Finance Manager

SupervisionSupervise finance staff and establish clear expectations for performance, service quality, and accountability.Provide coaching, mentoring, and professional development opportunities to strengthen team expertise and service delivery.Develop, document, streamline and maintain financial procedures, training materials, and operational guidance to promote consistency and excellence across the finance function.Subject Matter Expert and Campus PartnerServe as the Institutes subject matter expert on university financial policies, procedures, and best practices related to travel, entertainment reimbursements, procurement, purchasing, and related transactions.Serve as a trusted financial resource for staff and Institute leadership; deliver responsive, solutions-oriented guidance that balances operational needs, compliance requirements, and sound financial practices.Build productive partnerships with central campus offices, the Research Administration team, and university stakeholders to resolve financial and operational issues and advance institute priorities.Provide guidance and training to staff and administrators on travel, procurement, reimbursement, and financial processes; identify opportunities to improve business processes and enhance customer service across the Institute.Hands-On Financial ProcessesManage the Institutes day-to-day financial operations and business processes, including preparation, monitoring, and reconciliation of operating, personnel, and research-related budgets.Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, analyses, and projections for Institute leadership; monitor revenues, expenditures, commitments, and fund balances.Develop and maintain real-time tracking systems to monitor endowment, gift, discretionary, and other Institute funds balances, distributions, and investment performance.Support leadership with financial modeling and scenario planning; develop management reports and dashboards to support operational and strategic objectives.Identify budget variances, financial risks, and funding issues and recommend appropriate solutions; provide recommendations regarding resource utilization and financial planning.Auditing and ApprovalsReview and approve financial transactions including procurement, travel, entertainment, and reimbursements to ensure accuracy, appropriateness, and compliance with university policies, sponsor requirements, and applicable regulations.Monitor financial activity and identify potential compliance issues, risks, and corrective actions; develop and maintain internal controls and best practices to ensure responsible stewardship of institute resources.Coordinate audit responses and provide supporting documentation for financial reviews; collaborate with the Research Administration team to ensure sponsored project expenditures comply with university and sponsor requirements.Oversight of All Processes and Staff SatisfactionMaintain high-level oversight of all financial processes and operations, ensuring quality, timeliness, and alignment with Institute goals and university standards.Foster a service-oriented, collaborative culture focused on staff satisfaction, professional growth, and continuous improvement; promote a work environment where team members feel supported, empowered, and engaged.Identify and lead process improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, strengthen internal controls, and improve the overall experience for faculty, staff, and Institute stakeholders.