• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building: Interchucrh
• Salary Range: $85,000 - $95,000

Position Summary

The Finance Operations Manager, A&S Core serves as a partner to departmental and center leadership and administrative staff. For assigned areas, the role coordinates with unit leadership to execute and approve defined financial, procurement, and budget transactions, and serves as a subject-matter resource on policy interpretation, financial best practices, and issue resolution.

Financial Operations & Year-End Closing

Provide transaction approval, compliance oversight, and year-end close coordination to reduce administrative burden on local units.

• Serve as a liaison between the EVP Finance Office and supported departments, centers, and institutes, acting as a dedicated point of contact for financial guidance, policy interpretation, and issue resolution.
• Review and approve financial transactions of up to $30,000 including vouchers, requisitions, change orders, and cash deposits for units within the assigned portfolio.
• Partner with Administrative and Financial Assistants in supported units to ensure transactions are prepared accurately, supported by appropriate documentation, and processed promptly.
• Serve as the designated approver for Purchasing Card (P-Card) transactions for assigned units, ensuring compliance with University and A&S policies.
• Act as the Initial Reviewer in the University’s reimbursement system (Concur) for departments, centers, and institutes within the portfolio.
• Collaborate closely with unit-based preparer delegates to promote consistent financial practices, address issues proactively, and support effective transaction processing.
• Coordinate with unit leadership and execute fiscal year-end close activities, including review, reconciliation, and resolution of outstanding items.

Procurement Operations

Deliver procurement guidance and coordination while ensuring policy compliance and efficient purchasing workflows.

• Serve as a liaison between supported departments, centers, and institutes and the University’s central purchasing and procurement offices, guiding purchasing policies, approval requirements, and issue resolution.
• Support vendor onboarding and maintenance, including review and coordination of vendor setup requests to ensure compliance with university requirements and timely processing.
• Advise departmental staff on appropriate procurement methods, contract routing, and purchasing workflows to promote efficient, compliant purchasing practices across the portfolio.

Budget Operations

Provide budget execution, reporting, and analysis to support informed financial decision-making by unit leadership.

• Enter and approve budget updates in the University budget tool based on approved materials and guidance provided by unit leadership.
• Prepare, review, and distribute the Consolidated Operations Budget (COB) and other financial reports for unit leadership to support budget reconciliation, validation, and ongoing financial oversight.
• Assist units with variance analysis by reviewing actuals against approved budgets, identifying discrepancies, and supporting resolution in collaboration with departmental leadership.
• Support quarterly and fiscal year-end budget reviews and close processes for assigned units, including monitoring commitments, clearing deficits, and ensuring timely and accurate reporting.
• Coordinate with unit leadership to support forecasting and budget planning activities throughout the fiscal year.
• Serve as a resource to units on budget structure, financial reporting, and University budgeting policies and timelines.
• Escalate budget issues, risks, or policy questions to the EVP Finance Office as appropriate, and support follow-up and resolution.

Reporting and Reconciliations

Ensure oversight of reporting and reconciliations to identify issues early, implement corrections, and maintain compliance with University policies.

• Generate and distribute monthly financial reports for assigned departments, centers, and institutes to support reconciliation and financial review by unit leadership.
• Collaborate with unit leadership to identify and confirm required expense corrections and accounting adjustments.
• Review and approve Interdepartmental Transfers (ITFs) and Journal Vouchers to implement approved corrections in accordance with University policies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent related experience required.
• 3-5 years of related experience.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent related experience.
• 3-5 years of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of PeopleSoft or similar enterprise software and relational databases.
• Experience in higher education.
• Proven ability to problem-solve.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Other Requirements

• Experience in budget and financial reporting.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Attention to detail, critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to exercise professionalism, diplomacy, discretion, firmness, and collaboration in dealing with individuals at all levels.
• Strong multi-tasking, prioritization, and organization skills. Ability to manage well and set priorities in an interactive team environment.
• Self-starter, a fast learner who can work independently under limited supervision.
• Excellent computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio) and Google Drive. 
• Capacity to quickly acquire a detailed knowledge of university policies, procedures, and systems.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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