"Program Manager"

OVERVIEW

The expected pay range for this position is $180,996 to $185,000 per annum.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs. At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package.

Stanford University seeks people committed to excellence and to improving our world and, in turn, is dedicated to supporting its employees as they develop their careers and enrich their lives.

Stanford’s Business Affairs provides administrative policies, infrastructure, systems, services, and support for the benefit of the university community.

Financial Management Services (FMS), a department within Business Affairs, is responsible for creating an ecosystem which promotes innovative and sound financial administration policies and practices that balance controls, compliance, and customer service. FMS is primarily responsible for financial policy oversight, quality assurance and financial services at Stanford University and its affiliated entities. It also serves as a liaison to the hospitals and the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC). The FMS work environment is grounded by core values that include cultivating growth, celebration and appreciation, and collaborating with curiosity in order to nurture an inclusive environment where everyone is valued, respected, and can thrive.

JOB PURPOSE

The Program Manager will be a member of the Financial Risk Management (FRM) team reporting to the Director of Financial Risk Management. As part of the FRM team, this position will ensure the implementation of data-driven risk assessments and support decision-making by curating management risk reports for high-risk subject areas. The Program Manager will also standardize resources that support and help others evaluate processes and integrate risks and controls concepts with effective Internal Controls testing. This role will be integral to our mission of addressing the evolving needs of the Stanford community while stewarding university resources and safeguarding the university, ensuring the appropriate balance of risks and controls.

The Program Manager will focus on operationalizing risk reports, including delivery cadence and articulated review expectations, while continually evolving with our risk environment. As a subject matter expert who partners to understand, anticipate and respond to risk without compromising operational efficiency, the Program Manager will be integral to the FRM team’s efforts in propagating excellence in financial stewardship. Within our culture of collaboration, you will be encouraged to build scalable frameworks, refine and streamline processes, and enhance your opportunities for professional development. The Program Manager will engage with cross-functional business and technology teams, maintain strong internal controls plans, develop risk-reporting metrics and drive process improvements.

CORE DUTIES

• Perform highly analytical, complex finance and control functions; multi-dimensional and complex reconciliations and related analysis; prepare or review and approve complex transactions and higher-level dollar value transactions.
• Research and synthesize data for broad areas; develop complex financial analyses, budget and forecasting scenarios, long-range planning, and analyses. Perform root-cause analysis and synthesis, draw conclusions, and propose solutions.
• Develop complex financial reports and presentations, design and run ad hoc reports, and prepare or review complex transactions to support the stewardship of university resources. Provide consultation to senior leadership to interpret results
• Prioritize, identify, and resolve strategic and unit/department issues; recognize exceptions, recommend and develop resolutions and implement solutions. Ensure effective and efficient delivery and integration of all financial services for area of responsibility.
• Design an effective system of internal controls for area of responsibility utilizing strategic analysis of interrelationships of financial processes, policies, and procedures; implement and ensure compliance programs.
• Lead multiple complex, high-visibility process innovation projects. Develop, champion and implement strategic initiatives with significant impact. Empower action, remove obstacles, enable constructive feedback and support from leaders, and reward and recognize progress and achievements.
• Develop, assess, and continuously improve systems and processes to achieve greater efficiencies and improve internal controls. Design and provide training on new financial systems.
• Analyze problems in business critical systems, and identify risks, solutions, and strategies; act as business owner of a project.
• Represent organization to client group(s) and leaders: serve as subject matter expert on matters that involve complex technical, financial, or subject matter expertise.
• Assess client and business needs and formulate recommendations to determine approach to managing and completing processes.
• May supervise, train, coach, and review the work of other staff, as needed. Contribute primarily through applying individual expertise.

This service-oriented position requires, in addition to critical thinking and analytical skills, a strong focus on activities such as risk assessments and reporting, as well as developing and implementing internal controls best practices with effective, data-driven, prioritized ways of managing financial and compliance risk, including the following:

• Develop and provide strategic recommendations to the Director of Financial Risk Management based on analysis of reports and audits.
• Research and synthesize data for broad areas; develop and present complex financial analyses and reports, budget and forecasting scenarios for long range planning; perform root-cause analysis and synthesis; draw conclusions and propose solutions.
• Implement new or revised policies and procedures for better controls and efficiencies.
• Participate in critical analysis of existing systems and processes, identifying and implementing process improvement opportunities.
• Lead projects requiring high levels of functional integration.
• Assess client and business needs, formulate recommendations to determine approach for managing and completing processes.
• Act as technical expert and may supervise, train, coach, and provide direction to other staff. Contribute primarily through applying individual expertise.

Note: Not all unique aspects of the job are covered by this job description

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree and eight years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Expert proficiency in business applications, such as Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel.
• Advanced knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning and financial systems; internet and computer literacy.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Advanced professional communication skills, including ability to prepare materials for and clearly and effectively communicate information to internal and external audiences, client groups, and all levels of management.
• Advanced project management skills and ability to lead large multi-functional teams.

Certifications and Licenses:

None

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*

• Constantly sitting.
• Frequently perform desk-based computer tasks, use telephone, writing by hand, sort/file paperwork.
• Occasionally stand/walk, lift/carry objects weighing 11-20 pounds.
• Rarely reach/work above shoulder.

* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Routine extended working hours during peak cycles; travel to school/unit sites across university.

WORK STANDARDS:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.

WHY STANFORD IS FOR YOU

Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and how it enriches the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!
• Redwood City. Our new Stanford Redwood City campus, which opened in 2019, is the workplace for approximately 2,700 staff, including FMS, whose jobs are important to supporting the university’s mission. The campus will offer amenities such as onsite cafes and a dining pavilion, a high-end fitness facility with an outdoor pool, and a childcare center for Stanford families.