Description
DIRECTOR OF BUDGETS

POSITION SUMMARY

This position oversees the Baker school’s central business office, as well as the Institute of American Civics (IAC). This office processes all the financial and personnel activities of the school and IAC. All financial reporting activities and strategic planning activities in the School rely on the data processed and managed in this office. The Director of Budgets serves as the liaison to the UTK Central Budget Office and prepares the annual budget. Central to the responsibilities is providing guidance related to fiscal policy to all constituencies of the School. The systems of record for the university’s financial operations are updated by the Baker School / Institute's Finance Team and requires the Director of Budgets to handle the School's workload in a timely manner with accuracy, diligence and integrity. This position is responsible for creating a continuous improvement review in the School’s processes and procedures. Many of the School’s ad hoc reporting requirements are developed and maintained in this office such as financial statements, budget planning, end of year close and carryover. This person also works closely with Development to manage the School’s gift funds. This position also leads a staff of finance professionals, requiring day-to-day interactions with the team and individuals to meet their needs.

Qualifications
FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Day to Day Operations (Including the Institute of American Civics)

· *Coordinate the annual salary budget process for the school/Institute

· *Oversight of the school's/Institute's year end close

· *Manage Sponsored Projects, Consulting and Research activities of the faculty

· *Maintain accurate records of all Faculty appointment documentation (Onboarding - Terminations)

· *Maintain the structure of our business systems to support school's operations

· *Provide weekly updates to the Assistant Dean for Finance & Administration for ongoing activities and projects.

· *Create reports or spreadsheets to support financial reports.

· *College level approval for all IRIS / DASH HR transactions and administration accounts.

Strategic Leadership

· Provide oversight of financial reporting used for departmental decision making and strategic planning. This position works with the Dean and Assistant Dean to develop operational income and expenditure plans for their units. These plans will be the foundation for conversations related to projection planning and current operations. This position will provide extensive leadership in planning 3-year growth plans, aligning the finances to implement the plans and monitoring the day-to-day activity for realignment

and problems arise. This position will plan for year end balances and guide decision making around the items most needed to fund.

Staff Management

· Provide management, direction, evaluation and support of all staff reporting to this position. Strategic planning for unit performance for the financial information office. Coordinate with the Business Manager in school to set office goals and objectives for the unit. Work with unit on the dissemination of policies and procedure information that should be followed in school units and to assist in establishing best practices throughout the school.

College Representation

· This position serves as the college representative for campus-level meetings including campus-level budget director meetings with the Provost office representatives, campus fiscal officer meetings, and human resources work group. In addition, this position is asked to serve on various committees for the school as well as the campus.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business-related field and progressively responsible direct experience in higher education or Bachelor’s degree and six to eight years’ experience in an accounting/finance office. Experience in financial report compilation, analysis and presentation to Board-level audiences. Experience as a supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Advanced knowledge in systems or software such as, but not limited to, the following: SAP, Word, Excel, Banner, ERP or similar.

In order to be successful in this role, a person has to have strong written and communication skills and have the ability to think strategically for planning purposes at a unit and school level.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience: Master’s Degree (MBA); CPA plus two to four years of experience in accounting/finance office.

Applicants should submit the following:

· Cover letter

· Current resume

· List of three references

ABOUT THE BAKER SCHOOL

The Howard H. Baker Jr. School for Public Policy and Public Affairs (Baker School), was established in 2023 to honor the distinguished life and legacy of Howard H. Baker Jr., a former US Senator, Senate Majority Leader, White House Chief of Staff, and Ambassador to Japan. Located in a 51,000-sq. ft purpose-built facility, the Baker School evolved from the Baker Center, which for twenty years has operated as a think-tank producing research, public engagement programming, and an active set of student programs. The Baker School is very excited to add degree programs and to grow its research programming into independent research centers. In addition, the Baker School houses the Institute of American Civics, which is responsible for encouraging civic knowledge and civic participation among UT undergraduates and the state at large.

Job: Executive/Administrative
Primary Location: US-Tennessee-knoxville
Organization: Baker School
Schedule: Full-time
Job Posting: Jul 25, 2024, 2:27:24 PM