Associate Director of Financial Planning

Position Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives Finance, the Associate Director of Financial Planning manages and oversees the work and deliverables of the financial reporting team, who are responsible for the preparation and maintenance of all financial reporting obligations to all US Government donor agencies, private foundations, partners and relevant internal departments within Columbia University.

Subject to business needs, we may support flexible and hybrid work arrangements. Options will be discussed during the interview process.

Responsibilities

• In collaboration with the CFO and Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives Finance, performs routine assessments of existing process flow and develops strategies to streamline financial reporting process, standardize financial reports and improve efficiency (10%)
• In collaboration with the Senior Budget Manager, analyzes sponsored project portfolio and helps manage the Columbia University annual budget reporting process (including the development of an annual budget, quarterly updates and trend analyses) (15%)
• Supports the CFO and Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives Finance and serves as liaison across all departments for financial reporting issues (15%)
• Manages the preparation of annual, quarterly and ad hoc financial progress reports to be in compliance with funder requirements (15%)
• Collaborate with NY Implementation and Country Finance teams to prepare preliminary financial reports for continuation and carryover funding requests (15%)
• Manages and provides direction to the reporting team in the preparation of: (15%)
  • Interim and Annual Final Financial Reports (FFR)
  • Monthly pipeline reports that will serve as a valuable tool for all NY and Country finance teams to better monitor expenditures against awarded funds by analyzing project burn rates, ensuring that expenses are properly classified and appropriately charged to budgets/awards, alerting country teams of budget over runs and training country finance teams to better manage their spending
  • Expenditure projections in preparation of the pipeline and accrual reports including a thorough analyses of actual expenses, encumbrances and forecasted expenses
  • Account allocations, invoicing and quarterly attestations
• Coordinate with Columbia University’s Sponsored Project Finance (SPF) and Sponsored Project Administration(SPA) in the areas of FFR filings, Quarterly Filings, expense validations for sponsored projects and account allocations (10%)
• Perform other duties as assigned (5%)

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance or related field or equivalent in education, training and/or experience
• Minimum five (5) years of related experience creating budgets and preparing financial reports and projections
• Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory/management experience in a financial setting
• Demonstrated experience analyzing financial data and presenting findings, trends and recommendations
• Demonstrated experience in financial reporting and implementing necessary changes to improve performance
• Demonstrated experience working in a team environment and independently with minimal supervision
• Demonstrated experience in establishing priorities, delegating, and managing multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong analytical and organizational skills
• Strong interpersonal skills in order to deal effectively with varied internal clients and management groups
• Detail oriented and direct experience meeting deadlines, both prescribed and self-imposed
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Excel, Word, Outlook). Prior experience working with macros, pivot tables, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in accounting, business administration or finance
• Demonstrated experience working in a fast-paced environment, coupled with experience with international protocols, non-profit organizations or academic institutions is highly desirable
• Knowledge of USG financial reporting rules and regulations
• Knowledge of Columbia University systems ARC

Other Requirements

• International travel may be required