Assistant Director of Budget and Finance

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Hours Per Week: 35

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of Finance and Operations, the incumbent will be responsible for the finance of the research division, as well as assist in the general management of budget and finance operations of the department.

Responsibilities

• Assist with budget planning, tracking and management as related to the execution of the department's research-related budget and financial operations. Manage projects of a specialized nature or other specialized reporting, as mandated by finance or operational needs, audits or other compliance reviews.
• Gather information, conduct research, perform analysis and provide solutions to questions and issues as they arise.
• Analyze, monitor and evaluate the Department's pre-award, post-award, and sponsored and non-sponsored research activities including but not limited to grant expenditures, salary changes, and compliance with budget allocations.
• Analysis and reconciliation of sponsored and non-sponsored project research accounts on a monthly basis. 
• Ensure quarterly PI attestations and other required certifications such as annual effort certifications are completed. 
• Oversee and support the operational team of the research division.
• Assist with monitoring monthly financial statements and departmental P&L statements.
• Assist with the budget and strategic planning processes, evaluating budget variances and making recommendations on appropriate corrective actions, prepare and present monthly budget and financial performance reports for departmental research activities.
• Review monthly P&Ls to explain financial performance against budgeted goals; identify and explain significant operational variances.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of all relevant regulations, policies and procedures that affect the acquisition and management of sponsored projects.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned/requested.

Minimum Qualifications

The successful candidate will be a self-starter with a well-developed knowledge of quantitative analysis capable of working with minimal oversight to solve a problem or meet a need. Superior financial analysis skills required, including the ability to prepare detailed financial reports and explain complex financial Information by analyzing variances and other drivers, and presenting forward-looking applications. Attention to detail, plus the ability to work closely and collaboratively with a diverse group of administrators is essential. Expert-level computer proficiency (Microsoft Excel and Word) required, including an in-depth knowledge of spreadsheet packages.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in education and years of experience plus 5 years of related experience.
• Master’s degree preferred, preferably in healthcare or finance-related field.
• Superior financial analysis skills required, including the ability to prepare detailed financial reports that include qualitative discussions of financial drivers, budgets and variances, and forward-looking implications. Necessary experience includes budget and/or other financial analysis, such as interpretation of financial statements. Expert-level computer proficiency (Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) required, including in-depth knowledge of spreadsheet packages. Knowledge of accounting principles essential.
• The successful candidate will be a self-starter with a well-developed knowledge of quantitative analysis capable of working with minimal oversight to solve a problem or meet a need. Ability to work through complex issues, elevating issues appropriately to directors and core administration team. Excellent oral and written communication skills required. Must be able to work with complex financial models and be meticulous in quantitative detail.
• Excellent oral/written communication, organizational, analytical, adaptable, creative, detail oriented and computer (e.g. Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access) skills required. 
• The position requires a motivated individual who has demonstrated leadership abilities, the ability to plan, and the ability to interact with physicians, administrators, senior leadership and researchers and direct the activities of others.  

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of CU accounting and financial systems. Knowledge of IACUC procedures and policies via RASCAL including maintenance of protocol files.
• Experience with NIH application process and knowledge of research funding, competitive peer review funding system, research administration that includes financial operations in research organizations, regulatory affairs, and strategic planning preferred
• Master’s degree preferred, preferably in healthcare or finance-related field.

Other Requirements

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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