Director, Financial Planning and Budgeting in Waltham, Massachusetts at Bentley University

Job Description Summary

Under the leadership of and partnership with the AVP of Financial Strategy & Capital Planning, the Director drives the development of Bentley’s operating budgets, capital budgets, long-range plans, special projects, and other planning efforts (e.g., debt affordability and issuance, enrollment planning). This position is also responsible for the comprehensive quarterly forecast processes for the University. The Director is an integral part of the overall finance leadership team. Additionally, the Director may work directly with the President’s Cabinet to achieve the strategic plans noted above. Leads efforts of the financial planning and budgeting team including areas of budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, and accounting. The Director directly manages the Assistant Director, Budget and Financial Analyst.

Essential Duties

Budget Development & Operations

• Working closely with the AVP and CFO, lead the coordination and development of the annual budget process - developing the timeline and facilitating and coordinating the preparation, submission, compilation, and review of information from cost center managers across the university.

• Participate and help lead the university capital budget process including working with capital project managers and department directors on the development, tracking and reporting of university capital funds. Collaborate with large capital planners, such as Facilities and Information Technology divisions, to ensure capital projects align with university strategic plans and department goals. Ensure that the detail of the capital annual plan and long-range plan and related depreciation are compliant with GAAP and university policies.

• Manage and lead the Assistant Director, Budget and the Financial Analyst, to who serve as cross-functional points-of-contact to the university community regarding budget questions, issues and end-user training for operating, capital and position budgeting. Act as a lead/primary resource between business units and Financial Planning & Budget Office.

• Ensure training materials and training sessions are up to date for key users and cost center managers to utilize Workday financials and Workday adaptive applications. Use strong financial systems skills and the ability to problem-solve technology issues in a complex systems environment.

• Collaborate with IT and Business Systems team to ensure effective reporting and the Workday budgeting and planning modules are delivered and functioning properly.

• Oversee the detailed account balances for annual budget load in Workday for each cost center to ensure Trustee-approved budgets are rolled out effectively and put into place for operations. Monitor spending trends and approve budget adjustments to maintain financial control.

• Lead efforts to maximize and optimize Workday and Adaptive planning. Provide the Financial Planning and Budget team with guidance and goals to ensure systems are being leveraged as best as possible.

• Collaborate with university leadership and the finance division to inform long-range strategic financial planning, including potential new academic programs, ROI, divestment and investment in university operations.

• Represent the Office of Financial Planning and Budget on campus-wide committees and serve as a financial expert to others in this capacity at the University.

Reporting, Forecasting & Analysis

• Lead ongoing review, analysis and development of quarterly revenue and expense forecasts. Monitor performance against budget objectives, analyzing variances, forecasting anticipated results, and recommending corrective actions as needed.

• Partner with Financial Operations team to ensure close communication on results and variance analysis. Ensure accuracy, automation and timeliness of financial and managerial reports as needed.

Position Control

• Oversee and delegate position control to the Financial Analyst ensuring that staff budgets are established, monitored, and analyzed.

• Partner with Human Resources to support job requisition workflow and related budget checking as well as the annual merit process. Liaise with Academic Affairs regarding the same for faculty personnel budgets.

Financial Decision Support

• Lead operational and strategic objectives through financial modeling, ratio analysis, benchmarking and any other financial analysis required. Summarize analysis including presentation development for university leadership and Trustees.

• Apply best practice cost accounting principles to develop effective internal financial management processes to change budget behavior at Bentley.

• In the spirit of continuous improvement, work with leadership and relevant colleagues to evaluate policies, procedures and methodologies to ensure best practices are employed.

Management Oversight

• Directly supervise two staff members including delegation of assignments, review and oversight of work, goal setting and conducting formal and informal performance reviews. Work with the AVP to establish the office’s goals and oversee their implementation as well as staff members’ development plans and implementation.

Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or related field with at least 8-10 years of budgeting, analysis and reporting experience. MBA and/or CPA preferred.

• Strong working knowledge of accounting and financial principles and the ability to develop, analyze and communicate financial information at an institution of higher education.

• High proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, and a demonstrated ability to employ multiple systems in the tracking, modeling and analysis of financial information. Workday and Adaptive Planning experience is a plus. Proficiency and comfort with forecasting anticipated outcomes based on limited data and evolving assumptions.

• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to multi-task and work under pressure; self-motivation, high energy and engagement and a positive attitude.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, presentation skills, and the presence to interact with senior leadership.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Work Environment

• Typical office work environment with extensive sitting and computer work.

• Ability to travel around campus for meetings and other work-related duties.

Pay Transparency

At Bentley we offer a “total rewards” package designed to attract, motivate, retain, and reward our employees. This includes competitive compensation, robust benefits, career development and opportunities, generous paid time off, workplace flexibility and a positive, engaging employee experience. In alignment with the Massachusetts Pay Transparency Act and our commitment to equity and transparency, we’re sharing the salary grade range for this role. The grade range is based on market data and the scope of responsibilities. Final pay will depend on your experience, education, and other relevant qualifications.

Salary Grade Range:

$118,708 - $207,803

If you have questions about the salary grade range or need additional information, please contact us at GA_HR_Employment@bentley.edu.

Bentley University requires references checks and may conduct other pre-employment screening.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

Bentley University strives to create a campus community that welcomes the exchange of ideas, and fosters a culture that values differences and views them as a strength in our community.

Bentley University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, building strength through diversity. The University is committed to building a community of talented students, faculty and staff who reflect the diversity of global business. We strongly encourage applications from persons from underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities, covered veterans and those with diverse experiences and backgrounds.