University Overview
The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.
Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.
The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.
Posted Job Title
Executive Director, University Financial Policies & Processes
Job Profile Title
Executive Director A, Business and Finance
Job Description Summary
The Executive Director, University Financial Policies & Processes is a senior financial leadership role responsible for strengthening financial management and performance across the University.
Working across Penn's decentralized academic and administrative environment, the Executive Director leads University-wide efforts to improve and communicate financial policies and governance, financial training and end-user support, and financial systems and processes.
A primary focus of the role is to make it easier for University leaders and financial staff to manage resources effectively and responsibly. The Executive Director establishes and maintains clear and accessible financial policies; strengthens training and capabilities across the financial community; and works with schools, centers, the Division of Finance, ISC, and other partners to identify and implement improvements to financial processes and systems. The role also builds strong connections with the University's distributed financial community to understand needs, improve services, share effective practices, and support consistent financial stewardship across the institution.
The Executive Director partners with departments across the Division of Finance to identify opportunities for business process improvement and innovation. The role facilitates implementation of selected improvements, helping to enhance divisional efficiency, strengthen service delivery, and promote a culture of continuous improvement.
The Executive Director leads the University's long-term financial systems and process transformation strategy, working in close partnership with ISC on the modernization and eventual replacement of the University's financial ERP. The Executive Director will engage schools, centers, and the distributed financial community throughout the process to shape priorities and requirements, simplify and standardize financial processes where appropriate, and ensure institutional needs are reflected in the future solution. The role will also lead business readiness and change management efforts to build understanding, prepare the University for new ways of working, and support successful adoption.
The Executive Director will lead, manage, and develop a team responsible for financial policies and University-wide financial training, establishing clear priorities and accountability while fostering a culture of collaboration, service, and continuous…