SSW Budget & Finance Partner

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Liaison Duties 35%

• Act as the primary contact for SSW on financial matters, collaborating with the Controller's and Budget Offices to resolve issues related to:
  Expense reimbursements
  Accounts payable
  Journal entries
  Procurement card reconciliations
  Payroll inquiries for contract workers and employees
• Ensure data quality and integrity in financial records, working in conjunction with the Office of Finance Administration.
• Oversee vendor onboarding, invoice submission, and tracking to support smooth financial operations.
• Serve as a resource for SSW departments, faculty, and student groups by providing budgetary information and guidance.
• Oversee the budget and financial planning for the Office of Professional Education, setting pricing and enrollment targets for courses and certificate programs.
• Support the Professional Education Manager with billing, payments, and refunds to optimize revenue.
• Analyze financial data to drive decision-making for program offerings and pricing strategies.

Budget Planning & Oversight 50%

• Develop and manage the SSW annual budget in partnership with the Dean of SSW and administrative departments.
• Lead budget planning, analysis, and optimization processes to align with the school's financial goals.
• Analyze past budget performance to inform future planning, identify cost-saving opportunities, and recommend spending improvements.
• Oversee and manage budgets for SSW gifts, endowments, faculty funds, and spending on casual and student workers.
• Prepare, present, and report on budget status to key stakeholders, ensuring compliance with financial policies and regulations.
• Maintain the SSW financial model and provide training to administrators, staff, and faculty on budget tools within Workday.

Cross-Departmental Operations & Support 10%

• Provide cross-functional support to other SSW departments in areas related to budgeting and contracts.
• Collaborate with departments on budget adherence, infrastructure planning, and resource allocation.
• Create budget-related training programs and tutorials for SSW staff to improve and maintain strong financial and budget systems

Student Health Insurance Administration 5%

• Manage the student health insurance process, including contract negotiation with providers, compliance with regulations, and coordination with Student Financial Services for billing and waiver processes.
  

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in budget management, financial analysis, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong understanding of financial management systems, particularly Workday, is highly desirable.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving: Ability to analyze complex financial data, resolve issues, and provide actionable insights.
• Commitment to Core Principles: Strong commitment to understanding and embodying the school's core principles and applying them thoughtfully in practice.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively present budget information and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Time Management & Multitasking: Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Collaboration & Relationship Building: Demonstrated ability to build positive working relationships with internal departments and external vendors.
• Technology & Process Improvement: Proficient in using technology-enabled processes to enhance financial management.
• Adaptability & Flexibility: Ability to enforce policies with diplomacy and adapt to changing financial environments. A hybrid schedule with some flexibility is possible.

Core Values & Work Environment

• Commitment to aligning with SSW's Five Core Principles in all areas of work.
• Support Smith College's mission to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Benefits & Additional Information

• This role offers a hybrid work schedule with potential flexibility.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth within a collaborative academic setting.

Review of applications will begin

Position Type:

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women's colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.