Executive Director of Financial Operations

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary:
  Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard
  
  Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: $180,000 to $200,000

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Columbia Engineering is committed to pushing the frontiers of knowledge and translating our discoveries to meet the needs of society. These aspirations have been fundamental since our early origins. Over the years, our faculty and students have made remarkable contributions to technological and social progress, and today, we carry on our tradition of innovation as engineering transforms nearly every aspect of life, from the purity of the water we drink, the quality and accessibility of our healthcare, and the sustainability of the natural and built environments, to our ability to connect with others anywhere in the world.

Reporting to the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, the Executive Director of Financial Operations assumes a leadership role in the financial, operational decision-making, and policy formation of the Engineering School. This position assist with preparing and monitoring the Engineering School's annual operating and capital budget in the context of a multi-year financial framework; provides oversight of the Engineering School's procurement, accounts payable, and cash management functions;

delivers quarterly and ad hoc financial reporting to senior leadership; and manages a team of five staff within the Engineering School Business Office. The incumbent works closely with University Finance and other central offices, ensuring strong fiscal stewardship and compliance with institutional policies.

• Oversight of Financial Operations and Controls 25%:

  Ensure the integrity of financial data through oversight of reconciliation processes and internal controls. Ensure propriety of balances by confirming that all assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses are accurately recorded and disclosed in conformity with University policies. Oversee accruals and deferrals, ensuring significant purchases, services, prepaid expenses, and deferred revenues are properly recorded. Oversee and review reconciliation of all accounts, including cash, bank, receivables, inventories, prepaid assets, accrued expenses, deferred income, and deposits.
  
  Ensure compliance with University financial, regulatory, and tax policies; consult with Controller's Office when issues arise. Ensure compliance with University payroll, property, equipment, and service center policies, including timely reporting of asset disposals, transfers, and damage claims. Oversee compliance with cash handling, credit card acceptance, bank account, and treasury policies, ensuring proper internal controls. Establish and monitor fraud prevention and detection controls, ensuring all allegations of fraud or suspected violations are reported to the Controller's Office or General Counsel.

• Procurement and Accounts Payable 25%:

  Oversee all Engineering School procurement and accounts payable processes, ensuring compliance with University policies and regulatory standards. Establish and maintain controls for purchasing, contracts, and disbursements to support operational efficiency and fiscal integrity. Partner with University Procurement to negotiate agreements and ensure adherence to competitive bidding. Implement process improvements and technologies to streamline purchasing, payments, and vendor management. Oversee accounts payable functions, including approval of all invoices, travel and business reimbursements via Concur, internal transfers, purchase requisitions, Pcard transactions, and cash deposits.
  
  Provide indirect oversight of departmental and center procurement and accounts payable operations. Work with department and center leadership during transitional periods…