Director of Finance and Business Operations, Wharton School

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Director of Finance and Business Operations, Wharton School

Job Profile Title

Director C, Business and Finance

Job Description Summary

Founded in 1881 as the world’s first collegiate business school, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is shaping the future of business by incubating ideas, driving insights, and creating leaders who change the world. With campuses in both Philadelphia and San Francisco, Wharton has over 850 staff, a faculty population of more than 235 renowned professors, and 5,000 undergraduate, MBA, executive MBA, and doctoral students. Each year 13,000 professionals from around the world advance their careers through Wharton Executive Education’s individual, company-customized, and online programs. More than 104,000 Wharton alumni form a powerful global network of leaders who transform business every day. Wharton is home to a diverse population of staff, representing a rich array of backgrounds, expertise, and cultures. To learn more, visit www.wharton.upenn.edu.

Wharton Finance & Administration oversees the core financial functions of the Wharton School and plays a critical role in supporting the institution’s academic and operational mission. The department is responsible for budgeting, financial planning, reporting, compliance, and resource allocation across all areas of the School. In close partnership with business administrators and departmental leaders, Wharton Finance & Administration provides strategic financial guidance and ensures effective stewardship of the School’s resources.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Financial Strategy and Controller, the Director of Finance and Business Operations serves as the senior budgeting and financial strategic partner for Wharton's Graduate Programs. This role provides comprehensive financial leadership and oversight for the full-time MBA Program, Executive MBA, Masters of Science, Wharton San Francisco campus, and global academic engagements. With responsibility for managing a $70M+ expense budget, the Director plays an integral role in aligning financial strategy across the division, with direct impact on over 2,200 Wharton Graduate students. The position works closely with Graduate Division Directors and senior leadership across both Wharton and the University of Pennsylvania to ensure effective fiscal stewardship and strategic alignment.

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