Reporting to the dean, this position is responsible for managing the business and financial functions for the college. Including general operating funds, grants and contracts, gifts and endowments, and clinical operations. This position provides oversight and coordination to advance the strategic initiatives and deliverables of the college.

25% – In conjunction with college leadership, develop the long-term financial plan in support of the college strategic plan. Ensure budget allocations, revenue targets, and financial decisions are in alignment with unit and campus-wide strategic priorities and goals. Identify opportunities and make recommendations that enhance the long-term financial health of the college. Explore and/or analyze funding opportunities and cost-reduction efficiencies to support a financially sustainable college. Assist and support department chairs/directors to develop individual business plans to enhance revenues and/or reduce costs within each unit. Collaborate with and support the Deans and Chairs to consolidate and finalize an annual operating budget including the merit process within the resources available to the college. Regularly provide information to leaders including the Dean, Directors, Chairs, campus leaders, community representatives and other external stakeholders.

20% – Accountable for the day-to-day transactional accounting and fiscal activities including accounts payable, accounts receivable, journal entries, travel expenses, purchasing card activity, budget maintenance and post-award grants management. Assess operating results in terms of profitability and performance against budget. Recommend operating improvements for the departments serving as a trusted advisor to the leadership team. Provide accurate and timely historical and projected financial and operation information and analysis, including presentation of financial results compared to plan. Provide advice and counsel to leadership on interpretation of operational results and trends. Assist with recommendations of action plans when required.

15% – Monitor organizational performance, and proactively detect issues that must be addressed, bringing those to the attention of the Dean and the Vice Chancellor – Finance & Business Services. Ensure the necessary checks and balances for all business operations are in place, and appropriate segregation of duties exists at all levels. Approve all security access for the financial systems, ensure that access is appropriate and monitored regularly for need and/or removal. Oversee strategic projects with a focus on change management initiatives. Establish guidelines for budget and forecast preparation. Leads the preparation of the annual budget in consultation with the MU Finance & Administration and college leadership.

15% – Oversee centralized shared services support model with 8 direct reports providing fiscal, general, and operational project support at the College/School/Division (CSD) level. Responsible to ensure shared services support staff receive appropriate training and professional development to perform competently their duties, organize and deliver department and college level training and education to ensure compliance with all UM System, campus and college policies and procedures, and College of Health Sciences best practices. Provide performance feedback, coaching, and mentorship to support staff. Ensure that internal benchmarks and time commitments are met.

15% – Interpret UM System and campus policies and procedures for College of Health Sciences faculty and staff and make recommendations for alternative solutions when needed. Monitor and evaluate college and department level fiscal and procurement policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with UM System, campus, and college policies and procedures. Actively seek continuous quality improvement in the context of known best practices. Modify or make recommendations to modify policies and procedures that become outdated or ineffective. Perform monthly, quarterly, and annual financial oversight. Review and/or approve a variety of transactions, maintaining signature authority for college-wide purchases, and approving financial system security and actions. Oversee the processes of payroll reconciliation, travel authorization, purchasing card reconciliation, internal controls, and other fiscal activities.

5% – Participate in the recruitment and selection of Dean’s Office and other Central Office staff ensuring the appropriate technical skills for the title and duties involved are adequate.

5% – Represent the College of Health Sciences on campus business & finance officer committees and serve on campus ad hoc committees as requested (for example, FACTS training courses).

Additional duties and responsibilities may be expected to support the mission and priorities of the college.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 6 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in business, accounting, economics or related area
• Preference is a Master’s degree or other advanced degree in relevant areas of study
• Recognizable as a leader, possessing outstanding communication and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated success collaborating across organizational lines to ensure strong working relationships with academic units, research centers and administration.
• Abilities in building and sustaining high performing teams
• Strong quantitative and technical skills required