Posting Summary:

The Budget Administrator is a multifaceted role focused on managing the financial aspects of both the operational budget and the externally funded projects associated with the Gordon Institute at Teachers College, Columbia University. This role encompasses the development, monitoring, reporting, and forecasting of budgets, as well as expense tracking, payment processing, and personnel requisition management. The successful candidate will ensure that financial processes comply with TC policies and align with the Institute's strategic goals. Strong understanding of grant management, financial analysis, and compliance requirements, combined with excellent communication and organizational skills required.

Job Summary/Basic Function:

BASIC FUNCTION: The Budget Administrator is a multifaceted role focused on managing the financial aspects of both the operational budget and the externally funded projects associated with the Gordon Institute at Teachers College, Columbia University. This role encompasses the development, monitoring, reporting, and forecasting of budgets, as well as expense tracking, payment processing, and personnel requisition management. The successful candidate will ensure that financial processes comply with TC policies and align with the Institute's strategic goals. Strong understanding of grant management, financial analysis, and compliance requirements, combined with excellent communication and organizational skills required.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Operational Budget (25%)

• Budget Development and Management: Assist the Sr. Manager, Strategy & Operations with developing, analyzing and evaluating the operational budget, ensuring accurate allocation of resources for salaries, materials, equipment, and other expenses. Provide quarterly forecasts of the operational budget and collaborate with the Sr. Manager, Strategy & Operations to adjust forecasts as necessary.
• Budget Monitoring & Control: Track program expenditures, monitor variances, and implement cost-saving measures as needed.
• Budget Reporting: Prepare regular budget reports, including variance analyses and financial summaries, for program leads, stakeholders, and funders.

External Funding (35%)

• Financial Administration: Assist the Principal Investigator (PI) in the development of the budget for external grants ensuring alignment with institute’s goals and financial constraints.
• Grant Reconciliation: Reconcile grant expenditures with budget allocations and funding agency guidelines.
• Financial Reporting: Prepare and submit monthly financial reports to funders and stakeholders.
• Compliance: Ensure program activities and financial management adhere to all applicable regulations and standards. Provide quarterly forecasts of the grants to the PIs and collaborate with them in the adjustment of said forecasts.

Vendor and Payment Management (20%)

• Oversee end-to-end onboarding and payment processing, (i.e., check requests, reimbursements, honoraria, contractor payments, etc.)

Administrative Support (20%)

• Initiate and manage hiring of institute staff and students. Utilizing Collegewide systems, monitor timesheet approvals, and ensure accurate and timely payment.
• Oversee Federal Work-Study Allocations for the Institute.
• Serve as liaison to TC’s budget offices (grants, budgets, payroll, HR/HRIS, Purchasing, DAA, OFA, etc.) to resolve issues and ensure the processing and payment of new-hire/appointment, reappointment, termination, and other related transactions.
• Grant Documentation: Manage and maintain grant documentation, ensuring compliance with audit requirements and grantor guidelines.
• Record Keeping: Maintain organized records of grant applications, awards, and related documentation.
• Communication & Collaboration: Communicate with program staff, funders, and internal stakeholders to ensure effective grant management and budget implementation.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or related field.
• At least 3-5 years of demonstrated experience in financial analysis and/or budget management.
• Strong Financial Management Skills; Expertise in budgeting, financial analysis, and accounting principles.
• Ability to analyze financial data, identify trends, and make recommendations for improved program performance and budget management.
• Organized and detail-oriented; Ability to develop and maintain an accurate record-keeping system, and manage multiple priorities efficiently.
• Proficient skills in Excel and budget management tools.
• Effective Communicator; Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex financial data clearly, flag and escalate potential budgetary risks, and provide clear financial reports and recommendations.
• Collaboration & Independence; Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Banner, Unimarket, Chrome River, EPAF, is preferred.

Salary Range:

66,000-75,000

Work Modality:

Hybrid

Competitive Compensation and Benefits

The salary range reflects the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation for the position at the time of the job posting.  Salary decisions are dependent on several factors including but not limited to market and organizational considerations, experience, and qualifications of a selected candidate as well as internal and external equity.

Our benefits contribute significantly to the total compensation package that includes medical, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance plans; flexible and hybrid work schedules; tuition remission; life insurance; short and long-term disability insurance; an exceptional employer retirement matching program; health savings accounts (HSA), flexible spending accounts (FSA), Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility, and a robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

If you would like to request any disability-related accommodations to complete the job application or to participate in the interview process, please email:oasid@tc.columbia.edu.

Hybrid/Remote

Teachers College maintains a hybrid work environment, which provides employees with flexible work arrangements while ensuring we preserve the important aspects of our unique in-person college-campus culture. Depending on role and business needs, colleagues will either work onsite or in a hybrid model (a combination of in-office and virtual days). Employees are expected to live within a 150-mile radius of the College.  

We will consider qualified candidates that reside beyond this radius based on the responsibilities and duties expected of the position.  All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.