"Associate Director of Finance"

Associate Director of Finance

Company:
Columbia University

Job Location:

Category:
Business and Financial Services

Type:
Full-Time

Position Summary

The Budget and Financial Analysis team manages the budget for the Office of Alumni Relations and Development (OAD) and collaborates with senior leaders (DVPs) and program directors to ensure effective daily operations. The team promotes responsible financial practices, safeguarding the University’s financial resources while providing support for reporting and budget-related inquiries to enhance financial clarity and operational success.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Finance, the Associate Director of Finance will support the management of all financial activities by overseeing a range of fiscal operations and analyses. The Associate Director will work closely with the Senior Director to administer budgets and forecasts, manage financial activity, and provide analytical reporting for the division. They will also liaise across the 24 schools and units to deliver a comprehensive analysis of the University’s total investment in alumni relations and development. In addition, the Associate Director will ensure financial compliance, optimize strategy, and support high-level decision-making and policy development.

Responsibilities

• Lead short- and long-term financial forecasting to ensure the organization’s financial health.
• Coordinate the annual budget process with senior leadership and program directors, aligning organizational needs with available resources.
• Design and implement financial controls to ensure data integrity.
• Create and distribute confidential departmental reports; conduct reviews with program directors and senior leadership, presenting financial data clearly to support effective decision-making.
• Liaise with the central budget office to ensure timely submission of monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.
• Serve as a central point of contact for financial support across the University’s schools and central service areas.
• Prepare detailed reconciliations of financial and other data with internal systems, external stakeholders, and University records.
• Identify and correct financial discrepancies through independent data review.
• Analyze financial data to identify trends, improve efficiency, and support budget balancing.
• Manage multiple projects and responsibilities while meeting competing deadlines.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships within the finance team and across the organization.
• Develop solutions to improve business processes, plan for change management, and ensure effective internal controls.
• Oversee the implementation of new workflows, policies, and procedures by evaluating current practices for compliance with University standards.
• Perform other duties, assignments, and special projects as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field is required.
• A minimum of five (5) to seven (7) years of relevant financial experience is essential.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office is needed, along with a strong aptitude in report formatting and production.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills are required, including active listening and strong attention to detail.
• Candidates must be able to problem-solve and troubleshoot effectively, as well as work independently within a dynamic team environment.
• A demonstrated ability to partner with a diverse group of administrators is essential.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet applications, and pivot tables is preferred.
• Familiarity and prior experience with Columbia University systems, such as ARC and FinSys, is also preferred.
• An MBA, MPA, CPA, or other relevant professional qualification is a plus.
• Experience working in a higher education or nonprofit accounting environment, along with budgeting and forecasting experience, is strongly preferred.

Other Requirements

• The role requires strong negotiation and influencing skills, as well as a strategic mindset capable of advancing organizational goals.
• The successful candidate must be politically savvy, exercise sound judgment, and maintain the utmost discretion in all matters. They should be comfortable working with all levels of management across the university and demonstrate flexibility, collaboration, and a commitment to teamwork.
• A passion for excellence, outstanding customer service, and a dedication to delivering high-quality work are critical for success in this role.
• Subject to business needs, the Office of Alumni Relations and Development supports a hybrid work arrangement for this position. Options will be discussed during the interview process.

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