• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $240,000 - $268,000

Position Summary

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) reports directly to the Dean of the Columbia Climate School (CCS) and provides strategic and operational leadership over all financial functions. This role is responsible for ensuring the School’s economic health, compliance, and long-term sustainability, while supporting its academic, research, and impact priorities.

The CFO oversees all aspects of budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, controls, contract execution, and compliance with University and external regulations. The CFO partners closely with the Climate School’s centers, institutes, and Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO), and serves as the primary advisor to the Dean on financial matters. This role is crucial in driving financial strategy, aligning resources with institutional priorities, and ensuring transparency and accountability across all units.

Responsibilities

Financial Strategy and Leadership 

• Serve as principal financial advisor to the Dean and leadership team.
• Lead and manage the Climate School Budget and Finance Office.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of:
  - Annual operating budget
  - Five-Year Cash Forecast
  - Five-Year Capital Budget
• Forecast financial trends and conduct scenario planning to inform strategic decision-making.
• Develop internal financial reports and dashboards for senior management.
• Design strategies for cost-efficiency, synergy, and improved financial management.

Cross-School Coordination and Partnership 

• Collaborate with Lamont, centers, institutes, and units on financial planning, analyses, and reconciliation.
• Attend routine finance and status meetings across units to monitor performance and address emerging issues.
• Coordinate the preparation and monitoring of unit-level budgets and ensure alignment with School-wide financial goals.
• Issue regular financial and operational reports that include variance analysis, explanations, and corrective action plans.
• Manage dotted line reports from/to units with financial responsibilities.

Research Team and Development Unit Support 

• Work in partnership with the Office of Research to ensure compliance with grant budgeting policies, cost recovery, and research financial management practices.
• Collaborate with the Office of Development to support philanthropic budgeting and financial stewardship practices.
• Maintain financial schedules for faculty commitments and hiring.

Operations, Compliance, and Contract Oversight

• Ensure adherence to University policies, internal controls, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Manage financial contracts in coordination with relevant units and offices.
• Support business process improvement and policy development across financial functions.

Staff Management and Capacity Building 

• Hire, develop, and mentor a high-performing finance team.
• Design and implement strategies for the team that foster inclusion, connection, and engagement.
• Conduct performance appraisals, recommend promotions, and build team capacity aligned with School priorities.
• Serve as an educator and resource to staff, faculty, and researchers on financial matters.
• Foster a culture of financial accountability and continuous improvement.

Other Duties 

• Other related responsibilities as assigned by the Dean.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; preferably in business, finance, accounting, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of finance experience in a complex organization.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management experience.
• Deep knowledge of financial concepts, budgeting, fund accounting, and financial information systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• A master’s degree (e.g., MBA, MPA, MS in Finance) is highly desirable.
• Experience working within an academic, research, or mission-driven financial setting.

Other Requirements

• Conduct quantitative, financial, and variance analyses as well as financial modeling.
• Demonstrate attention to detail with excellent spreadsheet and analytical capabilities.
• Use financial systems software proficiently; familiarity with AI tools for forecasting, automation, and analytics to enhance operational efficiency is a plus.
• Communicate complex financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders, including faculty and institutional leaders.
• Lead, mentor, and manage teams effectively.
• Exhibit intellectual curiosity and a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset.
• Balance autonomous decision-making with collaborative engagement.
• Manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Design and implement financial procedures, workflows, and reporting tools for senior management.
• Deliver high-quality, customer-focused service with a commitment to excellence.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.