Manager, Finance Service Delivery Unit Basic Science Department

University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago is seeking a Budget Manager to oversee operating and capital budgets across BSD divisions and university-wide units. You will help set long- and short-term financial goals, develop business plans, and forecast financial performance.

You will partner with executive leadership to implement budgeting processes, monitor variances, and provide decision support for strategic initiatives. A strong background in accounting/finance and advanced Excel skills are essential.

Qualifications

• MBA or advanced degree strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in accounting, financial planning, budgeting, analysis, forecasting, modeling, auditing, financial control systems, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and monitor operating budgets for divisions and university-wide units.
• Prepare dashboards and ad-hoc reports; analyze variances from budgets and forecasts.
• Collaborate with department leadership to implement strategic financial initiatives.
• Oversee journal entries, payroll transfers, and month-end close activities.
• Assist with long-range financial planning and proforma business plans.

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

MBA or advanced degree in accounting, finance, or related field

Tools

Excel

Oracle

Job description

Department

BSD AFA - Budget Staff 2

About the Department

The University of Chicago biomedical enterprise houses three entities: the Biological Sciences Division (BSD), the University of Chicago Medicine (UCM), and the Pritzker School of Medicine. Chicago Medicine (UCM), and the Pritzker School of Medicine. Collectively called UCM, we are one of the nation’s leading academic medical institutions and have been at the forefront of discovery, education, and clinical care since 1927. Located 20 minutes south of downtown Chicago, our Hyde Park main campus provides a single environment for learning, world-renowned basic science and clinical research, and outstanding clinical care.

The BSD is the largest academic unit within the University. The BSD is comprised of faculty from ten basic science departments, 13 clinical departments, and several Centers and Institutes. The approximately 1,300 faculty and 3,000 staff members working in the BSD collaborate across the organization to achieve our Mission, Vision, and Values (MVV):

Mission

MISSION: As part of the University of Chicago, we pursue globally impactful solutions to seemingly unsolvable challenges. Through our rigorous research, innovative education, and comprehensive care and healing, we collaborate on life-changing advancements that create meaningful results for our community and the world, including a greater, more equitable future for all.

Vision

VISION: Together, we elevate the human experience with knowledge and health care.

Values

• Commit to Excellence: We contribute our exceptional talents to all we do and empower the same spirit of excellence in others.
• Embrace Curiosity: We stay open to new ideas, champion diverse perspectives, and drive a culture of thoughtful risk‑taking to deliver transformative innovation.
• Embody Equity: We identify systemic issues and then foster change to drive a more equitable environment inclusive of diverse people, ideas, and fields of science.
• Grow Together: We meaningfully collaborate with one another to create something bigger than we could ever achieve alone.
• Make a Difference: We lead with heart and compassion in all our interactions. We create positive change in our areas of influence, whether expanding scientific inquiry, developing the next generation of leaders, or healing our community.
• Take Ownership: We accomplish what we say we will and hold ourselves and one another accountable for our actions.

The MVV serves as our True North, charting our strategic plan for the next ten years and beyond. It is an exciting time to be a part of the University of Chicago and the BSD. Our team is helping to shape the future for our learners, staff, faculty, patients, and community.

Job Summary

The job manages operating and capital budgets for divisions and/or University-wide administrative units. Helps develop long and short term financial goals, business strategies/plans, and financial forecasts/models for major service programs and initiatives. Manages quarterly and year-end reporting for the operating budget.

Serves as a resource for operational units on financial, budget, academic strategy, faculty research productivity, and Faculty Compensation Plan issues. Collaborates with Executive Administrator, Director, Finance Service Delivery and departmental leadership team to develop and implement strategic initiatives for the Department. Prepares and advises others on operating budget for department. Provides project management and analytical support for special projects. Assists department leaders in analyzing proposals and developing proforma business plans. Regularly monitors all funds budget reports and accounting records to determine if revenue and expenses materialize according to plan. Responsible for monitoring and approving expense reimbursements. Reports on variances between the approved budget and actual performance and recommends remediation measures. Ensures accuracy and compliance with financial results by identifying and processing journal entries and payroll transfers, when necessary. Assists with assessment of efficiency and effectiveness of programs and procedures to ensure conformance with budgetary provisions.

Responsibilities

• Developssystems/procedurestoensureintegrityandinternalfinancialcontrolsofannual operating budget and annual gift/endowmentuse.
• Reviews financialandresearchinformation; prepares daily, monthly, and ad-hoc reports including dashboards; provides analysis of financial statements,identifiesvariances frompreviousperiods/budget;ensurespolicies/procedurestogovernfinancialdecision-making are followed to ensure achievement ofobjectives.
• Responsible forfinancial managementof IADFs, and the associated report out and monitoring of facultyIADF award spending andawardfund balance. The finance manager uses this information toidentifyfinancial contingencies as it relates tolong rangefinancial planning.
• Reconciles IADF fund deposit and transfer data between GL and IADF award inPPM toensure IADF fund balance accuracy.
• Collaborates with the BSD central office commitment database updateandmonitoring.
• Monitorsaspectsofrechargeoperationsrevenuegeneration includingInternal andexternalbillingandregulatory compliance.
• Assistswith tasks related to Monthly Close, including but not limited to Journal Entry and accrual preparation and completing variance analyses.
• Integrateslong/short-rangestrategiesintodailyoperationalandfinancialplanning/reporting to ensure resources for strategic programs areavailable.
• Performs analysis and interpretation of financialdata.
• CreatesnewPI recruitproforma business plans and serves as chief information source for external benchmarkingandmarketassessmentstofacilitatePIrecruitment,workscloselywithDirectorof Finance to ensure business plans are coordinated relative to mission,PIdeployment, capital equipment, space,expense and fund support.
• In collaboration with the Directorand department,leadsthe annual budgeting process.
• Serves as a liaison with departmental stakeholders to collectgrant proposalsand awards,rechargevolumeassumptionsto build revenue budgets, including but not limited to Gifts,GrantsandEndowments.
• Utilizes various systems and inputs to buildaccurateexpense budgets including salary and non-wageexpense.
• Provides support in developing budget roll up and narrative, as well asidentifyingfinancial risks throughout budget processtoDirectorand department leadership.
• Designs and managesfacultycompensation programs and tracks financial, research, academic and teaching targets for Section Leadership, existingfacultyandnewfacultyrecruits.
• Reports on productivity measures and monitors progress,identifiesopportunities to streamline financial operations through best practices; monitors productivity, charge capture,revenueand expenses vs benchmarks toidentifyopportunities for expense reduction or productivity improvement.
• Performs financial and research data analysis using internal data (Oracle, and other sources) and published benchmarking (MGMA, AAMC, etc.) to develop strategies and reporting to improve PI and departmental performance.
• Analyzes and interprets financial information and assesses operational plans,forecastsand potential risks; evaluates alternative courses of action.
• May manage/supervise staff; provides training, coaching, and mentoring in order to enable individual and team success.
• Works independently to maintain and support the planning and execution of financial strategy.
• Acts as a resource for team members, solves complex problems. Explains complex and sensitive information.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• MBA or advanced degree in accounting, finance, or a related field strongly preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in accounting, financial planning, budgeting, analysis, forecasting, modeling, auditing, financial control systems, and regulatory compliance.
• Extensive experience in financial management, including the ability to analyze data for budgeting, operations, auditing and accounts receivable and reserve analysis, and pro forma preparation strongly preferred.
• Experience in higher education, healthcare, or academic medical center, with a proven track record of success in the financial environment strongly preferred.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Aptitude for translating complex issues and ideas to general audience.
• Proficiency in financial principles, practices, methodologies, and applications, including budgeting, planning, and reporting within the organization’s financial ecosystem.
• Strong financial modeling skills within financial platforms.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills, financial computing, and intellectual versatility and creativity.

Preferred Competencies

• Ability to translate financial data into actionable insights and anticipate trends.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate complex environments, exercise sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality.
• Excellent analytical and organizational abilities, with a focus on maximizing efficiency within financial systems.
• Effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills to establish and maintain relationships at all organizational levels.
• Collaborative work style with strong consultative skills, facilitating effective engagement with financial stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects and competing priorities with minimal supervision, while navigating financial systems.
• Strategic thinking and ability to translate strategic objectives into operational plans that consider the financial landscape.
• Flexibility and ability to work effectively under pressure, adapting to changes within financial systems.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically.
• Ability to develop and analyze alternative solutions and assist in making recommendations.
• Flexibility and ability to work effectively and gracefully under considerable time pressure with competing deadlines and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Working Conditions

• Office environment.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

• Cover Letter (required)

• Professional reference contactinformation

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Financial Management

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Range

$90,000.00 - $130,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by‑case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

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