"Assistant Director, Finance & Administration"

Job Description Summary

The Assistant Director of Finance & Administration works collaboratively with the Graduate School Finance & Administration (GSASFA) team to manage financial and human resource operations for the Wake Forest University Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. The position assists in the preparation and oversight of the Graduate School’s budget, including annual forecasts and long-range planning; manages restricted funds; oversees student hiring and onboarding processes; and provides comprehensive administrative, analytical, and financial support to all academic units within the Graduate School.
This position requires an exceptionally high level of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality due to frequent exposure to sensitive and confidential information.

Job Description

This position is not eligible for sponsorship of non-immigrant or immigrant visa status through Wake Forest University. All eligible applicants are encouraged to apply.

Essential Functions:

• Performs a wide range of administrative and financial duties for the Office of the Graduate School and provides high-level support to the GSAS Finance & Administration team and GSAS faculty.
• Analyzes financial data and develops forecast models to support budget processes, including preparation of personnel and non-personnel operating budgets and allocation of restricted fund resources.
• Maintains and monitors restricted endowment and gift accounts; ensures compliance with donor terms and adherence to the University’s First Dollar Rule.
• Manages the Student Assistantship enrollment and hiring process, ensuring accuracy and currency of funding source information.
• Oversees tuition and fee scholarship management in collaboration with the University’s Financial Aid Office for both new and continuing students.
• Administers OPM (Online Program Management) payment processes and reconciles tuition revenue against OPM payments due.
• Reviews and approves invoices, purchase orders, and expense reports in compliance with University policies; performs account reconciliations.
• Provides budget and financial reporting training for new and existing staff, Grants and Contracts Managers (GCMs), department chairs, and faculty program directors.
• Communicates financial and administrative policies, procedures, and updates to all units within the Graduate School.
• Prepares journal entries, initiates departmental deposits, and processes other financial transactions on behalf of the Graduate School Office.
• Assists with maintaining Workday roles and supervisory organization assignments for the Undergraduate College.

Other Functions:

• Participates in special projects and initiatives as assigned.
• Provides additional administrative or analytical support as needed.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business, or Finance with three to five years of related experience or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Strong logical and analytical problem-solving skills; strong critical thinking skills with attention to detail.
• Knowledge of auditing policies, standards, and procedures.
• Proven communication skills, both verbally and in writing; ability to convey financial & other complex concepts in layman terms to non-financial professionals.
• Knowledge of University, Human Resources, Budget, and Financial Planning practices, policies, and procedures, or ability to acquire knowledge in a short period.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Ability to prioritize workload and organize workflow.
• Ability to work independently/ under minimal supervision.
• Ability to analyze and interpret policy and procedural questions.
• Ability to hold sensitive information confidential.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Master’s degree, Business or Finance
• Experience with Workday Finance & HCM modules.
• Experience in higher education.

Accountabilities:

• Student HCM responsibilities.
• Budgetary responsibilities.

Time Type Requirement
Full time