Director of Financial Systems and Operations

POSITION DETAILS

The Director of Financial Systems and Operations - Office of Budget and Finance (OBF) ensures that the University’s financial systems operate effectively and efficiently and support the needs of OBF and all CUNY campuses. Additionally, the incumbent works closely with the Computing & Information Services (CIS) department, finance professionals at OBF, and all CUNY campuses to continually improve the financial system’s operations. Reporting to the University Director of Decision Support and Operations, the Finance and Business Affairs Director will supervise a team of professionals whose size and composition may vary depending on the office's specific needs.

In addition to the CUNY Title Overview information, other key duties include, but will not be limited to, the following:

• Oversees and manages the office’s strategic planning process; disseminates strategic goals to the team, implements goals, and establishes best practices.
• Implements moderate to significant improvements to the financial system’s business processes, systems, and functional output; oversees the implementation of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) to automate business processes and decisive chatbots for decision-making using Generative AI & Deep Learning, Graph Databases, Cloud Architecture, SaaS, and PaaS to enhance financial system operations.
• Partners closely with and leverages the accounting team for key information points, including historical reporting and data collection which may include activities related to cost accounting, margin reporting, data analysis and management reports, activity-based project costing, customer management, or report generation.
• Responsible for identifying opportunities to leverage and redesign processes, ERP transformation/conversion, tools, and technology to improve financial operations.
• Provides recommendations to leadership regarding all significant strategic and financial decisions, oversees the implementation of decisions, and analyzes data and systems to inform decision-making.
• Uses solid financial knowledge and business acumen to build financial models and analyses with little guidance to conclude and make recommendations that deliver results and drive improvements.
• Develops communication plans for administrative, operational, or technical changes and determines the timeline for disseminating communication and support.
• Establishes and maintains internal controls to ensure compliance with financial legislation, policies, and procedures.
• Directs and supervises staff in the day-to-day systems operations and leads the team in developing and deploying systems and analytics to support decision-making.
• Guides direct reports on developing operational plans and timelines for all projects and initiatives; fosters engagement, team building, and consensus across the organization through regular meetings, collaborations, mentorship initiatives, and other professional-sound methods.
  
  

Note

Until further notice, this position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

Qualifications

Minimum:

Preferred

Bachelor's Degree and eight years' related experience required.

• Degree in computer science, business administration, finance, accounting, or a related field is preferred.
• Eight (8) years of progressively responsible full-time paid information systems technology experience, including at least 12 months in an administrative or managerial capacity in systems operations, accounting/financials, information systems development, or a closely related area. Equivalent experience in related fields may be considered.
• Experience implementing and managing financial systems, including but not limited to cash management, accounts receivable and payable, budgeting, and grants management within a higher education institution.
• Experience with ERP software, such as PeopleSoft, Workday, NetSuite, or SAP, is strongly preferred. The candidate should also leverage emerging technologies—such as Generative AI, Deep Learning, Graph Databases, Cloud Architecture, RPA, and SaaS/PaaS—to enhance financial system operations.
• Knowledge of financial data and systems integration with a solid working knowledge of bank integrations, payment processing, and compliance with financial regulations (e.g., 1099 processing, Federal Work Study Billing, Financial Aid, and Student Refund processing).
• Strong interpersonal skills, analytical skills, service orientation, active listening, critical thinking, attention to detail, effective communication skills, sound judgment, and decision-making.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to establish plans, manage a large workload and multiple assignments with conflicting priorities, and meet deadlines in a time-sensitive and customer-responsive office.
• Ability to effectively interact with diverse groups of stakeholders that may have divergent objectives.
  
  

Cuny Title Overview

Directs financial and administrative operations of a College or major program.

• Oversees financial resources in a fiscally responsible manner and complies with various legal regulations and University policies
• Develops financial forecasting models to support strategic planning aligned with goals and initiatives
• Recommends and implements strategic college-wide policies to ensure financial compliance is maintained
• Oversees business analyses, budget projections, allocations, financial statements, and statistical reports
• Develops and manages relationships in regard to fiduciary responsibilities with external institutions, including government agencies, corporations, and funding entities
• Performs related duties as assigned.
  
  

CUNY TITLE

Higher Education Officer

FLSA

Exempt

Compensation And Benefits

The salary range is $129,310 - $141,858 , commensurate with education, credentials, and experience.

CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.

How To Apply

For full consideration, submit a cover letter and resume online via CUNY's web-based job system, addressing how your experience and credentials meet the responsibilities and qualifications outlined.

The direct link to the job opening from external sources is:

https://hrsa.cunyfirst.cuny.edu/psc/erecruit/EMPLOYEE/HRMSCG/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=29755&PostingSeq=1

Current CUNY employees must apply through CUNYfirst Employee Self Service using their login credentials. After you login, click the Careers tile on the Employee Self Service Menu page to view job openings

CLOSING DATE

February 27, 2025.

JOB SEARCH CATEGORY

CUNY Job Posting: Managerial/Professional

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.

Job ID

29755

Location

Central Office