Director, Finance

The Finance Director has responsibility for stewarding the financial vision of the Provost and Vice Provosts (VPs). Additionally, this position provides leadership, mentorship, and support to the chief business officers (CBOs) and other personnel supporting the VPs. This individual will provide advice and counsel to Vanderbilt University’s Provost and Vice Provosts as they develop and implement their strategic initiatives. Reporting to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Finance, the Finance Director is a key member of the Financial Operations and Planning (FO&P) team.

This role is responsible for developing high-quality financial and operational analyses and presentations, including but not limited to, financial forecasts, annual and long-range operating and capital budgets, and financial models. The Finance Director is responsible for implementing Provost and Finance directed goals and objectives; overseeing and evaluating overall financial and administrative activities across the assigned areas of responsibility; and performing key administrative functions.

This individual interfaces with a wide constituency of partners across the institution and must consistently demonstrate innovation, energy, drive, and a passion for customer service. The Finance Director must be a proactive communicator who passionately engages with people, develops creative solutions, and builds constituent confidence and trust.

Vanderbilt University and FO&P are committed to excellence and diversity. Individuals that identify as part of an underrepresented population are encouraged to initiate their candidacy for this role.

Key Functions:

• Serve as the primary business advisor to the Provost & VPs, and the financial liaison to the FO&P team.
• Provides strategic leadership and vision in the development of financial and business models for key strategic initiatives.
• Proactively assess areas’ ongoing activities to develop realistic financial projections and assess opportunities where additional resources could be invested or redirected in support of Vanderbilt University’s strategic initiatives.
• Continually champion the alignment of strategic priorities with financial resources and the need for sustainable long-term financial equilibrium.
• Partner with CBOs to develop models that respond to new financial or operational circumstances and highlight key metrics and data comparisons to assist leadership in strategic decision making and maximization of resources.
• Develop robust, high quality, and consistent financial reporting and forecasting deliverables for areas of responsibility; prepare monthly financial summaries to identify trends and update expectations.
• Advocate for good management practices, efficiencies, and communications.
• Exercise delegated authority with prudent assessment of individual transactions, considering the impact financially and operationally, mindful of internal controls, and setting the cultural tone desired by Vanderbilt University. Review and approve further delegated authority and responsibility for areas of responsibility.
• Assist in cultivating a culture where faculty and staff throughout the University understand their individual fiduciary roles and responsibilities.
• Develop a productive and effective working relationship with leaders across the University by actively seeking out communication and collaboration opportunities. Promote a unified view of the University’s interests and align departments in working toward common financial goals.
• Function as a technical expert on budgetary, financial, accounting, operational, and policy issues.
• Advocate for change within areas of responsibility by assisting the University with the successful implementation of new financial and administrative procedures and systems. Serve as a point of contact for problem resolution and ideas for continuous improvement.
• Represent areas of responsibility on various University committees, provide insightful and diplomatic feedback to the committee and communicate updates to constituents within Finance and Academic Affairs, as appropriate.
• Recruit, develop and retain a high-performing, talented and diverse team of business and…