Associate Director of Finance and Administration, Penn Arts and Sciences

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Associate Director of Finance and Administration, Penn Arts and Sciences

Job Profile Title

Associate Director D, Business and Finance

Job Description Summary

The Associate Director of Finance and Administration will oversee the Market Street Regional Business Office (RBO). The Associate Director of Finance and Administration position in the School of Arts and Sciences RBO model has primary responsibility for budget development and financial management (including financial reporting), ensuring timely, efficient and accurate financial operations (payroll, purchasing and reimbursements), general supervision and support of the sponsored research financial staff, and providing superior customer service to our clients.

Job Description

Responsibilities:

S/he reports directly to the Director of Fiscal Operations, and will assist in managing the annual budget process, and in analyzing monthly reports to project year-end balances and understand variances.  S/he will manage staff of direct reports whose responsibilities include sponsored research financial management and the processing and recording of financial transactions.  S/he will work closely with departmental administration(s) to ensure that available resources are being utilized wisely and in accordance with University and School policy.

S/he will oversee the daily and cyclical operations of the RBO and manage staff to meet the requirements and deadlines of Penn’s financial cycles.  The Associate Director of Finance and Administration will ensure all financial processes and procedures meet federal, state and local regulations, Penn’s policies and best practices.  S/he will be responsible for instituting financial controls and ensuring quality assurance.  S/he will implement standardized processes and reports to meet the requirements of the School of Arts and Sciences and the University.

Qualifications:

Qualifications for the Associate Director of Finance and Administration include a strong sense of accountability and stewardship for University resources; demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with faculty and administration to achieve division goals; expertise in implementing sound financial policies and practices with diverse clients; ability to manage, mentor and motivate staff; be comfortable in an environment with competing priorities; expertise in finance and accounting policies and regulations; and expertise and extensive experience in financial reporting and analysis.  The successful candidate will have excellent critical thinking and analytical skills and professional-level written and verbal communication skills.  This candidate must be able to apply solid organizational and time management skills to a deadline driven, multiple priority work environment.

• Bachelor of Science and 5 to 7 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required

• 5-7 years of experience in finance and/or accounting in a University setting is strongly preferred

• 3-5 years of experience in hiring, managing, evaluating and mentoring staff is preferred

• Experience working with a diverse client base

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Adobe applications required

• Familiarity with Oracle-based financial applications and Workday preferred

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

School of Arts and Sciences

Pay Range

$61,046.00 - $105,000.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile. 

Affirmative Action Statement 
Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements 
Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

• Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

• Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.

• Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

• Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

• University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

• Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

• Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

• Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

• Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

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To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay