Director of Finance & Divisional Finance Lead , Graduate Division Ops

Position: Director of Finance & Divisional Finance Lead (0216U), Graduate Division Ops - 83630
Director of Finance & Divisional Finance Lead (0216U), Graduate Division Ops

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About Berkeley

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of opennessулі, freedom, and belonging makes it a special place for students, faculty, and staff. As a world‑leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice.

We are looking for applicants reflecting California's diversity and who want to join an inclusive, equity‑focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full‑time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities.

Position Summary

The Director of Finance serves as the Graduate Division's functional financial manager and Divisional Finance Lead (DFL), independently overseeing and performing advanced analysis, forecasting, and resource planning for a complex $100M+ budget. The position develops and implements financial systems, reporting frameworks, and internal controls; evaluates financial risks and opportunities; and provides expert guidance on policy, budget strategy, and long‑term planning. As a working manager, the role executes high‑level analytical work while directing and training finance staff and advising departmental managers on financial practices and decision‑making.

The incumbent presents financial data and recommendations to senior leadership to inform strategic direction, ensure policy compliance, and support sustainable, mission‑aligned resource allocation.

Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Management

• Acts as the lead for all Graduate Division financial operations, directly performing advanced analysis, forecasting, modeling, budgeting, and reporting for a $100M+ portfolio.

• In partnership with the Chief Administrative Officer, executes high‑level financial activities such as complex fund modeling, staffing commitment analysis, multi‑year salary and FTE forecasting, and strategic planning.

• Develops, implements, and oversees financial systems, tools, processes, and reporting frameworks.

• Ensures that financial operations meet Controller's Office deadlines, maintain compliance, and align with internal controls.

• Provides functional direction and guidance to staff, ensuring consistent practices, accurate reporting, and adherence to university policies.

• Presents complex financial data, models, and multi‑year projections to division leadership, translating analysis into clear recommendations that directly inform the Division's strategic direction, resource allocation decisions, and long‑term planning.

Advanced Financial Analysis & Resource Planning

• Performs hands‑on highly complex analytical studies, including scenario modeling, multi‑year planning, variance analysis, and resource forecasting.

• Designs and maintains advanced financial models that integrate salary budgets, faculty start‑up and retention commitments, enrollment trends, and academic policies.

• Builds the annual operating budget and forecast in Cal Planning; performs quarterly variance analysis and updates projections throughout the year.

• Generates and refines financial reports, dashboards, and decision‑support tools used by leadership to guide long‑term strategic priorities.

Policy Leadership & Internal Controls

• Serves as the Division's subject 嘲 matter expert on university financial policies, budget rules, resource allocation…