Finance Partner for Dean of the College and Enrollment

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at [email protected].

Job Description

Job Summary:

Provide financial consultation to the Vice President for Campus Life and Dean of the College as well as the Vice President for Enrollment.  Provide financial management and oversight encompassing annual planning, forecasting, reporting, key metrics, and the financial evaluation of resources allocations, requests or reductions to support key strategic initiatives. Analyze data and statistical trends, model future funding scenarios. Liaise with departments as needed on policies, processes, expenditures, and reporting. Act as a community member of the college's central budget & financial planning team, support central college activities, ad-hoc analyses and modeling as needed.

Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Essential Functions:

Financial and Budget Management (50%)

Oversee and manage a ~$20M operating budget as well as ~$3M of income in restricted funding. Make recommendations for resource allocations in alignment with the core mission and strategy of the area, and within the institutional context and framework of the college's overarching financial plan. Perform advanced, strategically-focused financial planning, including but not limited to: budget and endowment analysis, multi-year financial projections, as-needed modeling and forecasting. Develop and enhance models for newly funded initiatives and advise on financial policies and practices. Provide recommendations and support to the annual strategic initiatives presentation. Advise recommended funding allocations, determine appropriate funding sources and ensure proper usage of funds, track commitments, handle direct transactions (invoices, journals, etc.), perform reconciliations and budget vs actuals analysis. Develop and enhance management reporting packages to provide financial management data and key metrics to inform decisions.

Oversee Department Finances (25%)

In partnership with cost center managers, monitor budgets as well as restricted funding in units reporting to the DOC and VP for Enrollment. Serve as the financial subject matter expert for the area and lead the annual budget call cycles. Evaluate requests, and provide recommendations on strategic budget allocations, requests, or reductions for final budget approval. Support and adhere to institutional fiscal targets and budgetary guidance by collaborating and communicating with a variety of constituents. Manage and lead the fiscal year close processes for the area. Reconcile and resolve budget and gift balances when issues arise. Collaborate with the Budget Office, Human Resources, other managers, and departmental constituents on position management, labor allocations, and compensation budgeting. Provide in-depth financial analyses, modeling, and projections for departments, programs, and initiatives in service of the mission and strategic goals. Assist Executive Assistant with the administration of student emergency funding, academic prizes, student and alum grants, student/faculty stipends, and Enrollment-based programs such as STRIDE, Matriculate.

Analytics and Central Budgeting Support (25%)

In collaboration with the Budget Office, support and engage in centralized college analysis, projects, and modeling as needed. Maintain the enrollment planning model and assist with periodic financial aid reconciliations.  Participate in strategic college initiatives where financial or co-curricular/student-facing representation is needed. As a community member of the Budget Office, provide backup to other team members as needed; provide some staff support to various committees. Collaborate with members of Finance & Administration area in process improvement initiatives across campus, including but not limited to: financial report development, policy development, community training & documentation, financial systems enhancements, data integrity, and the rollout of new analytic technologies.

MINIMUM REQUIRED Qualifications (education, experience, certifications, licenses, knowledge, skills)

Bachelor's Degree and 5+ years of experience in financial management and oversight or an equivalent combination of education/experience.

Proficient to advanced knowledge of Excel. Experience with data analysis and presentation, Workday, and financial record-keeping and disbursements.

Preferred Qualifications

MBA

Fund accounting experience is highly desirable. Higher education administration experience is highly desirable.

High degree of initiative, self-direction, critical & creative thinking, and independent judgment. Must possess exemplary problem solving and organizational skills with proven judgment. Ability to develop and execute several key projects simultaneously in a high-paced, collaborative office setting.  Demonstrated strong administrative, leadership, verbal and written communication skills as well as the ability to analyze complex data.  Excellent interpersonal and technical skills.

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Review of applications will begin

Position Type:

About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts.  A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at [email protected].

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of  equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty.  The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.