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 Administration and Planning, this position will oversee the fiscal operations and financial planning of the office and will be responsible for developing, reviewing, and managing 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), opportunities to build on the recent implementation of Workday Financials, and a commitment to best-in-class budget and planning systems, UVA is well positioned to think more strategically about long-term financial planning. The new Associate Vice Provost will play a pivotal role in advancing a more robust culture of planning at UVA.

The Associate Vice Provost stewards the budget and planning processes for the schools and all units that report 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 comply with University and state policies and procedures, and notifies school and unit personnel of policy and procedure updates as necessary. The Associate Vice Provost provides oversight of funding activity within the University’s financial system for EVPP areas , which includes generating reports 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, reviews associated grant budgets for accuracy, and ensures 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 planning functions, 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
  
• 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 of the University on a variety of issues, including the University Financial Model, and participates on task forces and committees, as appropriate
  
• Provides guidance to schools and academic support units on financial matters, including budget and multi-year planning
  

Operations

• Oversees 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 ensuring 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 coordination of priorities for the state budget
  
• Oversees additional key financial processes, including approval of monthly account reconciliations, distribution of the annual carryforward balances in the academic areas, maintaining internal controls, and distributing strategic funding to schools and other reporting units
  
• Assumes responsibility for special projects, as needed
  

Management

• Supervises the EVPP’s budget and finance team, composed of five positions: finance manager, budget director, senior finance generalist, and two finance associates
  
• Manages the shared financial services function for the Provost’s Office, providing financial and operational support to academic units that report to the Provost
  
• Determines the optimal distribution of financial responsibilities and plans effectively for staffing to meet the needs of the Provost’s Office and its units.
  
• Collaborates closely with the vice provost for administration and planning on Provost’s Office financial operations, including the oversight of provost-held funds and the budget and financial affairs of the academic units that report to the Provost
  

IDEAL EXPERIENCE AND CHARACTERISTICS

Competitive candidates will have strong financial aptitude, including 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 demonstrate the 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 in higher education
  
• Experience leading an engaged and committed team, respecting 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, with 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
  
• Proficiency with word processing and spreadsheet applications
  
• Advanced financial systems skills, including knowledge of financial and grants accounting standards
  

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in relevant field
  
• At least 10 years of relevant experience, ideally in an analytical and/or higher education setting
  
• Additional experience will be considered in lieu of degree
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

APPLICATIONS, NOMINATIONS, AND INQUIRIES

UVA Executive Search Group (ESG) has been retained to assist in the search for the Associate Vice Provost for Budget and Financial Planning. Confidential inquiries and nominations should be directed to Adam Seid, Senior Search Consultant, at seid@virginia.edu . To apply, submit a letter of interest (which addresses your qualifications, experience, and motivation, and interest in UVA) and a resume/CV via Workday . The search will be carried out with full confidentiality.

We encourage you to learn more about the University of Virginia and the many ways in which we pursue excellence for a purpose. A PDF version of the position specification is also available.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.