University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Director of Finance & Planning

Job Profile Title

Administrative and Financial Officer

Job Description Summary

The Director of Finance and Planning will report to and work in partnership with the Associate Dean, Finance & Administration in all financial related matters at the School of Social Policy and Practice (SP2). They will serve as a key adviser to faculty and staff, act as budget adviser, financial operations leader, and thoughtful leader for the academic programs and administration of the school. Serving as a key member of team leadership in the Finance and Administration office of the School of Social Policy and Practice (SP2), they will ensure and safeguard the integrity of SP2's financial statements, the propriety and appropriateness of all account/fund balances, spending in accordance with fiduciary responsibility, and compliance with University and School policies. They will recommend strategic decisions and identify issues and concerns that need to be addressed by leadership and be a key problem solver for the school.

This position will have a major impact on the financial health of the school by recommending and implementing strategic priorities directly related to SP2’s vision and mission. The Director of Finance & Planning will work collaboratively and collegially with faculty and staff and consult with Senior Staff on findings requiring implementation to meet institutional goals. They will be the primary liaison with the University Comptroller's Office, having responsibility for the school’s asset and liability reconciliations, tax reporting, and other such accounting and reporting matters. This role will also serve as SP2's representative on University operational committees and working groups as needed. The Director of Finance and Planning oversees the Senior Business Administrator, Financial Analyst, and Financial Administrative Coordinator positions within Finance and Administration.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

• Establish and manage sophisticated accounting/management reporting systems that provide departments with analysis of their actual results in a format conducive tocollaborative strategic decision making, including variance, trend, and activity analysis. Identify spending patterns and recommend strategic solutions as deemed necessary.

• Develop and review management reports for the school to recommend and be part of implementation of strategic plans as appropriate. This includes an overall review of the full SP2 financial portfolio to recommend strategic leveraging and maximization of resource utilization across Centers and Programs when appropriate to achieve the goals of the Dean. Work with Program and Center Directors and staff to align each other with a common understanding to achieve shared goals.

• Lead the SP2 F&A Office and School community in ensuring compliance with university policies and procedures for all financial operations, including payroll, purchasing, revenue processing, travel, and reimbursements. Streamline procedures for efficiency and effective technology use. Oversee unemployment claims review and processing. Serve on university committees and workgroups to maintain compliance.

• Participate in and oversee the process of trouble shooting daily problems that arise in financial matters and alert senior leadership of related issues that could have a negative impact on the SP2's overall financial health. Monitor financial reports to ensure that all concerns are addressed promptly. Lead the accounting and payroll processes for the school, including the annual financial close to ensure all revenue, expense, and balance sheet items are recorded correctly and in the appropriate time period.

• Manage restricted funds to ensure appropriate indirect cost recovery rates and spending of restricted before unrestricted funds when possible. Read through all new gift agreements to understand the funds flow and incorporate the new funding into School forecasts and budgets. In collaboration with Institutional Advancement, coordinate setting up new funds with Penn Treasury. Perform periodic reviews to ensure all restricted funds are being spent timely and in accordance with the donor or sponsor.

• Contribute to the forecasting and 5-year budgeting process by applying in-depth knowledge of the school's strategic plan and financial results to the master plan for the school. Maintain budgets in BEN Financials and enter budgets in Hyperion Planning to reflect School's goals.

• Supervise, advise, and collaborate with the Senior Business Administrator, Financial Analyst and Financial Administrative Coordinator positions within SP2 F&A. Ensure they are obtaining appropriate professional development and provide routine feedback to foster growth and success in their roles.

• Coordinate with Dean’s Office and SP2 Sponsored Research to ensure faculty roles and responsibilities are appropriately reflected in financial planning of sponsored programs and all fund groups.

• Perform additional duties as assigned, including participation in convocation and graduation. ceremonies as needed.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree and 7 to 10 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Strong background in strategic portfolio management, especially with sponsored programs and gifts, is preferred. Experience managing and motivating staff. Demonstrated decision making and problem-solving ability as well as excellent critical thinking, communication, interpersonal, leadership, and strategic thinking skills required. Capability to independently manage multiple projects from start to finish. Ability to work under demanding timelines and to utilize details in financial performance to meet institutional goals. Familiarity with Penn financial systems strongly preferred.

  Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

School of Social Policy and Practice

Pay Range

$74,476.00 - $140,000.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.

Affirmative Action Statement Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts : Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

• Tuition : Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits . You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

• Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.

• Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

• Wellness and Work-life Resources : Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

• Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

• University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

• Discounts and Special Services : From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

• Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

• Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

• Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

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  To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay

  The University of Pennsylvania's special character is reflected in the diversity of the Penn community. We seek talented faculty and staff who will constitute a vibrant community that draws on the strength that comes with a substantive institutional commitment to diversity along dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, veteran status, interests, perspectives, and socioeconomic status. Grounded in equal opportunity, nondiscrimination, and affirmative action, Penn's robust commitment to diversity is fundamental to the University's mission of advancing knowledge, educating leaders for all sectors of society, and public service. The University of Pennsylvania prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.