Primary Function
This position is responsible for the design, oversight, and broad financial planning management of NIU, including design and implementation of short- and mid- and long-range financial plans in support of NIU’s mission, vision, and values. Work lead by the Director, Financial Planning will span multiple funds and fund types and asset classes, including collaboration with managers of the University’s cashflow budget, capital portfolio, investment strategy, debt portfolio, and the NIU Foundation.
Duties and Responsibilities (generally)
Establish related budget and financial planning processes, procedures, documentation, and training for a diverse campus constituency that includes senior leadership, Administration & Finance leaders, the Business Manager community, and shared governance bodies. Advise and make recommendations to the Assistant Vice President (AVP) Budget & Finance on all policy, technical, and programmatic matters related to financial planning, including the establishment and maintenance of revenue management practices and policies and capital budgeting.
Receives assignments from the Assistant Vice President of Budget & Financial Planning. On a project-specific basis, leads and coordinates specific activities of the Office of Budget & Financial Planning.
Exercises significant judgement based on data, NIU strategic plans, and professional/industry standards in the execution of duties. Independently identifies policy and operational risks associated with financial planning models and activities and pursues solutions, often in consultation with the AVP.
Identifies and procures data and expertise from the NIU community to support financial planning activities and strategy. Primary partners include Finance, Institutional Research/IE, Provost’s Office, Human Resources, Government Relations, IT, Facilities, Student Affairs, and Research. Engages with the IL Board of Higher Education, the IL GOMB, and other state-level boards and individuals to report, as necessary, NIU’s financial planning efforts and associated outcomes.
Minimum Required Qualifications for this position
1. Master’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public policy or a related discipline from an accredited college or university.
2. Five (5) years of financial planning and analysis and experience with business intelligence systems is required.
Specialty Factors (Additional Required Qualifications)
Education and Experience Preferred
1. Financial management experience in a higher education setting.
2. Knowledge of business and finance principles and practices applicable to higher education.
3. Ability to glean reasonable information from inconsistent and incomplete data.
4. Experience with PeopleSoft ERP systems.
5. Advanced Microsoft Office skills.
6. Excellent communications skills.
List the knowledge, skills, and abilities critical to the performance of this position.
Ability to work independently and in conjunction with several internal and external entities.
Possess the ability to analyze and interpret complex budget and accounting records and reports as well as evaluate difficult budget problems and provide suggestion or solutions.
Must be able to research and understand many different departments’ operational require
