Manager of Financial Planning

Department

Provost Financial Strategy and Capital Budgeting

About the Department

Through the Budget Office, the Office of the Provost manages, administers, and implements the University’s annual operating, long-term planning and capital budgets. The Budget Office also provides strategic and operational leadership in financial planning and analysis and works collaboratively with units across campus on their budgets. In addition to these core duties, the unit provides financial analysis on a wide range of subject matters including total student charges, research performance, and enrollment trends.

Job Summary

The Manager of Financial Planning will provide specialized financial knowledge to the University of Chicago Budget Office, which reports directly to the Provost. Working collaboratively with financial managers and leaders throughout the University, including counterparts in the Finance & Administration team, the Manager of Financial Planning will develop and support plans to optimize University financial resources and meet strategic financial goals. This work will include the management of the Budget Office’s long-term financial plan, as well as annual budget scenario planning.

Responsibilities

• Supports the Budget Director and Director of Financial Strategy in developing and executing long-term financial scenario building, multi-year budgeting, and the annual budget. 

• Supports ongoing management of the University budget model, including annual development of University allocation scenarios, analysis, and proposal of rates. Identifies areas for improvement and recommends strategies for resource optimization. 

• Executes recommendation for annual budget, as well as monthly forecast, for total University expenditure base, including payroll and all non-compensation expenses. 

• Performs business case analyses and provides quantitative modeling expertise for various financial management projects in the Budget Office and the Office of the Provost.  

• Serves as the primary Budget Office liaison to financial administrators in several University units as assigned, providing those units with budget development and financial management support with annual and monthly University budget processes as well as variance analysis. 

• Prepares presentations to convey complex financial data to leadership and members of the University community. 

• Prepares long-term financial models and scenario analyses to assess institutional sustainability and resource allocation. 

• Uses specialized knowledge and breadth of expertise to perform a variety of complex analyses. 

• Leverages expertise in financial modeling and analysis of large data sets to recommend streamlined financial management and tools for University-wide adoption, using Excel and Oracle financials modules. 

• Provides high level specialized analysis and administration of the budget process. Reviews and partners with senior staff from all units to ensure budget proposals are accurate, complete, and in compliance with established procedures, regulations, and organizational objectives. 

• Advises others on operational budgets. Reports on variances between the approved budget and actual performance and recommends revised procedures. 

• Provides analytical support for complex budget projects. Analyzes budget estimates and proposals for completeness; accuracy; and conformance with established procedures, regulations, and organizational objectives. 

• 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 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education: 

• Master’s degree in a related field. 

Experience: 

• Higher education experience.  

Technical Skills or Knowledge:  

• Familiarity with financial software and tools, particularly Oracle modules. 

• Ability to work with IT staff to enhance budgeting and reporting systems. 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills, financial computing, and database software applications, with an emphasis on their integration with financial platforms. 

Preferred Competencies

• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze complex financial data and create detailed reports. Expertise in financial