Business Manager

Business Manager

Financial Analyst 2

Job Family: Finance

Job Series: Finance

Job Code: 4452

Grade: H

Exemption: Exempt

Note the following position will be based on the Stanford’s Redwood City Campus. The Business Manager role is eligible to be a hybrid position and must be on campus a minimum of two days per week.

Summer Session

Summer Session is Stanford University’s fourth academic quarter, offering more than 200 courses from 35 departments to over 2,500 graduate, undergraduate, and advanced high school students. Along with serving the needs of Stanford matriculated students, Summer Session makes it possible for visiting students to take advantage of the same courses, culture, and resources available at Stanford University. The mission of the Stanford Summer Session office is to offer a transformative educational experience to all students, both in the classroom and through an array of enrichment programs, community-building activities, academic support services, and more.

Summer Session is seeking a Business Manager to join the Continuing Studies’ Dean’s Office finance team. The Business Manager has broad responsibility for the financial functions of Summer Session. The position oversees the annual operating budget, financial forecasting and reporting, and manages the full range of day-to-day financial activities for the program. The Business Manager is a critical role in this dynamic and fast-paced program, bringing expertise in financial strategy as well as a keen sense of operational implementation. This is an ideal job for an individual with outstanding communication and analytical skills who thrives within a collaborative environment.

** Please note that the Summer Session office is located at the Stanford Redwood City Campus .

Your responsibilities include:

• Independently lead the Summer Session $20M annual budget, including the operational budget as well as the instructional budget. Oversee the reconciliation process for the approximately 50 academic departments which are funded by Summer Session.
• Design, create, and prepare budget-related financial reports for management, ranging from high level to detailed, including variance and trend analysis, consolidated budget reporting and analysis, and consolidated budget narration/presentations. These projects can be very complex requiring a high level of knowledge in reporting, combining data sets and sophisticated cleaning of data. The FA2 is responsible for interpreting and contextualizing the data, providing user-friendly reports and visuals for audiences ranging from University financial groups, executives, as well as non-finance audiences.
• Oversee all Summer Session financial activities such as purchasing, account reconciliation, etc., including but not limited to: Working directly with program managers to design, implement, and continually re-evaluate department financial practices to ensure compliance with University policy and support of operational goals.
• Oversee Summer Session ongoing reconciliation processes (i.e. month end activities) and fiscal year end activities, providing direction for staff handling year-end activities (i.e. purchasing, transfers, accruals/deferrals, annual program debriefs, etc.). Under the Finance Manager’s guidance, develop and execute financial training for Summer Session’s residential program, including developing protocols and training for the 100+ contingent residential staff members. Continually monitor compliance, escalating concerns in a timely manner, in order to mitigate risk.
• Manage process of annual Summer Session tuition calculation for the cross-functional project team of 3. Continually review methodology and lead the project team in developing solutions which minimize error and strengthen the ability to meaningfully forecast on this critical metric.
• Proactively engage department staff in financial strategic thinking: serve as a key partner to members of senior leadership to support unit financial strategy, engage functional leads in budget management, train new staff on financial policies & administration, etc.
• Directly supervise Summer Session’s Accounting Analyst as well as manage financial training & mentorship for all department staff members with financial responsibilities.

Note: The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

 To be successful in the position, you will bring: 

• Bachelor’s degree and four years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience.
• Advanced proficiency in business applications, such as Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel.
• Demonstrated knowledge of financial systems, internet and computer literacy.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Strong communication skills, including ability to prepare materials for and clearly and effectively communicate information to internal and external audiences and client groups.
• Demonstrated project management skills and ability to contribute to or lead part of a multifunctional team.
• Excellent analytical, conceptual, and organizational skills and ability to manage and manipulate large data sets; thorough knowledge of financial modeling, variance analysis, and common practices used for financial forecasting, ideally in an academic setting.
• Strong consulting and partnering skills, including the ability to lead and influence employees at all levels, and work successfully with unit/program directors.
• Demonstrated success in performing meticulous, high quality and compliant work.
• Ability to plan and organize work independently, manage competing priorities, and utilize available resources to complete quality work within time constraints and under minimal supervision.
• A curious and growth-based mindset accompanied by a high level of self-motivation and initiative.

Working Conditions:

• Routine extended working hours during peak cycles; travel to school/unit sites across university.

Physical Requirements:

• Frequently sit, perform desk-based computer tasks.
• Occasionally stand, walk, twist, use fine manipulation, grasp, use a telephone, write by hand, sort and file paperwork, lift, carry, push, and pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.

Why Stanford is for You

Imagine a world with limitless connections and access to knowledge. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

How to Apply

We invite you to apply for this position by clicking on the “Apply for Job” button. To be considered, please submit a cover letter and résumé along with your online application.

*Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job. 

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Stanford welcomes applications from all who would bring additional dimensions to the University’s research, teaching and clinical missions.