Manager, Financial Planning and Analysis

Position Summary

Columbia Global (CG) is a groundbreaking new initiative that aims to establish a unifying and strategic platform to promote and facilitate impactful engagement of the University’s faculty, students, and alumni with the world; enhance understanding; address global challenges; and advance knowledge and its exchange. Columbia Global aligns some of the University’s key global initiatives, including but not limited to the Columbia Global Centers, Columbia World Projects, and the Institute for Ideas and Imagination.

We seek a dynamic, proactive, and analytical Manager of Financial Planning and Analysis who will be responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring Columbia Global financial plans and budgets, which include both gift and grant funding. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Financial Planning and Analysis, the incumbent will be responsible for supporting the management and execution of Columbia Global’s budgets by providing a wide range of high-quality analytical support.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive financial plan and budget for Columbia Global, considering both short- and long-term financial goals:
  • Prepare worksheets and gather key data to inform the budget process;
  • Contribute to the budget submission, updating entries into the budget tool, and contributing to variance analysis;
  • Collaborate with department managers and other stakeholders to ensure that budget data is accurate and up-to-date;
• Support the financial analysis and reporting for specific projects and/or programs of Columbia Global:
  • Learn the business and operations of a designated program or set of financial activities;
  • Reconcile monthly financial statements and analyze budget variance reports; meet regularly with relevant stakeholders to review year-to-date activity and identify trends that will impact the budget plans for future periods. Prepare reports regarding financial activity as needed;
  • Update and reconcile complex financial and budgetary spreadsheets. Track expenditures and/or payments, ensuring they are posted to proper accounts;
  • Process gift transmittals and complete regular reconciliations of gift data. Manage new fund creation requests;
  • Process journal entries for monthly, quarterly, and year-end close;
• Monitor budget performance, analyze financial data, and make recommendations for improving budget performance and reducing costs.
• Prepare and present regular budget reports and financial forecasts to senior management and other stakeholders.
• Support the pre- and post-award financial requirements for sponsored projects.
• Develop and maintain financial models and tools to assist in budgeting and financial planning.
• Assist with the analysis of financial information and/or the preparation of regular and ad hoc financial reports.
• Identify and analyze financial trends and risks, and make recommendations for reducing financial risk and improving financial performance
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations, laws, and budget policies and procedures.
• Evaluate the impact of changes in laws, regulations, and other external factors on the budget and financial performance.
• Proactively conduct analysis and review of operations, systems, and activities and recommend areas for increased effectiveness and efficiency.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required. Three to five years of related finance experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of Columbia University financial policies and systems (ARC, FDS, PAC, FFE, and FinSys) is preferred.

Other Requirements

• Relevant experience in areas of financial management.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to take initiative, establish priorities, and use good, independent judgment.
• Ability to work under pressure and without supervision.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and use discretion.
• Ability to work as a team player in a fast-paced environment.
• Encourage and promote positive and effective communication amongst colleagues.
• Excellent computer skills, including advanced knowledge of Excel.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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