Director of Business and Administration, Arts – College of Liberal Arts

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the general direction of the Vice President, Dean, or Senior Department Head, the Academic Business Director is responsible for managing and controlling accounting, budgeting, auditing and other financial or related functions to ensure the financial integrity of a major work unit. The Academic Business Director will manage personnel and operational matters, which may include supervising professional staff. In addition, the Academic Business Director may be responsible for coordinating one or more other administrative tasks within the College/School, as assigned.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

(This list is neither absolute nor restrictive, but indicates approximate duties and responsibilities which may be redefined pursuant to operational needs.)

• Projects financial needs and oversees annual budget development. Develop strategic plan for annual budget. Strategic planning, including forecasting for operational and personnel salary decisions for School/College. Anticipate needs of the School/College and implement strategies to address. Oversight of multiple operating budgets which may total more than $20 million. Signature authority for purchasing and contracts up to $24,999.99. Audits grants and foundation budgets.
• Ensures efficient coordination of various department and subsidiary financial accounts by designing budgeting systems and records which are compatible with the University's accounting and reporting systems.
• Advises management regarding financial decisions by providing accurate information regarding the financial status of individual accounts and interpreting University financial reports. Prepares detailed budget reports on a monthly, quarterly and yearly basis; audits current procedures to monitor and improve efficiency of operations.
• Collects and analyzes financial and other statistical data for the preparation of financial and non-financial reports; establishes reporting deadlines for those providing data for these reports. Prepares various reports for senior leadership.
• Supervises all accounting functions to ensure fiscal year is closed out properly.
• Serves as liaison to various offices on campus which may include, the Department of Planning and Budget, the Office of the Controller, Human Resources, Payroll, and Office of the Associate Provost for Administration,
• May serve as liaison to Human Resources and Payroll. Main point of contact for all College/School staff on all human resources and payroll related matters. Processes employment and payroll related documents. Prepares employment contracts. May support the Promotion & Tenure process.
• Onboard new employees.
• Assists faculty and staff with interpretation of University policies and procedures, may include creating formal training sessions; coordinate P-Card activities.
• May coordinate building administrative functions and/or computing and technology needs for the College/School.
• Provides excellent customer service through interactions with department staff, University officials, visitors, vendors, and other internal/external contacts. May complete various industry surveys.
• May supervise, guide, and direct the work of others.
• May guide and direct department administrative assistants with budget responsibilities. May provide the direct supervisor with feedback on performance related to financial and budget responsibilities.
• May represent College/School by participating on committees, attending meetings and outside functions.
• Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses as required.
• Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum qualifications:

Work requires a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution with major course work in accounting, finance, business administration, or closely related field of study and a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible and related budget and personnel management experience within a higher education environment.

Preferred qualifications:An advanced degree (MBA) and 7-10 years of related experience is preferred and highly desirable.

Alternatively, the successful candidate may possess any equivalent combination of experience and training, which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the essential job functions. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Knowledge of management and supervision practices and techniques;
• Knowledge of accounting and budgetary theory, principles and practices;
• Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to departmental budgets and accounting practices;
• Skill in applying accounting and financial management principles;
• Ability to work independently on complex and confidential issues related to the day-to-day operations of a department.
• Knowledge of Human Resources, Purchasing and Payroll systems required.
• Strong leadership, supervisory, and communication skills.
• Strong computer skills, including knowledge of the entire MS Office Suite. Advanced skill in the use of MS Excel for the development of spreadsheets and management reports using graphs and charts is required. Ability to use an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), experience with Ellucian Banner preferred.
• Effective organizational and administrative skills required.
• Ability to initiate and follow through with work responsibilities and to meet deadlines.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the University Community.
• Ability and willingness to contribute actively to the mission of the University and to respect the Spiritan Catholic identity of Duquesne University. The mission is implemented through a commitment to academic excellence, a spirit of service, moral and spiritual values, sensitivity to world concerns, and an ecumenical campus community.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Applicants are asked to submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references.