Associate Vice Provost for Budget and Financial Planning

The Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost (EVPP) at the University of Virginia (UVA) seeks an associate vice provost for budget and financial planning. Reporting to the vice provost for planning, this position will oversee the fiscal operations and financial planning of the office and will be responsible for developing, reviewing, and overseeing multiple budgets and commitments within the academic areas of the University.

The associate vice provost will join the University at a time when planning is a primary focus. With a maturing financial model based on responsibility center management (RCM) and the recent implementation of Workday Financials and Adaptive Planning, UVA is well positioned to think more strategically about financial planning for the longer term.

Role and Expectations

The associate vice provost stewards the budget and planning process for the schools and all units reporting to the Provost’s Office. The individual in this role provides insightful analysis and seasoned advice to support effective decision-making by the schools, units and the executive leadership of the University. The associate vice provost is a key strategic partner with the Office of Financial Planning and Analysis (OFPA) and works closely on financial matters with colleagues in the President’s Office and the Office of the EVP-COO. The associate vice provost also ensures that all financial and accounting transactions are in compliance with University and state policies and procedures and will notify school and unit personnel of policy and procedure updates and changes as necessary. The associate vice provost provides award oversight of the University’s financial system for EVPP areas, which includes generating reports from the financial system and supervising the office’s financial processes to ensure that funding allocations and transfers are completed in a timely manner. In collaboration with the associate provost for academic administration, the associate vice provost manages the grants administration process for the Provost’s units, reviewing associated grant budgets for accuracy and ensuring compliance with University and sponsor guidelines. Key areas of responsibility include:

Financial Planning and Analysis

• Provides leadership and strategic oversight for the EVPP’s financial operations, including developing and analyzing operating budgets, maintaining and enhancing internal financial controls, and developing sophisticated annual and multi-year financial reporting that supports the strategic decision-making processes in EVPP
• Creates short- and long-term financial plans for the University’s academic leadership that support the development and assessment of institutional goals
• Ensures that financial reporting effectively supports academic and administrative decision-making
• Collaborates with colleagues in the academic and administrative areas on the University on a variety of issues, including the nuances of the University Financial Model, participating on task forces and committees, as appropriate
• Provides guidance to schools and academic support units on financial matters

Operations

• Oversight of funds managed by the provost, ensuring the review and tracking of all financial commitments and balances and making recommendations on fund transfers
• Oversight of key financial processes, including that budgets and cash balances of units reporting to the provost are properly supervised and monitored and providing guidance to those units as appropriate
• Oversees the preparation of quarterly forecasts and monthly actual reports to senior leadership within the office
• Coordinates the preparation of the annual budget for the provost’s areas and works with central offices on the preparation of the biennial budget
• Oversight of key financial processes, including approval of monthly account reconciliations, distribution of the annual carry forward balances in the academic areas, maintaining internal controls, and distribution of the strategic funding to schools and other reporting units
• Assumes responsibility for special projects, as needed
• Oversees transfers of funds administered by the provost’s office to schools and units when appropriate.

Management

• Supervises the EVPP’s financial team, comprising three positions: finance manager, senior finance generalist, and finance associate
• Determines the optimal distribution of financial responsibilities and plans effectively for staffing the related needs of the Provost’s Office and its units
• Collaborates closely with the vice provost for administration on Provost’s Office financial operations., including the oversight of provost-held funds and the budget/financial affairs of the academic units which report to the Provost

Ideal Experience

Competitive candidates will have strong financial aptitude which includes well-developed skills in financial analysis and forecasting/modeling, excellent oral and written communication skills, and a demonstrated capacity for creativity, strategic thinking, and innovation. The associate vice provost for budget and financial planning should have a demonstrated ability to lead as a member of a team, both within the EVPP areas and across the University. Ideal candidates will possess the following:

• Significant experience with financial analysis, budget management, accounting principles and strategic financial planning in a highly complex organization, preferably Higher Education.
• Experience leading an engaged and committed team, respecting diversity in people, opinions, and experiences
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple, complex projects, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities and needs
• Ability to make timely decisions in an ambiguous environment and in a collaborative manner while meeting the University's and Provost’s Office objectives
• Strong collaborator who develops trusted and effective relationships
• Proactive and innovative thinker and problem-solver
• High personal and professional integrity and a blend of self-confidence and humility
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with an ability to explain complex financial concepts in understandable terms
• Strong commitment to anti-racism and advancing the University’s goals in diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging
• Proficiency with word processing and spreadsheet applications
• Advanced financial system skills, including knowledge of financial and grants accounting standards

Required Qualifications

• An advanced degree
• At least 4 years of relevant experience, ideally in an analytical and/or higher education setting
• Additional experience will be considered in lieu of degree

To Apply or Nominate

The University of Virginia is eager to build a diverse pool of talented individuals. The search committee is working with UVA Executive Search Group (ESG), an internal executive search firm in the Office of the President. Confidential inquiries and nominations should be directed to AJ Davidson, Senior Search Consultant, at ajh2d@virginia.edu .

To apply, submit a letter of interest and resume . The search will be carried out with full confidentiality. Additional information can be found at : http://executivesearch.virginia.edu/searches .

COVID Vaccination Requirement and Guidelines

Please visitthe UVA COVID-19 Job Requirements and Guidelines webpageprior to applying for current information regarding vaccination requirementsandguidelines for employment at UVA.

The University of Virginia, i ncluding the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.