Assistant Vice President, Finance & Administration

The Assistant Vice President of Finance and Administration provides leadership and oversight of functions, processes, and policies pertaining to budget development, capital planning, financial services, audit and compliance, human resources, technology, contract management and organizational effectiveness assessment, and planning for the entire division of University Services. The AVP oversees complex operating and capital budgets including revenues and fees as well as general income and restricted funds for a group of units with very diverse financial models. The AVP serves with the Vice President’s authority to administer the large, complicated and dynamic financial budgets for both operations and capital planning. The AVP works proactively and collaboratively with both internal and external stakeholders and serves as a member of the executive team in the Office of the Vice President for University Services. In addition, the AVP serves as a core leader and partner on multiple strategic initiatives for University Services as well as institutional initiatives crossing division boundaries. The AVP is the chief resource for the VP, DVP, and other AVP’s to consider strategic options of resourcing all operations and initiatives.

University Services employs over 500 staff and has annual revenue and expense operating budgets of approximately $150 million and $80 million, respectively. The estimated capital spend by the division over the next 10 years is expected to be approximately $150 million. Reporting to the Vice President for University Services, the AVP of Finance and Administration is a highly critical role that provides leadership and direction to five direct reports and an overall team of approximately 30 FTEs.

A cover letter is required for full consideration.  

• Serves as a senior advisor to the VP and other leaders of University Services for strategic planning, budget and resource allocation and monitoring, information technology assessments and implementation, communication strategies, and human resource management.
• Leads processes to identify organization’s priorities and ensures such priorities are adequately resourced.
• Serves as the division’s liaison to the University’s centralized administrative department, such as Finance and Treasury, Human Resources, Office of Information Technology Office of Audit and Compliance, and the Office of Communications
• Oversees the annual budget development process for the Office of the Vice President for University Services and all departments including unrestricted, restricted, allocated, facility and reserve funds.
• Represents the needs of University Services departments in allocating and managing resources and works collaboratively with the Office of Finance & Treasury.
• Leads and/or co-leads multiple strategic initiatives to support the University’s Strategic Framework Plan.
• Responsible for leading and supporting complex strategic initiatives that cross units within University Services as well as commonly cross divisions of the University. There are multiple student focused initiatives that cross between University Services, Campus Life, Dean of the College, and Facilities. Core resource to aid the VP with managing these initiatives in a balanced, engaged and productive manner. Nearly all of these initiatives are complex in number of impacted operations, significant and varied resourcing needs and politically sensitive given impact on current students, faculty, alumni and staff. AVP must engage and lead in a manner that allows for forward momentum and keeps all stakeholders informed and aligned throughout the process.
• Provides leadership on policy development, best practices, process improvement, and compliance with regard to financial operations.
• Manages division’s financial resources and processes including policy interpretation, financial reporting, capital projects, and accounting practices.
• Provides financial support and counsel to departmental units.
• Leads financial redesign efforts related to new business opportunities, process improvement, and/or organizational changes.
• Facilitates development of strategic financial planning for the advancement of the mission of University Services and coordinates through dual reporting relationships with financial management staff embedded in larger operating units.
• Supervises budget and financial management central staff within University Services.
• Oversees and facilitates all financial reporting, monitoring and reconciliations for the division’s operating and capital budgets, accumulated reserves and balance sheet accounts while keeping senior staff apprised of the spending to date and the financial resources available.
• Ensures appropriate internal controls are in place throughout the division.
• Coordinates with Princeton University’s Office of Internal Audit & Compliance and outside auditors work related to University Services’ departmental audits, the division’s Operational Compliance Matrix, and the University’s Risk Assessment.
• Represents University Services in issues related to changes in the Chart of Accounts, financial and business systems, and reporting and budgeting.
• Represents University Services in the Budget Deputies Group, a senior level management group with representation from each cabinet officer.
• Plays a key leadership role in developing University Services positions and proposals related to SUMAR, Priorities Committee, and other funding requests.
• Coordinates University Services’ annual budget overview submission to the Provost Office.
• Oversees University Services’ comprehensive program for human resources to ensure the division has and retains an exceptional and diverse team of productive and contributing employees. In conjunction and in collaboration with the Office of Human Resources, the Provost Office and the Office of General Counsel, the AVP manages human resources policies and processes for University Services, ensures compliance with applicable regulations and policies governing employment and personnel practices develops standardized compensation reviews, obtains necessary approvals for changes and addresses equity issues.
• Provides guidance to University Services senior managers on performance issues, appraisal process, conflict of interest, CALM, etc.
• Oversees strategic direction concerning technology systems, tools, applications and user support for University Services. Supervises the University Services IT group.
• Represents University Services in the Enterprise Systems Planning Group (ESPG). Co-chairs the University Services Data Analytics Planning and Development Committee.
• Oversees the business services portfolio for University Services, including business relationship management with external service providers, contract management, and organizational effectiveness assessment and planning
• Focuses on long-term planning, monitoring and keeping VP and others apprised of deadlines of various university initiatives.
• Responsible for the optimum utilization of the centralized administrative staff including employment, training, assignment of duties, providing proper equipment and working conditions, maintaining morale and evaluating outcomes.
• Working in conjunction with the Vice Provost for Space Planning and the Office of Capital Projects, responsible for resolving space management issues for administrative space.
• May be required to travel to attend meetings, conferences, training and other events as necessary to acquire and maintain proficiency in fulfilling the responsibilities of the position.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications (Minimum Required Knowledge, Skills and Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree
• 7-10 years of progressively responsible administrative experience
• Dynamic leadership, administrative, analytical, financial, and technology strategies
• Demonstrated ability to work in collaboration with multiple units, both internal and external to central organization.
• Strong managerial skills to engage and develop direct and dual reports within the finance and IT units.
• Outstanding written/oral communication and presentation skills with demonstrated experience of working with a broad spectrum of staff.
• A clear customer service commitment and successful experience in managing change demonstrated by performance, establishing and maintaining productive, collaborative relationships with a full range of internal and external constituencies.
• A strong commitment to maintaining the highest levels of integrity in their interaction with colleagues and customers in their management of fiscal and programmatic matters.
• Solution oriented problem solver with the ability to build, motivate, and manage teams, to build consensus, to delegate authority, and to develop employee talents.
• Self-motivated to learn new concepts and participate in new projects.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, Power Point and other IT applications.
• Demonstrated commitment to high professional ethical standards.
• Demonstrated ability to manage all resources (finances, people, space and technology) effectively and efficiently.

Preferred Qualifications

• A master’s or equivalent professional degree
• Minimum of five years of experience working within a higher education environment

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Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.