Manager, Finance & Administration

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

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The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Financial Strategy, Budget Development & Fiscal Stewardship

• Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing management of multiple complex operating budgets for Student Activities (WCSA), and the Student Organization Finance Office (SOFO).
• Oversee and ensure compliance for high-volume financial activity exceeding $2M+X annually, including student organization expenditures, departmental operating costs, and restricted funds.
• Monitor financial performance against projections; identify variances, trends, and risks; and develop corrective or optimization strategies in consultation with senior leadership.
• Review, analyze, and validate financial reports prepared by accounting staff to ensure accuracy, appropriate fund usage, and alignment with University financial policies.
• Serve as the primary financial liaison to the University Treasurer’s Office, Finance Office, and Accounting, ensuring audit readiness and sustained compliance.
• Advise the Assistant Dean of Students and department directors on fiscal implications of new initiatives, policy changes, and strategic investments.

Administrative Operations, Policy & Systems Management

• Serve as the principal administrative business manager for Student Activities, SOFO, and the Students’ Association, overseeing operational workflows, project management, and administrative infrastructure.
• Develop, maintain, and enforce policies, procedures, and internal controls governing student organization finances, departmental operations, and administrative compliance.
• Translate complex University policies, regulations, and procedures into clear guidance for staff, students, and campus partners.
• Oversee administrative systems and tools (e.g., accounting platforms, reporting systems), evaluating effectiveness and recommending enhancements to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Create and maintain standard operating procedures and training documentation to ensure continuity, consistency, and risk mitigation.
• Coordinate administrative logistics for departmental initiatives, meetings, trainings, and special projects.

Human Resources Leadership & Workforce Management

• Provide direct supervision and leadership for the Finance Team, including 2 professional staff and 9+ student employees, fostering a culture of accountability, development, and service excellence.
  • Accountant I
  • Accounting Assistant IV
  • Student Accountants
• Lead recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, evaluation, and professional development for finance and administrative staff.
• Serve as the primary HR designee for Student Activities, overseeing personnel actions including job descriptions, reclassifications, hiring requests, payroll approvals, leave administration, and separations.
• Ensure compliance with University HR policies, labor regulations, and best practices in collaboration with the HR Business Partner.
• Address employee relations matters, performance concerns, and disciplinary actions with discretion, consistency, and sound judgment, in collaboration with the HR Business Partner.
• Develop and deliver training for staff and student employees related to financial processes, compliance, and customer service expectations.

Strategic Planning, Assessment & Institutional Leadership

• Conduct data-informed analysis and assessment of financial and administrative practices to support continuous improvement and informed decision-making.
• Prepare comprehensive analytical reports and recommendations for the Dean of Students and senior leadership related to operational effectiveness, fiscal sustainability, and policy development.
• Contribute to long-term strategic planning for the department by providing financial modeling, risk analysis, and operational insight.
• Serve on institutional committees, task forces, and working groups, contributing subject-matter expertise.
• Manage and lead special projects and cross-functional initiatives with significant administrative or financial complexity.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, supporting institutional priorities related to student engagement, governance, and organizational effectiveness.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree and 5 years of related experience in Business, Finance, or Operations required
• Master's degree required
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 2 years of managerial experience required
• Experience with University Financial Systems, Quickbooks, URFinancials and URGEMS or similar encumbrance systems preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally in the office environment and to interface with employers, students, alumni, faculty, and university administrators required
• Ability to embrace and drive change and to organize and effectively manage multiple priorities, programs, and projects required
• Excellent communications skills with experience in a variety of technologies required
• Strong experience leading teams and developing positive relationships, partnerships, and alliances required
• Demonstrated track record of operational effectiveness and process improvement required
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable in responding to numerous requests from internal and external sources required
• Demonstrated organizational, proofreading, and editing skills with clear attention to detail required
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel required
• Proven knowledge of budgeting, human resources, and employee development preferred
• Proficiency with standard accounting procedures preferred
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment within tight deadlines
• Previous experience supervising staff and student employees preferred

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.