Director of Financial Management

Description:
 

Job Description Summary:
 

The Director of Financial Management, a results-oriented leader, reports to the Chief Financial Officer with a dotted line to the Provost and operates within the Business Affairs Division. With strong executive presence, they independently manage complex financial operations and are persuasive yet collegial in partnering with Deans of Nursing, Health Sciences, and Podiatric Medicine. Acting as the primary financial manager for these colleges, they lead strategic and financial planning to drive institutional goals. The Director brings technical and analytical expertise to the Finance team and serves as the lead budget resource, empowering senior leadership with data-driven insights for impactful decision-making.

This position will require building strong relationships across the campus. Candidates for this position will be required to be on-campus in our new City Center Campus in Oakland, CA.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strategic Financial Guidance: Act as the key financial advisor to the Provost & Deans of the College of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, and College of Podiatric Medicine, supporting strategic initiatives through comprehensive analysis of contribution margins, enrollment trends, pricing strategies, budget-to-actual spend, and forecasting for long-term sustainability.
• Multi-Year Financial Modeling: Oversee the preparation and maintenance of the University’s multi-year financial forecast, refining assumptions to increase projection accuracy. Utilize predictive models to analyze financial consequences of policy or program changes.
• Operational Budget Oversight: Provide budget planning assistance and guidance for operating and capital needs across campus. Collaborate with Human Resources on salary and benefits budgets, focusing on position control and workforce analytics.
• Financial Analysis and Insight: Conduct and communicate sophisticated financial analyses, translating complex data into actionable insights. Support decision-making processes by highlighting areas for expense mitigation, revenue enhancement, and strategic opportunities.
• Comprehensive Financial Reporting: Prepare and present detailed financial reports, including monthly and year-to-date performance, budget variance analysis, and enrollment-driven financial metrics. Ensure reports are aligned with University goals and organized by College and institutional impact.
• Data Visualization and Communication: Create dashboards, graphs, and reporting tools to communicate complex financial information in an accessible manner for executives, faculty, and other stakeholders. Leverage data visualization to enhance understanding and informed decision-making.
• Program Financial Evaluation: Develop financial pro-formas for new programs and assess their performance compared to initial projections. Provide strategic insights to support program launch decisions and ongoing programmatic reviews.
• Resource Allocation Strategy: Maintain and develop robust allocation methods for shared administrative overhead and other cost distribution mechanisms. Ensure these methodologies are transparent, effective, and reviewed regularly for optimization.
• Financial Training and Support: Facilitate the training and development of Deans, Directors, and program chairs in financial management, enhancing their understanding of budget planning, financial data analysis, and effective resource allocation.
• Policy and Process Leadership: Lead the development and communication of budget policies, financial controls, and efficient workflow processes. Drive campus-wide engagement and responsibility through training programs and proactive identification of opportunities for business and financial effectiveness.

Required qualifications:

• Education & Experience: Master’s Degree in Business Administration with a Finance or Accounting emphasis, or equivalent education and experience, required. Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in budgeting, financial management, or accounting, including 5 years in a leadership role. Experience in higher education is not mandatory.
• Financial & Analytical Skills: Proficient in complex finance functions, strategic and detailed financial analysis, and synthesizing data into actionable insights. Strong quantitative and problem-solving skills to ensure accuracy and clarity in reporting.
• Communication & Collaboration: Effective communicator with excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills to inspire and lead diverse teams. Ability to work independently and collaboratively with high integrity and ethics.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced skills in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, and a strong background in financial systems, reporting tools, and data applications.
• Strategic & Operational Support: Skilled in preparing and articulating complex financial materials clearly and concisely, managing multiple priorities, and supporting senior leadership with strategic budgeting and resource analysis.
• Confidentiality & Professionalism: Handles sensitive information with discretion, good judgment, and tact, maintaining high standards of integrity.
• Customer Service Orientation: Exceptional active listening and service skills to address complex issues, answer questions, and take decisive action when needed.

Employee Status:

Regular

Exemption Status:

United States of America (Exempt)

Time Type:

Full time

Job Shift:

Pay Range:

$123,610 ~ $160,690 per year (exempt)Samuel Merritt University currently provides base salary ranges for all positions-on job advertisements-in the United States based on local requirements. Individual compensation will ultimately be determined based on a variety of relevant factors including but-not limited to qualifications, geographic location, and other relevant skills.