Director of Finance and Administration

Director, Finance and Administration

Position Summary

Reporting to the Executive Vice President (EVP), Office of Global Centers and Global Development, the Director will provide active hands-on leadership for the department and support long-term program growth and financial viability.  The incumbent directly assists the EVP on all strategic and tactical matters as they relate to budget management, cost benefit analysis, managerial accounting, and forecasting needs.  This role is responsible for planning, leading, and managing all financial functions for the Columbia Global Centers.

This role will also have overall responsibility for all administrative services, including operations, human resources, facilities, and technology.  The incumbent will play an active role in strategic planning, and in creating and implementing policies and procedures for smooth operations of the office.


 

Responsibilities

  1. Provide strategic financial planning and forecasting by capturing and analyzing data to inform financial decisions. Utilize budget analyses and modeling to forecast future financial needs/resources.
  2. Responsible for budget submission and other regular and ad hoc reporting. Oversee and monitor the budget and fiscal operations, including long- and short-term planning, and expense management, as well as financial reporting requirements.
  3. In close collaboration with the Office of General Counsel and the Finance Division, support the legal and financial needs of the Global Centers, as well as the launching of new Global Centers, including establishing bank accounts, forming the proper corporate structures, and ensuring centers are in compliance with local laws and University policies.
  4. Conduct monthly financial reconciliations for all Global Centers’ foreign bank accounts and necessary financial reporting needs.
  5. Facilitate communication and interaction among University units, including central administration (Finance, Office of General Counsel, Human Resources, etc.), schools and departments, and Global Centers all over the world.
  6. Responsible for managing operations, as well as developing, establishing, and implementing policies and procedures. 
  7. Responsible for human resources functions, including managing the recruitment process, coordinating staffing needs, and Global Centers staff development plans.
  8. Review and implement continuous improvement of technology infrastructure, facilities, and space utilization.
  9. Responsible for developing and supporting a quality service orientation and ethic in all areas of the office.
  10. Additional duties as assigned.
     

 

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required.  Minimum of five years’ related experience.

Prior financial administration experience required. Demonstrated ability to set priorities, handle multiple assignments, and work with resourcefulness and efficiency in a fast-paced and changing environment with multiple constituencies required. Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills necessary. Confidentiality and discretion are required, as is demonstrated ability to forge partnerships.  Must be able to function independently and exercise discretion and sound judgment. Experience supervising other staff is necessary. Broad computer skills required, including word-processing, budgetary tools, and data management and analysis.


 

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree is preferred. Proficient knowledge of multiple languages also preferred.


 

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.