layiq

/la·yiq/adjective

worthy; deserving; fitting; suitable.

A role, opportunity, or path that merits attention, time, and pursuit.

Executive Director of Operations, Finance at University of Chicago | LAYIQ

Leads the development, implementation, and monitoring of annual and long-range operating budgets for all VP Operations entities.
Prepares financial forecasts, analyzes budget-to-actual variances, and ensures compliance with established financial targets.
Oversees long-range funding models, identifies underperforming entities, and recommends financial and operational improvements.
Stewards capital budgets for ITS (Information Technology Services) and DSS (Department of Safety and Security), including project lifecycle management.
Establishes, documents, communicates, and implements financial, accounting, and recharge administration standards, policies, and internal controls.
Ensures adherence to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), including revenue recognition, accruals, and capital asset accounting.
Oversees year-end financial close processes, reviews and approves accounting transactions, and responds to audit inquiries.
Develops and maintains the organizational chart of accounts, including modifications and segment management.
Oversees compliance with internal billing, chargeback best practices, and sponsored award recharge guidelines.
Performs rate analysis, develops new service rates/pricing, and evaluates recharge-related assets.
Conducts financial analysis and reporting, such as historical analysis, spend reports, incremental cost analysis, and personnel metrics.
Supports the evaluation of new service offerings, initiates improvements, and standardizes best practices across all entities.
Acts as a key liaison to the CFO’s Office, Budget Office, Financial Services, and internal/external customers; provides requested financial data and analysis.
Oversees departmental administration and strategic planning, leads staff development and recruitment, and manages role-based system access.
Solicits and implements feedback from customers to enhance financial services and operational efficiency.
Identifies , standardizes and implements process and workflow improvements across the VP Operations portfolio.
Completes other financial analyses and other duties as assigned by senior leadership.
Manages financial staff, usually other managers.
Establishes performance goals, allocates resources and assesses policies for the related departments managed.
Oversees functional business plans and contributes to the development of financial goals, strategies, plans, and policies for the unit.
Ensures the management of operating and capital budgets, information and accounting systems, revenue billing and collection, and the monitoring of expenditures on active accounts.
Establishes budgets for all areas within scope of responsibility. May direct quarterly and year-end reporting for the operating budget.
Performs other related work as needed.

Education: Master’s degree or higher.
Experience: 15+ years work experience in a finance and accounting capacity.
10+ years direct management experience.
Background in higher education in one or more of the following: human resources, information technology, law enforcement, or facilities management.
Understanding of recharge administration and sponsored award compliance practices.
Certifications: One or more professional certifications, active and in good standing, including but not limited to, Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE).
Preferred Competencies
Financial Analysis and Forecasting - develop budgets, conduct complex financial analysis, and interpret variances.
Capital and Asset Management - understanding of capital budgeting, asset tracking, and depreciation.
Recharge Administration - proficient in recharge rate analysis, sponsored award compliance, and internal billing best practices.
Strategic Planning - align financial strategies with organization-wide goals and support decision-making.
Staff Development - track record of recruiting, mentoring, and developing high-functioning teams.
Change Management - implement new processes, policies, and system improvements.
Accountability and Decision-Making - strong sense of ownership and willing to make evidence-based recommendations.
Stakeholder Engagement - collaborate with senior leadership, cross-functional teams, and external partners.
Written and Verbal Communication: - capable of clearly presenting financial information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Project Management - capable of managing multiple projects, deadlines, and competing priorities, while implementing best practices and workflow improvements.
Working Conditions
Sit for short or extended period of time .
Extensively use computer.
Make repetitive wrist, hand, or finger movements.
Application Documents
Resume/CV (required)
The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Financial Management
Role Impact
People Manager
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type

Executive Director of Operations, Finance

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