Department

Library Administration - Human Resources & Facilities Administration

About the Department

As a center of intense intellectual inquiry, the University of Chicago Library aspires to be the most dynamic research and learning environment in the world, supporting the University’s commitment to research and teaching and to using its intellectual resources to help solve the world’s problems. Even as we continue to focus on building and preserving our renowned collections, the Library is assuming new roles that are vital to research, innovation, and learning at the University. In the process, we are leveraging the deep expertise of Library staff, developing services that support new avenues of research, and expanding access to and preservation of scholarly resources in ways that advance the goals of the University community and the needs of the next generation of scholars.

Job Summary

The Financial Manager reports to the Associate Dean of Administration and Operations and will manage financial projects in monitoring the Library operating and capital budgets, endowments, gifts, and grants for Library and as a collaborative partner with Library divisions and/or University-wide administrative units. At the direction and in collaboration with the Associate Dean of Administration and Operations performs work that contributes to development of long- and short-term financial goals, financial strategies/plans, and financial forecasts/models for major service programs and initiatives. Utilizes knowledge of finance manage financial reporting of the Library budgets.

Responsibilities

Manages all aspects of Library procurement in conformance with Library and University policies and processes and consistent with Library service needs and budget allocation.

Collaborates with Library internal partners including (but not limited to) Collections and Access, Research and Learning, Digital Scholarship, Facilities, Deans Office, to facilitate the dissemination, integration, and aggregation of finance information. Collaborates with Library managers to develop department budgets and project needs and expenditures.

Collaborates with Associate Dean of Administration and Operations to ensure that Library financial processes are in conformance with University guidelines. Examples of these processes include auditing, cash reporting and disbursements, monthly account reconciliation and forecasting, and procurement. Manages the activities of the procurement section, working to ensure that supplies, services and materials are appropriately and promptly invoiced and paid.

Reviews financial processes and makes recommendations to improve efficiencies of and of fiscal operations to ensure that processes are effective, well managed, and coordinated with University and Library operations.

Works with Library Human Resources to ensure effort allocations are appropriately and proactively mapped to department, endowment, grant and/or gift.

Works closely with Library Personnel to ensure the coordination of other financial services that impact employee and financial functions.

Works with internal Library partners to ensure the integration of budget information into Library Administrative Systems.

Provides professional internal consultation as an account administrator for account managers in a highly collaborative environment.

Analyzes and prepares budgets, creates accounts, and works with the financial accounting system to allocate, authorize, and monitor, Library expenses. Makes recommendations on alternate resources to ensure Library services remain funded.

Prepares and manages Library monthly reports, conducts in-depth analysis and correct errors in accounts using current procedures, and provides advice on the impact of financial decisions.

May work with other administrators on the procurement process, allocates expenditures for authorization, and advises in communications regarding funding agencies, subcontractors, and others at the instruction and direction of others.

Uses best practices and in-depth financial knowledge to assist in the preparation of annual budgets. Works with minimal guidance to provide analytical support for complex budget projects. Examines past budgets and researches economic and financial developments that affect spending.

Reviews estimated expenditures. Develops expenditure projections and periodic budget variance reports. Prepares forecasts as well as analyses.

Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

Finance related experience.

Higher education finance is strongly preferred.

Budget experience.

Working knowledge of University and Library financial and procurement systems highly preferred.

Working knowledge of relevant financial and other data management programs.

Experience with University research, financial and HR/payroll systems including Oracle, AURA, Concur, Workday, financial and other data management systems strongly preferred.

People management experience strongly preferred.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

Aptitude for financial terms and formulas and/or prior experience for working with business essential finance formulas (i.e. completing estimations/projections, budget calculations).

Excellent organizational skills with considerable skill in solving bookkeeping problems independently with attention to detail.

Mathematical, analytical, investigative and critical thinking skills strongly preferred. 

Knowledge of general accounting standards and procedures, budgets, invoice, payment tracking, and fiscal reporting strongly preferred. 

Working Conditions

Hybrid/Remote.

Application Documents

Resume/CV (required)

References (3) (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Financial Management

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$72,250.00 - $85,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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