Assistant Dean, Finance & Administration

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission. BASIC FUNCTION: Provides financial management for the College of Arts and Sciences’ (COAS) operating budget including budget oversight, purchasing, grants administration, and financial reporting analytics to support the business objectives of COAS. Works as a strategic partner with the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences to establish and meet the vision for the College. SUPERVISORY ACCOUNTABILITY: This position function will have primary supervisory responsibility for the financial and some supervisory responsibility for the administrative operations within the College of Arts and Sciences. NATURE AND SCOPE: Internal contacts include administrators, faculty, staff and students both within the College and University. External contacts include government agencies, sponsor representatives, vendors, visitors, officials and the general public. Partners and coordinates with the Budget Office, Controller’s Office, HR, and faculty and staff from all divisions and departments in COAS. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES: Prepares and oversees the preparation and balancing of the budget and its subsidiary schedules and narrative statements. Manages in-year forecasts and multi-year projections by analyzing historical trends, current year actuals, and future demands on resource allocations. Leads all aspects related to COAS administration of policies, personnel management, and financial operations; develops, implements, and ensures compliance with University and COAS administration policies. Directs the business administration of COAS relating to accounting, financial reporting, and human resources. Supervises and mentors all appropriate staff in COAS financial and operational matters; mentors business officers throughout COAS. Evaluates requests for funds including analyzing current and previous budget trends, program costs, and consults with the Dean and Department Chairs to ensure adjustments are made when necessary. Ensures funds made available to COAS through grants, contracts, and gifts and funds are applied appropriately according to prescribed contract requirements. Consults with the Dean in the development and maintenance of a sound organizational structure and appropriate accounting and recording system. Ensures compliance with University regulations, policies, procedures and financial controls. Consults with departments and develops/coordinates the preparation of operating budgets based on actual performance and historical trends, estimated revenue, expense reports, and other factors. Research, compile, and update budgetary and forecast data. Analyzes monthly expense activity, performs trend and variance analysis, and develops financial reports and ad hoc reports as necessary. Coordinates all formal reporting processes and timelines including, but not limited to, monthly and quarterly reports and annual budget submission. Applies accounting system to record financial transactions from source documents, which utilize University budget, research and training grants, student financial aid, and discretionary funds. Directs the recording of accounting or financial transactions and maintenance of accounting records in accordance with prescribed specifications. Reviews and reconciles accounts, establishes and maintains liaison with the University Controller regarding the reconciliation of accounts and availability of current balances. Applies principles of accounting and statistics to install and maintain costing procedures for determining costs of various programs of COAS useful in evaluating departmental performance in controlling costs and in planning future programs. Collects, maintains, and updates financial and statistical data pertaining to the operation and use of facilities of COAS. Performs other duties as required. CORE COMPETENCIES: Extensive knowledge of principals, practices and methods associated with fund accounting, cost accounting and budget formulation and implementation. Strong analytical skills and knowledge of analytical budgetary accounting. Ability to analyze and prepare comprehensive complex financial budget reports. Ability to formulate comprehensive budget planning processes. Ability to develop financial models with long-range revenue and expense projections Ability to utilize common data mining tools to develop custom queries to extract required data from large data sets housed in various enterprise data warehouses. Knowledge of PC with accompanying word processing, spreadsheets, presentation, graphic and database software to manage accounting and financial management functions associated with the budget of COAS. Knowledge of management techniques to coordinate accounting and financial operations supporting the instructional objectives of COAS. Excellent skills in oral and written communications to be able to prepare cogent written and/or computerized reports and deliver effective persuasive oral presentations. Ability to prioritize work, handle multiple projects and meet conflicting deadlines while delivering quality customer service. Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to form constructive working relationships and interact effectively with faculty, staff, and other interested stakeholders. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s degree in a related field required; MBA, Master of Public Administration or any related field such as finance and or CPA preferred. A minimum of 7-10 years of relevant experience. If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!