"Strategic Financial Partner"

Summary of Role

This role is part of the Office of Budget and Analysis, and provides embedded, dotted line support to dean or unit leadership, providing strategic support. This role reports directly to the Director of the Office of Budget and Analysis.

This position requires a high level of independence, working under supervision while having discretion to make daily operation decisions.

Additionally, the role requires the individual to solve problems using advanced analytical and technical skills, integrating technology as well as understanding of processes and resources to bring together a solution.

Strategic Financial Advisement and Leadership (50%)

• This strategic finance partner meets regularly with the dean and college/unit leadership while serving as a key advisor and they are responsible for providing oversight and strategic financial expertise for the college.
• The strategic finance partner is a member of the Office of Budget and Analysis analytical staff. As a member of this team, the strategic finance partner meets regularly with the Office of Budget and Analysis and works to provide strategic analysis for both campus level and college level decision making. As a member of this team they are to bring a consistent approach to analysis and problem solving.
• Partners with college/unit leadership and campus financial leadership, providing financial advice and expertise on funding availability, including forecasting and other financial information.
• Partners with college/unit leadership to support budget development and stewardship of fiscal resources for the college.
• Works with collegiate/campus unit level administrators and the HR Strategic Partner, as well as other campus stakeholders to ensure efficient and effective communication and processes exist between administrative and fiscal operations. Participates in leadership meetings and strategic planning for the colleges, including college specific governance committees.
• Supports and impacts specific administrative initiatives that advance the mission and/or operations of the colleges and align with broader University strategic plans and/or areas of focus. This requires identifying the goals of engagement, building relationships within and outside of the institution to help meet those goals, creating the appropriate (infra)structures to accomplish those goals, and leading the process for success.
• The Strategic Finance Partner also meets regularly with departmental staff on budget related matters and serves as a resource on financial matters to staff as needed.
• Prepares and presents financial information for college/unit level governance and advisory meetings.
• Provides analysis supporting campus wide projects and initiatives.

Finance and Accounting (50%)

• Facilitate the completion of the University's annual budget process for the college or unit, including position management budgeting and internal budget processes that lead up to this.
• Facilitate all financial aspects of the development of the college instructional budget. This includes the development of the budget for both the internal college and campus level course access process.
• Oversee O&M, state special, research and extension, internal and external sales, unrestricted, UM Foundation accounts, and PUF.
• Develops summer school budget.
• Partners with college/unit leadership for reviewing and supporting the strategic planning of finance-related functions including instructional budgeting and long term staff funding plans.
• Develops best practices and guidance for collegiate budget processes.
• Provide guidance to staff within assigned departmental units to ensure that budget accounts are appropriately managed.
• Monitors / coordinates departmental effort certification and provides assistance as needed.
• Transfer funds, set up new accounts, monitor fund balances, and develop various reports for managers.
• Develops, along with key staff in affected areas, internal and external sales rate development.
• Transfers scholarships to student accounts and processes foundation requests.
• Maintain delegations of authority and code of ethics agreements.
• Report issues of financial integrity, internal controls and sound financial practices.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree plus at least 6 years of experience.