Strategic Finance & Planning Director

The University of Massachusetts Amherst; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is seeking an Executive Director of Finance & Planning for the Office of Global Affairs. This role provides strategic leadership over budgeting, accounting, procurement, and payroll while ensuring compliance with university and regulatory standards.

You will partner with the Senior Vice Provost to align financial goals with institutional strategy. Responsibilities include developing budgets, forecasts, internal controls, and financial reporting, as well as

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of complex financial experience.
• Master’s degree with 3+ years of financial experience.
• Supervisory experience managing professional staff.
• Advanced knowledge of financial analysis, planning, and policies.
• Advanced Excel and database proficiency.
• Strong written and oral communication for non-financial audiences.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to assess department needs and develop strategies.
• Strong interpersonal skills for collaboration.
• Independent initiative with minimal supervision.
• Discretion and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Directs and oversees all financial activities including budget creation, forecasting, analysis, financial planning, and reporting.
• Develops policies, goals, and procedures for OGA units.
• Maintains signature authority on state funds, contracts, invoices, and payroll related items.
• Creates internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure timely reporting.
• Provides strategic partnership to leadership to sustain fiscal health.
• Develops and analyzes reports to support strategic plans and operations.
• Reviews invoices, purchasing, budget transfers, and journal entries.
• Supervises administrative staff and conducts performance evaluations.
• Acts as acting Director in absence of SVP; represents SVP on campus.
• Supports staffing and workforce planning with HR resources.
• Manages student-related financial activity for GE and ISS units; tracks budgets and forecasts.
• Maintains confidentiality and handles sensitive information.

Skills

Financial analysis

Budgeting

Data analysis

Communication (written and oral)

Problem solving

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Staff development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Master’s degree

Tools

Excel

PeopleSoft HR & Finance

Job description

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is seeking an Executive Director of Finance & Planning for the Office of Global Affairs. This role provides strategic leadership over budgeting, accounting, procurement, and payroll while ensuring compliance with university and regulatory standards.

You will partner with the Senior Vice Provost to align financial goals with institutional strategy. Responsibilities include developing budgets, forecasts, internal controls, and financial reporting, as well as