improvements when warranted.
• Ensures the appropriate management approvals are obtained, the necessary backup is included, and the integrity of financial transactions and data are maintained.
• Creates ad hoc reports and analyzes data to identify trends and report metrics.

Other (20%)

• Leads the overall organization of financial records and compliance with document retention policies. Maintains relevant lists and databases.
• Oversees the payment of employees, including approving payroll, troubleshooting any complex payroll issues and reconciliation to ensure correct accounts are charged.
• Confirms budgeted salaries for new hire transactions in the University's employee systems.
• Accountable for the accuracy, integrity and security of all finance data.
• Works in partnership with Human Resources to define, develop and report on metrics for all including headcount and compensation to assist managers improve their decision-making.
• Counsels employees on finance-related University programs, policies, and procedures.

Perform other duties as assigned (5%)

Minimum Qualifications

• 
  
  
  
  • Bachelor's degree or an equivalent education and experience
  • Minimum of 5 - 7 years of work experience in an accounting or finance position
  
  
  
  
  • Exceptional knowledge of financial and general accounting principles
  • Ability to prepare reports, summaries and analyses and present findings
  • Strong technical skills required, including overall proficiency with Microsoft Office programs and advanced Excel knowledge
  • Must be flexible, organized, capable of performing multiple tasks, and comfortable working under deadlines
  • Ability to develop and maintain productive relationships and collaborate at all levels of the organization
  • Ability to exercise a high degree of professionalism, diplomacy, discretion, firmness, and collaboration in dealing with individuals at all levels
  • Demonstrated skills in problem assessment and resolution as well as collaborative problem solving in a complex, interdisciplinary setting
  • Ability to interface and effectively communicate with various levels of staff and function within a culturally diverse and complex organization
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Excellent verbal and written skills
  • Initiative and ability to work independently
  • Detail oriented with strong problem-solving and exceptional analytical skills
  
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a related field
• Financial analytical experience in a university or not-for-profit setting
• Experience in higher education or healthcare
• Supervisory experience
• Familiarity with Columbia University systems, processes, and procedures

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.