Job Opportunities

• Employer: Columbia Global Centers | Athens
• Location: Athens, Greece
• Salary Range: €45,000 – 55,000
• Reports To: Director, Global Centers | Athens
• Posted Date: Feb. 9, 2024
• Employment Type: Full Time

Position Summary

This is an exciting opportunity to join a new and growing team and shape the operations of one of Columbia University’s newest global centers. The Athens Global Center seeks an energetic and well-experienced Finance Manager (FM) who will work closely with the Director of the Center, to build and create bridges to the Hellenic Republic’s rich and vibrant academic, social, cultural and research resources. As this is a new Global Center, the incumbent will be a part of the small start-up team that will embrace the challenge of building the Center from the ground up and tap into their entrepreneurial spirit and professional experience to launch signature-defining events and programs. The Finance Manager will oversee the financial and operational functions of the Athens Global Center office. As such, the FM will be expected to provide day-to-day management of the Center’s budget, human resources, space and technological functions. The FM will liaise and collaborate with appropriate counterparts within the Columbia Global New York Office. The FM will be responsible for managing, monitoring, advising on and enforcing compliance with Columbia University policies as well as prevailing local policies and standards as they relate to accepted financial, labor and operational principles.

Responsibilities

Financial Management

• Develop and manage the Center’s operating budgets in collaboration with program teams.
• Manages all banking relationships of the Center.
• Performs monthly international bank reconciliation processes in accordance with the Columbia Global Centers Standard Operating Procedures.
• Monitor and ensure accurate financial reporting, including monthly financial statements, budget vs. actual analysis, and forecasts.
• Ensure compliance with donor financial regulations and reporting requirements.
• Oversee financial transactions, including payments, reimbursements, and payroll.
• Maintain financial records and ensure they are organized and easily accessible for audits and reviews.
• Implement and enforce financial policies, procedures, and controls.
• Identify and mitigate financial, operational, and HR risks.
• Ensure compliance with local tax laws, labor laws, and other regulatory requirements.
• Provides services in support of compliance with internal and external audits.
• Prepare and submit accurate and timely financial reports to donors and Columbia Global NY.
• Prepare regular reports for senior management on financial, operational, and HR matters.
• Assist in the development of proposals and budgets for new projects and grants.

Operations

• Manage all operating systems of the Center, including procurement, logistics, and contract negotiations.
• Coordinate with relevant government authorities to ensure compliance with local regulations.

Human Resources

• With support from the HR team in headquarters (New York, USA), manage HR functions, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and staff development.
• Assists the Center with payroll compliance in accordance with both local and international norms and regulations.
• Support the facilitation of HR training and capacity building for staff.
• Manage and maintain personnel records and HR documentation.
• Support timely and confidential resolution of HR-related inquiries and issues.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or Accounting with at least 5 to 8 years of related finance experience.

Additional Position-specific Qualifications

• Relevant experience in areas of financial management
• Relevant experience managing office operations
• Strong communications, interpersonal and organizational skills
• Strong initiative, a problem solver, and ability to establish priorities
• Ability to work under pressure, autonomously and possess good independent judgment
• Confidentiality and discretion are required
• Ability to work as a team player in a fast-paced and start-up environment
• Excellent computer skills including advanced knowledge of Excel are crucial.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced finance degree (i.e., MBA, Masters in Economics, Accounting, etc.)
• Professional qualification as a Certified Financial Accountant/Certified Public Accountant is considered a plus
• Fluent in Greek and English.

About Columbia Global Centers

Columbia Global Centers | Athens is part of a network of 11 global centers of Columbia University in the City of New York, one of the world's leading academic institutions. The centers were created to drive transformative connections between the university and the world, fostering innovation, understanding, and engagement. Columbia University launched the Athens Center in November 2022 to in-country partners on issues related to Climate Change; Migration and International affairs; Business and Innovation; Classics & Ancient Studies; Arts & Culture; Global Health & Preparedness; and Medicine, among others. The Global Centers are part of the broader Columbia Global initiative, which leverages the remarkable scholarship, expertise, and resources of Columbia University to help address the world’s most complex challenges while fostering intellectual endeavors that inspire, surprise, and push the boundaries of our thinking.

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