Manager, Budget Operations & Analysis

Emerson College; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 82,150 - 102,650; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

Generous time-off programs

403(b) retirement benefit with employer contribution

Job summary

Emerson College in Boston is looking for a Manager of Budget Operations & Analysis to oversee strategic fiscal management within the Technology, Media & Facilities division. The successful candidate will manage a full budget cycle, analyze efficiencies, and support institutional goals through financial oversight.

Qualifications include a Bachelor’s Degree in Business or Finance, 5-7 years of progressive financial management experience, and strong skills in financial reporting and analysis. This hybrid role requires residence within commuting distance to Boston.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in financial management or business operations.
• Proven track record of managing multi-million-dollar budgets.
• Experience with financial software applications, preferably Workday.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full budget cycle for the Technology, Media & Facilities division.
• Audit the financial terms of divisional contracts prior to execution.
• Provide high-level support to the Vice President.
• Deliver budget training for new departmental leadership.

Skills

Financial management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Excel proficiency

Knowledge of GAAP

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Business or Finance

Tools

Workday

Job description

Join our community and experience Emerson College! The Manager, Budget Operations & Analysis provides strategic fiscal oversight and establishes the financial reporting framework to the Technology, Media & Facilities division (composed of Information Technology, Media Technologies and Productions, WERS, Web & Digital Services, Facilities and Business Services). While individual departments manage their own daily operations, this role ensures institutional fiscal accountability by analyzing efficiencies, assessing financial impact, and directing the standardization of divisional budget management.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Financial Strategy & Budget Management

Manage the full budget cycle for the Technology, Media & Facilities division, including operational, capital, and special project funds ($67 million in FY 26, plus additional project budgets). Conduct historical and current analysis to guide the creation of future fiscal year budgets and ensure accurate projections using zero based budgeting. Analyze divisional finances across Information Technology, Media, Facilities, and Auxiliary functions to identify operational efficiencies and provide data‑driven insights for long‑term planning. Enforce the standardized divisional financial framework that enables departmental leads to execute their budgets while ensuring macro‑level alignment with the Vice President’s strategic goals. Maintain a random audit program to verify departmental compliance with planning, to identify opportunities for efficiency gains through fund transfers and ensure accuracy of future projections.

Compliance, Risk & Liaison Responsibilities

Audit the financial terms of divisional contracts prior to execution, identifying long‑term liabilities and ensuring obligations are correctly reflected in current and multi‑year financial projections. Manage financial reporting processes and prepare detailed business‑oriented statements for auxiliary functions such as WERS, Dining, Bookstore, Mail Services and others on a quarterly and annual basis. Serve as the primary Division liaison to Finance, ensuring all operations align with institutional policies. Perform complex institutional reconciliations by auditing central Finance entries (e.g., salary increases, budget transfers, and contract encumbrances) against divisional projections to identify and resolve discrepancies. Standardize financial procedures and provide functional oversight for the Assistant Director, Business Services, and Creative Operations and Business Manager. Serve as the division expert in Workday for Finance and HR, and provide guidance to all division staff as needed.

Executive Operations & Strategic Support

Provide high‑level support to the Vice President and assist with confidential HR and labor relations matters. Execute critical research and data analysis to support the Division’s Annual Report and other key strategic initiatives. Develop and deliver budget training for new departmental leadership to ensure fiscal accountability across the division. All other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Finance or a related field or equivalent work experience required.
• 5‑7 years of progressive experience in financial management or business operations, with a proven track record of managing multi‑million‑dollar budgets ($50M+) required.
• 5+ years’ experience with the procurement process at a commercial or non‑profit institution preferred.
• Experience with financial software applications, preferably Workday preferred.
• Experience with the development of financial reporting and tracking processes required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of Fund Accounting and GAAP, specifically as it relates to complex reconciliation and multi‑year project tracking.
• Financial and analytical acumen.
• Superior forensic accounting skills with the ability to perform line‑by‑line audits of complex salary and contract data.
• Experience in management by influence, directing the work of departmental staff who do not report directly to this position.
• Ability to independently navigate and resolve complex challenges.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work successfully as a team player across multiple departments.
• Commitment to service excellence.
• High level of Excel and Google Sheets proficiency.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES

High concentration needs. No or very little travel. Sitting for long periods of time.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Usual office conditions.

IN‑OFFICE EXPECTATIONS

This position is primarily a hybrid role with 3 expected days in the office each week. Candidates must reside within a reasonable commuting distance of the Boston campus to ensure operational effectiveness. This arrangement must be approved as outlined in the Remote Work Policy.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Compensation: $82,150.00 – $102,650.00 annually, commensurate with experience. Grade of Position: 23‑10E. Employment Category: Regular. Scheduled Weekly Hours: 36.25. In addition to a competitive salary, Emerson College is committed to the health and well‑being of our employees and family members. We offer a generous benefits package to regular staff scheduled to work 20+ hours per week. Benefits include outstanding health plans with limited out‑of‑pocket expenses, dental plans, generous time‑off programs, and a 403(b) retirement benefit with a 9% employer contribution once eligible. Additional benefits, such as life and disability coverage and commuter offerings, are available. Please refer to our benefits website for a full list of benefits and eligibility requirements.

EEO AND DIVERSITY STATEMENT

Emerson College is an equal‑opportunity employer and encourages applications from diverse backgrounds. We are committed to inclusive excellence and fostering a campus climate where everyone can thrive.