Assistant Provost for Academic Finance, Strategy and Planning

Company: College of the Holy Cross
Location: Worcester
Posted on: August 26, 2024

Job Description:

Assistant Provost for Academic Finance, Strategy and Planning

College of the Holy Cross

Description

The Provost's Office seeks an exceptional colleague to lead financial modeling, strategy, and budget planning for the division of academic affairs. The Assistant Provost will be an exceptional communicator and experienced accounting or finance professional who has demonstrated success a.) developing and implementing a complex financial strategy (including creating business models, providing detailed analysis, and leading long-term planning), b.) overseeing financial operations and budgeting practices across a complex division with highly variable and dynamic financial needs, and c.) providing in-house modeling and planning expertise as well as detailed financial strategy advice to the Provost and other senior leadership in order to shape effective decision-making and ensure the wise stewardship of College resources. The Assistant Provost will be a creative leader committed to collaboration, transparency, and equity, with proven integrity, sound judgment, and exceptional attention to detail. They will also enjoy working closely as part of a team with the Provost, Deans, and the professional staff in the Office of the Provost- as well as with key partners such as the Finance Division, department chairs, Human Resources, and others.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Lead financial strategy, planning, and modeling in the division of academic affairs in close collaboration with the Finance Division, providing detailed financial and budgetary analysis, forecasting, modeling, planning to support sustainable academic excellence over the short and long term; provide strategic analysis and expert advice to the Provost and other senior leadership on financial planning, business modeling, and a wide array of academic initiatives. Among these initiatives will be new investments in faculty hiring/growth, workload redistribution modeling, new investments in faculty and staff recognition as well as in strategic priority areas- all of which will require predictive modeling and collaborative development.
• Maintain and enhance internal financial controls; maintain and enhance cross-divisional financial stewardship; create and present complex multi-year financial reports and detailed budgetary analyses; lead the development and implementation of proven business strategies and effective financial and budgetary procedures across the division.
• With key partners, develop and/or modify financial policies, procedures, business strategies and guidance that can support and extend sustainable academic excellence at the College; serve as the Provost's agent or delegate on appropriate College committees, councils, or working groups;work closely and collaboratively with the Finance Division.
• Serves as the primary budget manager for the Provost division, serving as a primary liaison with deans, chairs, department directors, academic administrative support, and other relevant stakeholders on budgetary policies, budgetary changes, and status of funding.
• Prepare and present financial analysis, modeling, and strategy planning materials, budget forecasts, and the like to senior leadership using demonstrated professional communication skills (writing with clarity and precision; presenting financial information with impeccable accuracy; visualizing data effectively; understanding context to maximize persuasion).
• Oversee and provide insights on funds managed by the Provost to optimize use of such funds, whether endowed funds, donor-restricted current use funds, or unrestricted sources of revenues. Work closely and collaboratively with the Office of Advancement and the Finance Division to ensure transparent, timely, and trusted communication and recording of funds. Implement the Provost's financial commitments, including strategic initiatives and special projects; oversee routine annual expenditures in academic affairs. Oversee significant expenditures and financial commitments within Academic Affairs.
• As requested by the Provost, support financial analysis and modeling as related to advancement and fundraising activities that enhance sustainable academic excellence.
• Assume responsibility for special projects, as requested. Required Qualifications and Characteristics
  
  
• Bachelor's degree and either a CPA or a graduate degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related field. For exceptional candidates with extensive professional experience in accounting or finance, a graduate degree may not be required.
• Demonstrated success as a professional in the areas of strategic financial and budget planning, accounting, forecasting and modeling, data management and analysis, and goal setting and tracking, preferably in an academic setting.
• The Assistant Provost will need to demonstrate that they can write with clarity and precision; communicate quickly and precisely; oversee and present financial information with impeccable accuracy; handle confidential information with sensitivity and discretion; visualize data effectively; navigate an academic institution with tact, sound judgment, and attention to detail.Competencies and Skills
• Exceptional financial analysis, accounting, quantitative and budgetary skills, including precision and unimpeachable attention to detail.
• Commitment to and understanding of academic excellence, inclusive excellence, and the value proposition of an exclusively undergraduate Jesuit liberal arts college;
• Creativity, imagination, optimism, empathy and an innovative mindset.
• Interpersonal communication skills that include diplomacy, attention to detail, timeliness, and respect for the dignity of all while serving as the representative of the Provost's Office to partners and collaborators.
• Commitment to the success of others and to cultivating a workplace that is growth-oriented, respectful, and fun.
• Skilled with current technologies, systems and methods for project management, financial modeling/planning, collaboration and communication; Workday experience a plus.
  
  Finalists will be asked to work through a simulated case study in order to demonstrate the skills, abilities, and approaches required for success in the position.
  
  ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: This is a full time, exempt level position. The College is committed to providing competitive market pay for its employees. The College also offers a competitive benefits package for full-time staff, including:
• 10% College contribution to the 403(b) Retirement Plan (1 year wait waiver available)
• This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement - upon hire, candidates will need to live within commuting distance
• Condensed summer 4-day work week
• Tuition & Education benefits
• Wellness programs & ongoing Training and Development opportunities
• Generous paid time off The College is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and complies with all Federal and Massachusetts laws concerning Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action in the workplace. To review our Employee Benefit Options, please go to: APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  
  Please attach a cover letter addressing the position requirements along with your resume. In your cover letter please address how your work might support the College's commitment to inclusive excellence (). Please provide examples of how you have integrated diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging into your past work. For more information, please visit.
  
  Review of applications will begin as received and continue until the position has been filled.
  
  
  
  To apply, please visit:
  
  
  
  jeid-5175b8e87d5d534683ca3de4460d3718

Keywords: College of the Holy Cross, Worcester , Assistant Provost for Academic Finance, Strategy and Planning, Accounting, Auditing , Worcester, Massachusetts