About the Opportunity
JOB SUMMARY
The Associate Director, Finance Systems and Analytics is responsible for the implementation, technical support and improvement of various Finance technology applications – including Workday Finance and Jaggaer - acting as technical lead for project workstreams related to data conversion, integration and reporting.
They lead efforts internally and externally to ensure that leading-edge technologies are employed efficiently and effectively, working with all levels of the business including Finance functional business partners, central ITS and vendors.
The Associate Director serves as the technology business partner to implement systems, innovative solutions, and best practice processes to promote overall organizational efficiency, effectiveness, and cost optimization. In addition, they will work directly with department directors and managers, and other Northeastern stakeholders to understand current challenges, document business requirements, provide expertise and plan and deliver cost effective solutions that meet the University’s needs.
In addition, the Associate Director will manage the Finance Systems Support & Analytics team on day-to-day activities including system configuration, technical issue resolution, understanding business processes and requirements, system capabilities/limitations, testing new functionality and understanding our complex data.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge and skills required for this position are normally acquired through a bachelor’s degree in information systems, Computer Science, Finance or a related field plus at least 7 years experience in finance systems management or a related role
- Proven work experience and results in leading complex projects, particularly technology implementations
- Strong knowledge of financial processes, accounting principles, and ERP systems (Workday Finance preferred)
- Track record of managing large teams and complex projects while at the same time having the ability to listen to, coach, develop, and influence individual team members
- Knowledge and familiarity with IT governance, data systems, and information architecture
- Analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on process improvement
- Excellent communications and interpersonal skills that enable the incumbent to explain issues, opportunities, recommendations and solutions in both technical and non-technical terms
- Ability to build strong relationships and influence both internal and internal partners
- Demonstrated flexibility and willingness to respond to changes in the external environment, while ensuring the organization can effectively and efficiently navigate transitions
- Prior experience in higher education is highly desirable
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES
Strategy Development & Implementation
- Understand higher level Finance and university strategy ….
- Participate in developing and executing Finance technology strategies and ensure that technology projects align with broader strategy
- Collaborate with the Business Intelligence and University Decision Support teams to establish and execute Finance Data Strategy
Team Leadership
- Supervise and mentor an operational team of finance professionals responsible for system administration, data analysis, and reporting
- Provide lifelong learning opportunities for team members
- Provide meaningful team and individual goals that align with Finance land leadership goals and measure performance against those goals
Project Leadership
- Act as Technical Project Team Lead on major Finance initiatives, overseeing data architecture, conversions, integrations, reporting, and security
- Provide subject matter expertise on enterprise initiatives involving Finance
- Act as a change champion
Continuous Improvement
- Stay current with higher education technology trends and ensure Finance is keeping pace
- Actively participate in communities within higher education and beyond to establish learning networks
- Identify opportunities for service improvements and implement best practices to enhance overall efficiency
Governance
- Member of the Workday Governance team (along with Human Resources and ITS) who evaluate and prioritize change requests
- Ensure Finance System support team follows governance policies and protocols
Customer Service and Support
- Primarily responsible for ensuring consistent levels of Finance system support
- Partner with Finance business unit leads, NU ITS and vendors to ensure Finance customers receive excellent service and support across all tiers
- Engage with customers, establish feedback mechanisms and leverage data to ensure appropriate levels of service and support are being provided
Position Type
Human Resources
Additional Information
Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.
Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.
Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
To learn more about Northeastern University’s commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see www.northeastern.edu/diversity.
