The Finance and Business Services Manager is a key contributor on the finance and business administration team for the Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR). This position supports the day-to-day operations of both DAR’s Finance & Business Services and Talent Management teams, ensuring all DAR financial and Human Capital Management (HCM) transactions are processed and reviewed in a timely, accurate manner and in line with all applicable Vanderbilt policies. As a Financial Unit Manager (FUM), this position will assist with reviewing all DAR purchasing and taking the lead on some larger purchases. As HCM Specialist, this position will assist with the hiring process transactions, costing and payroll, end of employment and other HR transactions, and serves as a resource for time and absence reporting. The role requires excellent customer skills as well as a deep understanding of institutional and departmental polices, often providing general guidance for staff and acting as DAR’s content and systems expert for both financial and HCM transactions in Oracle, the institution’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) software.
About the Work Unit:The Department of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) assists Vanderbilt University in securing the resources, both human and financial, that are required to achieve its mission and goals. The Department is responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individuals and organizations whose charitable objectives are consistent with those of Vanderbilt University’s teaching and research programs. You can visit our website for more information: https://www.vanderbilt.edu/dar/
Key Functions and Expected Performance:Financial Unit Manager (approximately 70%)
Supports DAR’s Finance and Business Services team by reviewing and approving all financial transactions for DAR (including purchase orders (POs), credit card transactions, and intracompany charges), confirming all chart of accounts costing aligns with designated programming budgets. Coordinates with central procurement to assure departmental contracts are handled appropriately and according to university policies. Ensures all financial transactions comply with institutional policies. Uses excellent professional judgment and integrity to evaluate the appropriateness of expenditures and address questionable transactions. Participates in periodic budget vs. actual review as well as forecasting and budgeting activities. Prepares recurring reports to assist in monitoring departmental activity and compliance, including monitoring and resolving status issues with POs and invoices. Maintains an extensive understanding of the university’s chart of accounts, institutional and departmental financial policies and regularly participates in university and departmental training opportunities. Serves as backup for departmental purchasing and corporate card transactions as needed and serves as point for certain larger departmental purchases and in accordance with university and departmental policies.Human Capital Management Specialist (approximately 30%)
Support DAR’s Talent Management team by entering all Oracle transactions for hires, costing, assignment updates, cost allocation changes, timesheet corrections, payroll, assignment changes, and other HCM actions. Maintains an extensive understanding of Oracle HCM processes, actively participates in ongoing training, and helps identify department process improvements related to HCM transactions. Approaches questions and concerns from staff with urgency; ensures that inquiries are handled quickly, and resolution is communicated timely. When needed, identifies more complex situations that require the involvement of others. Maintains an awareness of HR deadlines and related employee impact. Routinely audits employment data to ensure the system is correct and up to date. Exhibits absolute discretion with highly sensitive and confidential HR and payroll information. Work EnvironmentThis position is hybrid and is located in Nashville TN.
Supervisory Relationships:This position does not have supervisory responsibility; this position will have a dual reporting relationships, reporting administratively and functionally to both the Associate Director of Finance and Business Services and the Senior Director of Talent Management.
Education and Certifications: Bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, is necessary. Experience and Skills: Two years of relevant experience, or the equivalent, is necessary Finance and/or accounting experience is preferred Ability to effectively understand and communicate university and departmental policies and procedures. Knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, and cost control procedures Ability to analyze and interpret financial data and prepare financial reports, statements and/or projections Proficiency in Microsoft Office software tools Exceptional interpersonal and customer service skills with the ability to interact and maintain connections with individuals across the university and externally Superior time management skills with the ability to manage multiple, complex projects efficiently and effectively with quick turn-around Excellent oral and written communication skills Strong proofreading and editing skills with precise attention to detail Ability to exercise good judgment and professional integrity in the handling of confidential information Ability to work independently, take initiative, manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adapt to ever changing priorities are essential Experience in higher education is preferred Experience with Oracle ERP is preferred Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and InclusionAt Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.
Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.