Director, Finance

Summary:

The Finance Director has responsibility for stewarding the financial vision of the Provost and Vice Provosts (VPs).  Additionally, this position provides leadership, mentorship, and support to the chief business officers (CBOs) and other personnel supporting the VPs.  This individual will provide advice and counsel to Vanderbilt University’s Provost and Vice Provosts as they develop and implement their strategic initiatives.  Reporting to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Finance, the Finance Director is a key member of the Financial Operations and Planning (FO&P) team.  This role is responsible for developing high-quality financial and operational analyses and presentations, including but not limited to, financial forecasts, annual and long-range operating and capital budgets, and financial models.  The Finance Director is responsible for implementing Provost and Finance directed goals and objectives; overseeing and evaluating overall financial and administrative activities across the assigned areas of responsibility; and performing key administrative functions.  This individual interfaces with a wide constituency of partners across the institution and must consistently demonstrate innovation, energy, drive, and a passion for customer service. The Finance Director must be a proactive communicator who passionately engages with people, develops creative solutions, and builds constituent confidence and trust.

Vanderbilt University and FO&P are committed to excellence and diversity.  Individuals that identify as part of an underrepresented population are encouraged to initiate their candidacy for this role.

Key Functions:

• Serve as the primary business advisor to the Provost & VPs, and the financial liaison to the FO&P team.
• Provides strategic leadership and vision in the development of financial and business models for key strategic initiatives.
• Proactively assess areas’ ongoing activities to develop realistic financial projections and assess opportunities where additional resources could be invested or redirected in support of Vanderbilt University’s strategic initiatives.  
• Continually champion the alignment of strategic priorities with financial resources and the need for sustainable long-term financial equilibrium.
• Partner with CBOs to develop models that respond to new financial or operational circumstances and highlight key metrics and data comparisons to assist leadership in strategic decision making and maximization of resources.
• Develop robust, high quality, and consistent financial reporting and forecasting deliverables for areas of responsibility; prepare monthly financial summaries to identify trends and update expectations.
• Advocate for good management practices, efficiencies, and communications.
• Exercise delegated authority with prudent assessment of individual transactions, considering the impact financially and operationally, mindful of internal controls, and setting the cultural tone desired by Vanderbilt University.  Review and approve further delegated authority and responsibility for areas of responsibility.
• Assist in cultivating a culture where faculty and staff throughout the University understand their individual fiduciary roles and responsibilities.
• Develop a productive and effective working relationship with leaders across the University by actively seeking out communication and collaboration opportunities.  Promote a unified view of the University’s interests and align departments in working toward common financial goals.
• Function as a technical expert on budgetary, financial, accounting, operational, and policy issues.
• Advocate for change within areas of responsibility by assisting the University with the successful implementation of new financial and administrative procedures and systems.  Serve as a point of contact for problem resolution and ideas for continuous improvement.
• Represent areas of responsibility on various University committees, provide insightful and diplomatic feedback to the committee and communicate updates to constituents within Finance and Academic Affairs, as appropriate. 
• Recruit, develop and retain a high-performing, talented and diverse team of business and administrative professionals.
• Serve as a key partner and advisor to CBOs supporting the VPs.  Mentor CBOs and other departmental leaders in leadership qualities championed by FO&P including, but not limited to, accountability, proactivity, creativity, capability, and resilience.
• Provide feedback and professional development plans for direct reports.

Required Skills

• Ability to work effectively in an academic environment with fluid reporting relationships
• Ability to distill complex data to clear, essential elements and effectively communicate key concepts to individuals with differing levels of financial acumen
• Demonstrated effectiveness in interpersonal and communication skills - honest, direct, and willing to discuss complex topics or provide difficult feedback
• Must maintain balance amongst numerous, different constituents and communicate with a wide range of audiences
• Attentive to detail while never losing sight of the high-level strategic direction and impact
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines; flexibility in dealing with changes in approach and/or deliverables
• Ability to work independently while providing appropriate work status updates
• Ability to accept feedback as an opportunity for development, not as criticism
• Ability to move the organization forward even in the face of ambiguity and complexity
• Ability to maintain a positive, problem-solving attitude in the face of adversity

Minimum and Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated financial expertise; strong technical knowledge and skills; broad and thorough knowledge of GAAP, not-for-profit accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling and analysis
• Experience working in an academic environment is preferred
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience and proven abilities
• Minimum of 5-years of leadership experience in relevant field(s)
• CPA and/or master’s degree in business administration or related discipline preferred
• Experience using Oracle ERP and HCM systems is preferred