Finance Manager

Position Summary

The Budget and Financial Analysis team manages the budget for the Office of Alumni Relations and Development (OAD) and collaborates with senior leaders (DVPs) and Program Directors to ensure effective daily operations. The team promotes responsible financial practices, safeguarding the University’s financial resources while providing support for reporting and budget-related inquiries to enhance financial clarity and operational success.

Reporting to the Associate Director, the Finance Manager will oversee financial activities by delivering comprehensive fiscal analysis and support. The Manager will work closely with the Associate Director to review financial activities, administer budgets, and provide analytical reporting for OAD, ensuring accurate expense auditing and contributing to financial strategy development.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement financial controls and policies to ensure data integrity and compliance with University standards.
• Prepare, audit, and reconcile financial reports from Columbia’s systems; synthesize findings for leadership review.
• Create and review departmental reports in collaboration with program directors and senior leadership to support financial decision-making.
• Identify and correct financial discrepancies by processing journal entries in ARC (Accounting and Reporting at Columbia).
• Analyze financial data to identify trends, potential savings, and opportunities for efficiency improvements.
• Monitor budgets and work with program directors to develop analytical tools for expense tracking and financial management.
• Produce and distribute regular financial reports, including budget vs. expenditure analyses, and generate ad hoc reports for management.
• Communicate policy and workflow updates with University schools and central service areas.
• Enhance business processes and change management strategies for senior leadership review.
• Manage multiple projects independently, meeting deadlines and supporting strategic financial goals.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, with a minimum of three years of relevant financial experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office is required; preferred skills include report formatting, advanced word processing, spreadsheet applications, and pivot tables.
• Familiarity with Columbia University’s systems, such as ARC and FinSys, is advantageous.
• Exceptional organizational, interpersonal, communication, and active listening skills, with a strong attention to detail.
• The candidate must demonstrate problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities while working independently in a team environment.
• Proven ability to partner effectively with a diverse group of administrators, along with strong negotiation, problem-resolution, and influencing skills, is essential.
• The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with political acumen and discretion.
• They should possess the ability to collaborate across all levels of University management, exhibit flexibility, sound judgment, and foster teamwork.
• A commitment to outstanding customer service and quality is vital.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of higher education institutions, non-profits, or mission-driven organizations.
• Familiarity with Columbia systems.
• Expert-level proficiency in Excel and the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Educational or professional background in economics and finance.

Other Requirements

• Subject to business needs, the Office of Alumni and Development supports a hybrid work arrangement for this position. Options will be discussed during the interview process.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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