Academic Finance Advisor, Academic Finance Projects

001 University of Rochester; United States; On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Rochester is seeking a Financial Operations Advisor to partner with senior academic leaders in developing and enhancing financial operations, budgeting processes, and reporting capabilities. You will lead assessments, drive improvements in funds flow, and align financial practices with institutional goals.

Responsibilities include training finance teams, collaborating with deans and administrators, and guiding change management for financial transformation across campuses.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; 5 years of relevant experience preferred.
• Knowledge of higher education budgeting and financial planning preferred.
• Ability to analyze complex financial data and identify trends.
• Experience collaborating with academic leaders, finance officers, and administrators.
• Strong communication and presentation skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Serve as strategic advisor to senior academic leaders in financial operations, budgeting, and reporting capabilities.
• Lead assessments and improvement initiatives for academic budgeting, funds flow, and financial governance.
• Develop financial education resources, policies, and operational roadmaps to support decision-making.
• Coach and educate on financial transformation and change management.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to drive operational excellence and alignment with strategic objectives.

Skills

Budgeting

Financial analysis

Stakeholder influence

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Overview

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address): 220 Hutchison Rd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14627Opening: Worker Subtype: Temporary Time Type: Time as Reported / Per Diem Scheduled Weekly Hours: As Scheduled Department: 200101 Ofc for Academ Fin Admn & Plng Work Shift: UR - Day (United States of America) Range: UR URG 103 H Compensation Range: $18.00 - $25.14 The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities

Serves as a strategic advisor and thought partner to senior academic leaders in the development and enhancement of financial operations, budgeting processes, financial management practices, and reporting capabilities. Leads comprehensive assessment and improvement initiatives related to academic budgeting, financial systems utilization, funds flow methodologies, and financial performance management. Develops financial education resources, policy guidance, operational roadmaps, and recommendations that support informed decision-making and alignment with institutional strategic objectives. Collaborates extensively with academic leadership, finance officers, and administrative stakeholders to drive operational excellence and continuous improvement. Provides coaching and education related to financial transformation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Conducts comprehensive assessments of academic financial operations, budget structures, organizational frameworks, financial systems, and reporting capabilities; gathers stakeholder input and identifies operational improvement opportunities.
• Develops and maintains academic budget guidebooks, policies, procedures, funds flow documentation, and financial governance materials that support consistent financial management practices.
• Designs and delivers financial education programs, presentations, workshops, and training resources for academic finance teams, school finance officers, deans, and academic leaders.
• Facilitates stakeholder meetings, coaching sessions, and change management initiatives that promote adoption of financial best practices and operational enhancements.
• Analyzes budget performance, financial drivers, operating trends, and strategic plan alignment; develops recommendations to enhance budgeting processes, reporting effectiveness, and financial decision-making.
• Evaluates financial systems functionality, reporting structures, chart of accounts design, and related business processes; recommends optimization opportunities and future-state improvements.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree required 5 years of relevant experience preferred Or equivalent combination of education and experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of higher education budgeting, financial planning, resource allocation models, funds flow methodologies, or academic financial operations preferred.
• Knowledge of financial management principles, accounting practices, budget development processes, financial reporting, and internal controls preferred.
• Knowledge of organizational assessment methodologies, process improvement techniques, and change management principles preferred.
• Knowledge of financial information systems, reporting tools, chart of accounts structures, or business process design preferred.
• Ability to analyze complex financial, operational, and organizational data to identify trends, risks, opportunities, and actionable recommendations preferred.
• Experience facilitating meetings, workshops, focus groups, or stakeholder engagement sessions with diverse audiences and levels of leadership preferred.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships and effectively influence stakeholders preferred.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and handle sensitive financial and organizational information with discretion preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively; strong attention to detail preferred.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a complex organizational environment while managing competing priorities and deadlines preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications preferred.

Company Commitment

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.

Values and Mission

Learn. Discover. Heal. Create. It is an ideal that informs our shared mission to ensure all members of our community feel safe, respected, included, and valued.