Director, Financial Planning & Budget Operations

Department: Kellogg Financial Admin
Salary/Grade: EXS/13

Job Summary:

This role leads the team of three who are responsible for creating long-range financial plans, the budget process, forecasting Kellogg's financial position. The planned revenue for the coming year is over $340M. The team is responsible for providing ad hoc financial analysis and modeling for strategic priorities of the school. At Kellogg, a professional school accountable for its own revenue and expenses, financial support includes planning and forecasting all areas, including but not limited to Admissions, Fundraising, Marketing, and other areas. This team is responsible for ensuring senior leaders have accurate and timely information to make decisions, which includes maintaining a data warehouse and the integrity of the data within.

*Note: Not all aspects of the job are covered by this job description.

Specific Responsibilities:

• List the primary job duties and responsibilities in order of importance. Typically includes 7-9 bullet points.
• Leads the development, implementation, and monitoring of operating budget targets for an over $300M revenue budget for all Kellogg units, while ensuring alignment with Kellogg-wide budgetary priorities.
• Leads Kellogg's non-recurring operating budget process, resulting in the development and monitoring of evolving budgets.
• Develops, interprets, and implements highly complex financial/accounting concepts and advanced techniques for financial planning and forecasting.
• Develops, implements, and enforces robust standard operating procedures for annual and monthly budget processes to ensure consistency and accuracy across Kellogg.
• Collaborates with stakeholders across Kellogg and the team Analysts to gather, analyze, summarize, and prepare strategic recommendations regarding financial plans, operating forecasts, and other complex financial matters.
• Reports on variances between the approved budget and actual performance and recommend adjustments as appropriate.
• Assist in managing the long-term financial plan and integrate it with the budget process. Develop strategies to proactively address issues or problems with financial results and ensure balanced operations.
• Serves as the primary point of contact and subject matter expert for the Northwestern University Budget Office.
• Team Leadership
• Manages a team of financial analysts, providing leadership, guidance, and professional development opportunities that ensure the provision of critical analytical and budgetary support to decision-makers across Kellogg.
• Promotes a continuous improvement culture to identify and improve process efficiency and effectiveness.
• Manages development and administration of the annual budget and financial performance, from a system as well as procedural/process standpoint.
• Ad Hoc Analysis & Budgetary Projects
• Performs business case analyses and provides quantitative modeling support for various financial management projects for Kellogg senior leadership.
• Prepares presentations to convey financial and administrative matters to Kellogg leadership, including the Dean and COO.
• Creates financial models for Kellogg senior leaders, including the Dean, Senior Associate Deans, and COO, that employ scenario analysis for future planning and budgeting decisions.
• Coordinates analytical support for complex budget projects. Analyzes budget estimates and proposals for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with established procedures, regulations, and organizational objectives.
• Working with the team ensures the accuracy of the financial data warehouse and build reporting from the warehouse where appropriate.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications: (EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS, SKILLS) Identify the minimum qualifications required to successfully perform the job. Qualifications include education, experience, specialized knowledge, professional certification.

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a major such as accounting, business administration, finance, or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• 10 years financial, budgeting &/or preparing account reconciliations or financial statements along with financial analysis or other relevant experience with 7 years spent leading teams managing this work.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills, with an emphasis on their integration with financial systems.
• Analytical Skills - analyze complex financial data and create detailed reports. Expertise in financial modeling and quantitative analysis.
• Financial Acumen - demonstrated understanding of advanced financial and accounting concepts, budgeting processes, and financial forecasting. Knowledge of budgetary procedures and financial regulations.
• Communication Skills - prepare and present financial and administrative information clearly to varying audiences. Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Project Management - capable of coordinating multiple projects and managing timelines effectively. Develop and implement standard operating procedures.
• Leadership and Team Management - manage teams, provide guidance, and ensure timely completion of tasks.
• Continuous Improvement - commitment to promoting a culture of continuous improvement and efficiency.
• Strategic Thinking - develop and implement metrics and methodologies for financial performance evaluation.
• Adaptability - flexibility in managing changing priorities and dynamic financial environments.

Preferred Qualifications: (Education, Experience, Certifications, Skills)

• Master's degree in related fields.
• Higher education or other non-profit experience.
• Familiarity with financial software and tools, particularly Oracle modules.

Target hiring range for this position will be $150,000 - $180,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.

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