Job Description

The Director of University Budget is responsible for leading the University’s Budget office including all the tasks associated with developing the University’s annual and multi-year budget.  The role will oversee the annual budget cycle including the collection and organization of data to ensure it is suitable for presentation to management and the Board of Trustees for approval.  This position will work closely with and in partnership with each Vice President and their staffs to ensure resources are properly prioritized and the budget is balanced while serving to achieve the University’s mission.  Throughout the year, this position will be responsible for overseeing actual expenses and ensuring that those fall within the previously approved budget. Month end financial statement and variance analysis and reporting originate from this office.   

The Director will be called upon to provide financial advice and input to a wide variety of individuals and must thoroughly understand the dynamics of individual needs and balance those within the context of the entire university.  It is expected that this person will develop a deep knowledge of the organization and the key cost drivers and metrics to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of organizational objectives. A key part of this person’s role will be to help financially model future new programs and monitor their ongoing progress once launched. 

The Director will work directly with the Provost, Deans and others to financially model and track the progress of new programs and initiatives.  The Director will work closely with other University Vice Presidents and Directors to ensure plans are implemented and monitored.  The ability to build relationships and communicate effectively across the university will be critical to this person’s success, as will a spirit of collaboration and business partnership.  At the same time, this person must be able to be firm when required in order to guide individuals to the proper financial decision.  

A part of this person’s role will be in the area of Financial Analysis and special projects.  As such, prior experience in financial modeling and forecasting is a plus.  As is the ability to analyze data and draw analytical conclusions from data, and present those findings in a non-intimidating way to others in the organization who may not have a financial background.

The Position reports to the AVP of Finance and has one direct report.

Required Education

• Bachelor’s degree required (finance or accounting emphasis)
• Master’s degree preferred

• CPA/CMA preferred

Required Experience

• 8 years financial planning, analysis and reporting experience.
• 5+ years managerial experience.
• Experience developing annual budgets and multi-year forecasts.
• Experience developing efficient organizational performance reporting tools.
• Experience conducting analysis of operating results and variances and clear presentation to management.
• Ideally, experience in Higher Education finance management.

Primary Duties/Essential Functions

• Coordinate preparation of annual budgets/plan and corresponding reporting for the university.
• Develop budgets/plans, forecast and variance analysis working with individual budget owners and senior leaders.
• Develop and lead the annual Financial Planning process across the organization and prepare reports for Board of Trustee review and approval
• Conduct and evaluate what-if analysis on various financial scenarios over a 3 year projected period.
• With assigned staff, oversee the day to day spending of the institution to ensure spending remains within budget
• Prepare monthly financial statements and variance analysis
• Approve any annual study tours – abroad and domestic
• Collaborate with other departments to analyze different projects to develop goals, measure performance and make recommendations.

• Develop professional relationships with key managers across the organization to facilitate information sharing.

• Work with organizational leaders to understand issues and to think creatively when results are not as per financial plan.

• Develop and present financial plans and year-end projections to senior management.

• Lead cross-functional efforts within Finance to improve planning, analysis and corresponding reporting.

• Coordinate budget forecasts with cash management.

• Working directly with Deans and Vice-Provost, evaluate financial and strategic impact of new academic programs.
• Coordinate with HR the annual salary increase process, ensuring salary pool budget is met
• Working with AVP of Finance, manage the contingency fund and other funds as necessary

• Monitor and manage multiple projects with tight deadlines, including critical major projects.
• Provide financial analysis support as needed to manage ad hoc projects.
• Sit on various board committees as required – Finance & Audit being the primary
• Utilize pro-forma modeling of various scenarios and opportunities and other projects
• Complete financial analysis and reports for management as requested
• Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strategic mindset and ability to see, recognize, and consider organizational objectives.
• Ability to manage details and follow through.
• Must be collaborative and an effective team member and team builder.

Mental Demands

• Be in agreement with the purpose and goals of Biola University in providing a Christian-based higher education for its students.

• As a member of PAC, must be able to agree with Biola’s Articles of Faith and Statement of Biblical Principles as found on the University’s website.
• Be in compliance with Biola’s Behavioral Standards

Physical Demands

• Requires repetitive motion and sitting at computer keyboard.
• Hearing and speaking on the telephone.
• Meetings may require walking and/or driving to various University locations.
• Ability to pull, push, bend, grasp, reach and lift up to 20 lbs.
• Must be able to climb stairs multiple times in a work day.

Visual Demands

• Computer monitor and reading.

Technologies

• Proficient in Google Apps., Microsoft Office, Word, and Excel.
• Biola University uses Ellucian Banner as an ERP solution and VENA as a budgeting and reporting tool

Interested Individuals Should Apply through: https://www.biola.edu/hr/employment