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A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Job Summary

The Resource Planning and Management unit in the College of Engineering seeks a highly skilled and experienced Finance Continuous Improvement Specialist, who will support the Director of Budget and Financial Operations, to join our team. This individual will be critical to spearheading efforts to enhance and streamline our financial and budget processes, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness.  This individual will analyze and measure the effectiveness of existing financial business processes, develop sustainable, repeatable, and quantifiable improvements, ensure comprehensive process documentation, oversee website updates, and ensure accurate reporting through effective data visualization. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in one or more areas, such as bench-marking, business process analysis and process improvement, change management and measurement, and process-driven systems requirements.

Resource Planning and Management (RPM) provides administrative support services for financial planning and management, human resources, research administration, and facilities planning and management for the College of Engineering. As the main administrative unit of the College, RPM reports directly to the Dean and works closely with CoE's academic leaders to sustain and advance the academic mission of the College.

Who We Are

Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people-first future. As part of a top national public research institution, Michigan Engineering's mission is to provide scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world, develop intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, create collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promote an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.

Responsibilities*Lead efforts to improve financial processes while continuously maintaining and analyzing existing financial and budget operations for effectiveness and efficiencyDevelop sustainable, repeatable, and quantifiable business process improvementsResearch best business practices within and outside the organization to establish benchmark data to guide process improvement initiativesCollect and analyze process data to initiate and develop business practices that reduce risk, increase productivity, and reduce costIntegrate new technologies into existing and new processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness, including AISolve complex problems and take a broad perspective to identify innovative solutionsEstablish key performance metrics and track them to measure and drive improvementDevelopment and implementation of standards and procedures to ensure high-quality financial processes and operational outcomesOversee financial projects, ensuring they meet deliverablesCoordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful project implementationManage the annual internal controls program for the College of Engineering (CoE)Ensure that all financial processes adhere to college and university policiesRegularly review and update processes to comply with changing regulations and best practicesPartner with CoE units to ensure robust compliance Develop and sustain comprehensive documentation for all financial processesServe as the lead liaison for assigned areas and communicate effectively with CoE unitsLead and manage a community of practice focused on financial processes to encourage knowledge-sharing and best practicesOrganize workshops, webinars, and training sessions for community membersBuild strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate financial process improvementsCommunicate complex financial information clearly and effectively to diverse audiencesOversee and update the CoE finance websites and communication platformsAct as the liaison for dashboards to ensure accurate reporting and effective data visualizationPerform other duties as requestedRequired Qualifications*A bachelor's degree in business administration, or a related field is often preferredMinimum of 7+ years of progressive responsibility in operational management, project management, or process optimization, or related areasDemonstrated ability to identify inefficiencies and implement innovative solutions to optimize processesExperience in leading projects from initiation to completion, ensuring milestones and deliverables are met on time and within budgetExpertise in building and maintaining solid relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including faculty, staff, and external partnersExcellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information to financial and non-financial audiencesStrong analytical skills with the ability to collect, analyze, and interpret process data.Experience with bench-marking and applying best practices across various business processesExceptional problem-solving skills with the ability to find innovative solutions to complex problemsDemonstrated ability to handle sensitive employee and business information with utmost confidentialityAbility to multitask, meet pressing deadlines, and anticipate needs. Highly proactive, with a high sense of accountability for work tasks, and adaptabilityAbility to manage time effectively with a high degree of accuracy. Highly detail-oriented and able to work in a fast-paced environmentAbility to work independently and in a team environmentExcellent computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite programs, i.e., Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and utilizing Google tools, i.e., sheets, forms, etc.Desired Qualifications*Knowledge of university financial policies and practicesIn-depth understanding of how new information technologies can support business process re-engineering, including leveraging AIModes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.