Job No. 159579
- Job Title:
- Financial Senior Manager
- Employer:
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University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
- Location:
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Ann Arbor , MI
- Posting Date:
- 14-Sep-2026
- Description:
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Job Summary
The Financial Senior Manager oversees day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger activity, reconciliations, journal entries, accruals, financial reporting, transaction review, and period-end close activities across multiple funding sources. The role ensures the accurate analysis and allocation of university utility costs, develops transparent and equitable utility and recharge-rate methodologies, and conducts rate studies based on operating costs, consumption, reserves, and capital needs. This position supervises and develops accounting and budget staff, strengthens internal controls, manages financial risks, and leads improvements to systems, billing, reporting, and data quality.
Serving as a trusted financial advisor to Facilities and Operations (F&O) partners, the Financial Senior Manager provides oversight / guidance for budget, capital-planning, rate-development, monthly financial reporting, analyzing trends and variances; resolves complex issues; and translates financial information into clear recommendations. The role also collaborates with F&O leadership on strategic planning, decision-making, and special projects while promoting accountability, service, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Responsibilities*
Accounting
Lead day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger activity, journal entries, reconciliations, accruals, and financial reporting.
Review financial transactions for accuracy, appropriate documentation, funding availability, and compliance with university policies.
Coordinate monthly, quarterly, and fiscal year-end closing activities.
Oversee accounting for multiple funding sources, which may include reserves, general funds, gifts, endowments, sponsored projects, auxiliary operations, plant and designated funds.
Monitor internal controls, identify financial risks, and recommend corrective actions or process improvements.
Lead or assign work to accounting staff; provide training, feedback, and technical guidance.
Utility Rates and Cost Allocation
Ensures accurate recording, analysis, and allocation of utility costs - including electricity, natural gas, water, sewer, steam, and GEO exchange - across university units and facilities.
Develop, review, and document methodologies for internal utility rates, recharge rates, and cost allocations.
Ensure rates are equitable, transparent, consistently applied, and supported by appropriate cost data.
Leadership and Collaboration
Supervise, train, and develop accounting and budget staff, as assigned.
Translate complex utility and accounting information into clear recommendations for financial and nonfinancial audiences.
Lead cross-functional initiatives to improve financial systems, billing processes, reporting tools, and data quality.
Promote a culture of accountability, service, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Budget Support & Consultation
Offer expert guidance to financial partners across F&O on a wide spectrum of budget-related matters, including annual and monthly budgeting for Auxiliary and General Funds, capital planning, rate development, and cost containment strategies.
Serve as a trusted advisor, providing consultation and resolution for complex budget issues.
Ensure the preparation and presentation of comprehensive monthly financial reporting to F&O partners, ensuring clarity and strategic foresight.
Advise the Budget team on the analyses of monthly financial results and budget variances, focusing on identifying trends, generating insights, and providing detailed explanations
Strategic Financial Leadership
Collaborate with financial leadership across F&O to analyze potential strategies, make informed decisions on significant matters without immediate direction, and contribute to ongoing financial planning efforts.
Assist with various special projects and undertake additional responsibilities as assigned by the Associate Director, demonstrating flexibility and a commitment to organizational goals.
Required Qualifications*
Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field.
Minimum 8 years experience in accounting, budgeting, financial analysis, or controllership.
Demonstrated knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and financial reporting.
Experience developing budgets, forecasts, financial models, and variance analyses.
Experience establishing or evaluating internal controls and business processes.
Proficiency with enterprise financial systems, spreadsheet applications, and financial reporting tools.
Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a complex organization.
Demonstrated experience leading, developing, and managing a high-performing team.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with technical, operational, and financial professionals.
Desired Qualifications*
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential.
Experience working in a higher education environment.
Advanced proficiency with financial analysis and enterprise systems, particularly BusinessObjects, BPC/Oracle, M-Pathways, AiM and Energy Billing System (EBS).
- Contact information:
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
- Ann Arbor, MI 48109
- United States
- Employer's Website:
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