Location: Syracuse,NY, USA
The Office of Research (OoR) seeks an experienced Assistant Director of Budget & Operations. The Office of Research provides university-wide leadership and support to elevate the success of research, scholarship, and creative endeavors at Syracuse University. Reporting to the Senior Director of Finance & Research Initiatives, this position provides management for budgetary and administrative activities of the OoR and supports strategic initiatives by improving internal efficiencies and by developing and maintaining processes to enhance data-informed decision-making and planning. The successful candidate collaborates closely with the Senior Director to provide financial oversight for the departments reporting to the Vice President for Research and collaborates with OoR leadership and staff and campus partners to ensure effective use of resources and efficient administrative processes, both internally and for campus-wide initiatives. Primary responsibilities include developing and presenting analyses to leadership; reviewing financial reports; budgeting and forecasting fiscal performance; designing and implementing processes, systems, and standard procedures to increase operational efficiencies across OoR departments; ensuring internal controls and adherence to university policies; managing HR/payroll processes; and making recommending for process improvements and optimal business operations to support strategic objectives. The successful candidate has a demonstrated history of strong analytical and communication skills, a continuous improvement mindset, high attention to detail, sound judgement and discretion, and a collaborative approach when working with colleagues at all levels.
Qualifications
* Bachelor's or graduate degree in Business Administration, Finance, or related field and five (5+) plus years of relevant experience with demonstrated increasing responsibilities, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Job Specific Qualifications
* Advanced proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Office Suite.
* Familiarity with University systems including PeopleSoft, Hyperion Planning and SmartView, and Tableau/DataInsights and ability to learn and adapt to new systems quickly.
* Attention to detail with a high level of accuracy, strong organizational skills.
* Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities independently.
* Advanced analytical and creative problem-solving skills are required as well as demonstrated experience with sound decision-making in a financial and operational management context.
* Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders and leaders across the university.
* Thorough knowledge of Syracuse University policies, procedures, and best practices and experience in higher education sector are preferred.
Responsibilities
* Collaborate with Senior Director, Office of Research budget staff, and reporting departments to manage the planning and execution of various administrative, operational, and budgetary activities within the organization and for related cross-campus initiatives.
* Regularly monitor and evaluate the Office of Research financial performance and facilitate monthly forecasting and reporting processes in order to support efficient operational management, optimal allocation of resources, and long-range planning.
* Create and present data-driven analyses to support decision-making for Office of Research leadership.
* Collaborate with campus partners at all levels to achieve organizational objectives as needed.
* Develop, implement, manage, and maintain standard procedures and processes to increase efficiencies and to ensure internal controls and adherence to university policies related to fiscal and administrative operations (ex. HR/payroll, purchasing, travel) across Office of Research departments.
* Document and communicate these processes to stakeholders regularly.
* Make recommendations to facilitate continuous improvement.
* Input annual budget and update monthly estimated finals based on information gathered from across the Office of Research reporting departments; create scenario analyses, as necessary, to assess short- and long-term impacts of various decisions and competing priorities and to ensure optimal allocation of resources.
* Manage and approve HR/payroll processes, as needed, including Position Evaluation Requests (PERs), Requests for Additional Pay (RAPs), chartstring changes, etc.
* Other duties as assigned.
Physical Requirements
* Tools/Equipment
* Application Instructions
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.