Director of Finance and Operations

Department
 

Becker Friedman Institute Programming

About the Department
 

The Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI) works with the Chicago Economics community to turn its evidence-based research into real-world impact. BFI takes a unique approach to bridging the divide between academic researchers and decision-makers in the business community and government by translating and packaging the rigorous work of the Chicago Economics community into accessible formats, and proactively sharing those findings with relevant decision-makers and thought leaders around the globe. BFI is a collaborative platform serving the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, the Harris School of Public Policy, and the Law School. For more information visit https://bfi.uchicago.edu.

Job Summary
 

The BFI Director of Finance and Operations plans and directs all administrative, financial, human resources (HR), and operational activities for the Becker Friedman Institute, including all of the departments within the BFI executive agency.
The role is expected to leverage superior organizational, operational, and financial management skills to advise the senior leadership team and senior staff in support of strategies and directions including escalating and remediating issues when needed. Serves as a senior advisor to the Executive Director, including as a confidential partner with access to material of sensitive and confidential nature. Partners with Executive Director, People Operations Manager and others to develop organizational vision and strategic and operational plans that align priorities and actions in support of University-wide goals.
Provides direct management, oversight, and strategic guidance to the following core activities: finance, human resources, and operation/administrative services.

Responsibilities

• Manages the Senior Grants Manager, Finance Associate and Administrative Assistant.
• Supervises quarterly and year-end reporting for the operating budget.
• Prepares financial statements, activity reports, financial position forecasts and reports required by donors, grant sponsors and regulatory agencies, ensuring completeness and accuracy.
• Operates monthly accounting and budgetary reconciliation processes in line with the University’s Budget Office policies.
• Researches and advises the senior leadership at BFI on financial reporting requirements.
• Ensures that BFI’s decision-makers understand the short and long-term implications of current financial commitments.
• Creates strategies for improving budget and financial planning processes while improving efficiency.
• Develops and implements all BFI activities with appropriate University and outside vendors, institutions, and departments.
• Monitors compliance with University policies and procedures.
• Compares actual expenditures to budgets.
• Works with appropriate offices and individuals across the University of Chicago to ensure timely discussion of strategic matters and facilitates input to policy and funding decisions.
• Collaborates with members of the BFI Senior Leadership Team and senior staff members to identify strategies that increase consistency and effectiveness of operations.
• Communicates information to staff, clients, and stakeholders regarding immediate initiatives and long-term organizational strategic direction and priorities.
• Monitors cost associated with IT Equipment, Office Supplies and BFI Building space that the Office Manager is responsible for administering.
• Manages the Program Director, BFI Research Professional Program, and the People Operations Manager.
• Partners with People Operations Manager to serve as a consultant and coach to supervisors and, when indicated, individual supervisors and staff to enhance performance and/or working relations.
• Conducts annual compensation planning, tracks compensation budget, and oversees administration of payroll-related activities.
• Coordinates and supports performance management processes including performance review, goal setting, coaching and feedback, and staff development.
• Develops a competent and diverse leadership and management team that can quickly resolve issues, make decisions, and respond to changes.
• Provides administrative and programmatic direction and coordination in the formulation, interpretation and administration of the University's strategic planning and related Unit objectives and subsequent short- and long-term policies, procedures, and program plans.
• Directs all financial activities, including financial analysis and reporting, budgeting, accounting, accounts receivable/payable, and procurement. Oversees facilities management, including renovations, moves, maintenance and ongoing facilities operations. Manages development of all contracts, including those with vendors and other institutions.
• Manages employees through subordinates, usually other managers. Establishes performance goals, allocates resources and assesses policies for direct subordinates.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

---
Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 10+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

---
Certifications:

---

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Master’s degree in business administration.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of management experience with project and operational budgeting oversight. 
• Minimum 2 years of Human Resources experience.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant work experience.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Proficient in financial computing and database software applications, including Delphi, GEMS, BuySite, e-Ledgers, Business Objects.

Preferred Competencies

• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills; highly articulate in both oral and written forms, translating complex technical concepts into non-technical language.
• Strong financial modeling skills.
• Knowledge of various financial principles, practices, and applications including budgeting, financial planning, and financial reporting.
• Think strategically and translate into operational objectives.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Work closely and cordially with senior University officials.
• Work both independently and as a team member.
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills.
• Work effectively with team members, staff, and faculty across the University of Chicago, from faculty at the Chicago Booth School of Business, Harris School of Public Policy, Law School, and the Department of Economics, to other internal and external University of Chicago partners.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, including developing strategic plans against a vision, and involving others in the execution.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST  be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Administration & Management

Role Impact
 

People Manager

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

37.5

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

Applicant Inquiry Form. <span>Applicant Inquiry Form</span> The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity /Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

Department
 

Becker Friedman Institute Programming

About the Department
 

The Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI) works with the Chicago Economics community to turn its evidence-based research into real-world impact. BFI takes a unique approach to bridging the divide between academic researchers and decision-makers in the business community and government by translating and packaging the rigorous work of the Chicago Economics community into accessible formats, and proactively sharing those findings with relevant decision-makers and thought leaders around the globe. BFI is a collaborative platform serving the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, the Harris School of Public Policy, and the Law School. For more information visit https://bfi.uchicago.edu.

Job Summary
 

The BFI Director of Finance and Operations plans and directs all administrative, financial, human resources (HR), and operational activities for the Becker Friedman Institute, including all of the departments within the BFI executive agency.
The role is expected to leverage superior organizational, operational, and financial management skills to advise the senior leadership team and senior staff in support of strategies and directions including escalating and remediating issues when needed. Serves as a senior advisor to the Executive Director, including as a confidential partner with access to material of sensitive and confidential nature. Partners with Executive Director, People Operations Manager and others to develop organizational vision and strategic and operational plans that align priorities and actions in support of University-wide goals.
Provides direct management, oversight, and strategic guidance to the following core activities: finance, human resources, and operation/administrative services.

Responsibilities

• Manages the Senior Grants Manager, Finance Associate and Administrative Assistant.
• Supervises quarterly and year-end reporting for the operating budget.
• Prepares financial statements, activity reports, financial position forecasts and reports required by donors, grant sponsors and regulatory agencies, ensuring completeness and accuracy.
• Operates monthly accounting and budgetary reconciliation processes in line with the University’s Budget Office policies.
• Researches and advises the senior leadership at BFI on financial reporting requirements.
• Ensures that BFI’s decision-makers understand the short and long-term implications of current financial commitments.
• Creates strategies for improving budget and financial planning processes while improving efficiency.
• Develops and implements all BFI activities with appropriate University and outside vendors, institutions, and departments.
• Monitors compliance with University policies and procedures.
• Compares actual expenditures to budgets.
• Works with appropriate offices and individuals across the University of Chicago to ensure timely discussion of strategic matters and facilitates input to policy and funding decisions.
• Collaborates with members of the BFI Senior Leadership Team and senior staff members to identify strategies that increase consistency and effectiveness of operations.
• Communicates information to staff, clients, and stakeholders regarding immediate initiatives and long-term organizational strategic direction and priorities.
• Monitors cost associated with IT Equipment, Office Supplies and BFI Building space that the Office Manager is responsible for administering.
• Manages the Program Director, BFI Research Professional Program, and the People Operations Manager.
• Partners with People Operations Manager to serve as a consultant and coach to supervisors and, when indicated, individual supervisors and staff to enhance performance and/or working relations.
• Conducts annual compensation planning, tracks compensation budget, and oversees administration of payroll-related activities.
• Coordinates and supports performance management processes including performance review, goal setting, coaching and feedback, and staff development.
• Develops a competent and diverse leadership and management team that can quickly resolve issues, make decisions, and respond to changes.
• Provides administrative and programmatic direction and coordination in the formulation, interpretation and administration of the University's strategic planning and related Unit objectives and subsequent short- and long-term policies, procedures, and program plans.
• Directs all financial activities, including financial analysis and reporting, budgeting, accounting, accounts receivable/payable, and procurement. Oversees facilities management, including renovations, moves, maintenance and ongoing facilities operations. Manages development of all contracts, including those with vendors and other institutions.
• Manages employees through subordinates, usually other managers. Establishes performance goals, allocates resources and assesses policies for direct subordinates.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

---
Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 10+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

---
Certifications:

---

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Master’s degree in business administration.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of management experience with project and operational budgeting oversight. 
• Minimum 2 years of Human Resources experience.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant work experience.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Proficient in financial computing and database software applications, including Delphi, GEMS, BuySite, e-Ledgers, Business Objects.

Preferred Competencies

• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills; highly articulate in both oral and written forms, translating complex technical concepts into non-technical language.
• Strong financial modeling skills.
• Knowledge of various financial principles, practices, and applications including budgeting, financial planning, and financial reporting.
• Think strategically and translate into operational objectives.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Work closely and cordially with senior University officials.
• Work both independently and as a team member.
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills.
• Work effectively with team members, staff, and faculty across the University of Chicago, from faculty at the Chicago Booth School of Business, Harris School of Public Policy, Law School, and the Department of Economics, to other internal and external University of Chicago partners.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, including developing strategic plans against a vision, and involving others in the execution.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST  be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Administration & Management

Role Impact
 

People Manager

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

37.5

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

Applicant Inquiry Form. <span>Applicant Inquiry Form</span> The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity /Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.