Associate Director of Business Systems

Associate Director of Business Systems
University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)

Hiring Department: Office of Budget and Financial Analysis (BFA)
Location: University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)
Requisition ID: 1028328
Salary Range: $105,000-$120,000, commensurate with experience

***Please Note: All postings close at 5:00pm CST on the posting close date.***

About University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)

UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent Best Colleges rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

Position Overview:

The Associate Director of Business Systems will play a strategic role in transforming UIC's financial planning and analysis (FP&A) capabilities by selecting, implementing, and maintaining advanced financial systems. This role will not only support day-to-day operations but also enable data-driven decision-making that aligns with UIC’s long-term financial goals. Reporting to the Director, Budget Model, Tuition & Data Analytics, this position will be responsible for the technical implementation, maintenance, and support of these systems. The ideal candidate will have strong technical skills, significant experience with financial planning and analysis systems, and the ability to work independently as well as collaborate effectively with various stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

Software Implementation & Financial Modeling:

• Lead strategic financial planning initiatives to ensure the financial systems are adaptable to the evolving needs of the university and drive innovation in financial modeling.
• Assist in the implementation of a new financial planning & analysis software package (e.g Anaplan, OneStream, Axiom, etc.) along with external consultants.
• Serve as the lead technical expert on the new financial planning & analysis software, working with subject matter experts to build out modules supporting a variety of university processes.
• Work with UIC and System (AITS) IT personnel to ensure seamless integration of financial planning software with other university systems.
• Collaborate with the Director, Budget Model, Tuition & Data Analytics to develop and execute project plans.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Act as a strategic partner with leadership and stakeholders across UIC to align financial system implementation with the institution’s overarching financial strategies and goals.
• Work closely with the Director, BFA staff, key stakeholders and other IT departments to ensure alignment of business and technical requirements.
• Communicate technical concepts and solutions to non-technical stakeholders effectively.
• Participate in meetings and provide updates on system status and project progress.

Technical Support and Maintenance:

• Perform regular maintenance, updates, and troubleshooting to keep software and databases current and functional.
• Manage the testing and rollout of new modules and features.
• Monitor system performance and resolve any technical issues promptly.
• Create and maintain technical documentation for internally managed software and databases.

User Training and Support:

• Provide leadership in training and support, empowering users across departments to leverage financial systems for insightful analysis and better financial planning.
• Provide ongoing support to users, addressing questions and issues.
• Create and maintain user documentation and training materials.

Other:

• Assist in maintaining existing tools, databases, and technical infrastructure.
• May supervise Senior Coordinators and others to support a variety of technical needs across the unit.
• Manage university and external data in these systems following university data governance, compliance, privacy, and security protocols.
• Perform other related duties as appropriate for an Associate Director.

Required Job Knowledge & Skills, Education, Experience

1. Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Business Analytics, Computer Science, Data Science or a related field.
2. Strong understanding of FP&A concepts and processes, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
3. Five years of experience working with business systems used for financial analysis, modeling, reporting, budgeting, and/or accounting, preferably in a large and complex University or not-for-profit setting.
4. Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision, demonstrating initiative in identifying areas for improvement and proposing actionable solutions.
5. In-depth expertise in financial modeling, scripting languages (e.g. VBA), as well as strong experience in SQL query writing.
6. Strong analytical skills for understanding complex business requirements and translating them into technology solutions.
7. Excellent written and verbal communication skills to interact with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
8. Proven ability to build strong collaborative relationships and work effectively across diverse teams, departments, and levels within the organization.
9. Ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner to senior leadership.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Master’s degree in Information Systems, Business Analytics, Computer Science, Data Science or a related field.
2. Prior experience with MS Access database development and maintenance.
3. Prior experience with large scale software implementation projects.
4. Knowledge of the University of Illinois at Chicago, SCT Banner finance module, SAP Business Objects, EDDIE, and other related campus-based business / finance systems.

The budgeted salary range for this position is $105,000-$120,000. Final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints.

For fullest consideration, please submit a complete application, supplemental resume and cover letter by December 6, 2024.

Direct Link to Apply: uic.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/12471?c=uic

Internal Employees: Go to jobs.uic.edu Click on Employee Login and log in with NetID and Password. Search for Associate Director of Business Systems or Requisition ID 1028328

The University of Illinois at Chicago is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or status as an individual with a disability.

The University of Illinois may conduct background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit www.hr.uillinois.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=4292&pageId=1411899