Assistant Director, Finance

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $70,000 -$75,000

Position Summary

University Life is a central division that works with Columbia's 17 schools and colleges and serves as a student life hub. We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive campus culture where students can thrive in all dimensions of their lives. We focus on connecting students to each other, to the broader University and surrounding community, and to opportunities beyond their schools.

University Life was created to develop and enhance the student experience at Columbia University. Working in collaboration with students, faculty, and staff, University Life focuses on enhancing the student experience by strengthening resources, policies, and conversations, and building community outside of the classroom. Our efforts all connect to core values for the Columbia community:

• Inclusion and belonging

• Health and well-being

• Sexual respect

• Community citizenship

Reporting to the Director of Finance, Facilities and Operations, the Assistant Director of Finance, will be charged with processing and reconciling financial transactions, and providing periodical financial reports. They will be responsible for ensuring that financial information has been recorded accurately and in a timely manner.

Responsibilities

• Monitor operating budgets and financial transactions; oversee monthly ARC reconciliation, research and resolve any problems; prepare reports to aid in budgeting, financial tracking, and projections.

• Maintain high-quality customer service for diverse audiences, students, faculty, and staff; foster a collegial and inviting environment that supports the division on financial-related inquiries.

• Prepare and present reports to track the Division's various revenues and expenditures and to review budget versus actual results. 

• Perform and present trend analysis and forecasting of revenue and expense areas to allow for more efficient and effective financial and programmatic decision-making including identifying potential shortfalls. Make recommendations about spending patterns and proposals. 

• Provide finance training to new hires, managers and refreshers to existing staff as needed; advises staff on policy and processing changes, including vendor management support.

• Work with the Director to process contracts, agreements, sponsorships, in line with University guidelines; ensure fiscal compliance across divisional processes, policies and guidelines.

• Process invoices, reimbursements, and all other financial transactions accurately and in a timely manner for all University Life departments. Reviews and approves p-card, and corporate card,  Concur, voucher and requisition transactions for the division.

• Manage and review all financial transactions for University Life programs and initiatives

• Work with the Director on annual fiscal closing for the division.

• Supervise one to two student employees and oversee administrative finance tasks, including filing, scanning.

• Other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in finance or a related field, or equivalent experience required

• 3-5 years related experience

• Impeccable attention to detail 

• Strong oral and written communication skills

• Experience with budgeting, forecasting and expense analysis 

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‐paced environment and work independently.

• Advanced skills with Microsoft Excel, including working with formulas, scripts and pivot tables.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Oracle/PeopleSoft or comparable financial system

• Experience working in higher education or non-profit organizations

• Experience with JavaScript is a plus

• The right candidate is patient, solutions-oriented, and enjoys working with others to build community.  

• Exercises sound judgment and maintains a sense of humor and enjoys working in a dynamic environment

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.