Wayne State University Hiring for Finance and Operations Manager, University Press Job at Detroit, MI Full Time

JOB PURPOSE

The Finance and Operations Manager directs and is responsible for all aspects of the Press’ financial operations, including the development and preparation of the annual budget and the management of all business and fulfillment operations. This position provides financial information and guidance to the Press Director, Press department managers, and all staff in matters relating to the budget, monthly financial reporting and analysis, sales reporting and analysis, and fulfillment activities. The duties of this position require extensive knowledge of university press publishing practices and policies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Develop and monitor the annual sales and expense budget for the Press. Review actual sales and expenses vs. budget and report monthly variances to the Director and Press department managers.

Oversee the day-to-day financial activities of the Press. Train, supervise, and evaluate direct reports. Maintain internal control systems to assure integrity of financial transactions to prevent errors, omissions and possible fraudulent activity.

Provide monthly financial reporting to assist management in their planning and decision-making. Analyze and report monthly sales and expense trends, prepare ad hoc reports for management, and confirm optimal use of available resources.

Assist in the preparation of individual title P&L’s. Perform annual analysis of frontlist-backlist sales, channel sales, series and subject area sales.

Attend AUPresses Financial Officer’s Meetings to confirm that the Press is adhering to best practices. Submit Press data for the Quarterly Sales and Returns Survey, and the Annual Financial Operations Survey. Report on Press activity as compared to AUPresses survey results.

This position serves as the primary liaison between the Press, Deputy Chief of Staff, and the Office of the University Controller.

Oversee and audit annual inventory process. Assure unit compliance with University policies and procedures and those of sponsoring agencies.

Serve as a member of the management team and provide input into various publishing decisions at the managers’ and books meetings. Participate in long- and short-term planning and strategic planning.

Read and interpret all publishing contracts as they pertain to royalties, rights, and permissions and apply those terms accordingly.

Manage book inventory levels and identify titles that should be declared out of print. Calculate and record cost of gratis copies, cost of goods for the period, as well as finished goods and works in process inventory for the period.

Manage and review the procurement or purchasing processes for the entire unit.

Review and authorize all invoices for payment.

Act as liaison to Budget Office, Purchasing and Disbursements. Use expanded signature authority as needed and allowed in the areas of Finance and Business Operations, Budget and Planning, Disbursements, Payroll, Purchasing, and Facilities Management.

Manage the author royalty reporting and payment process. Confirm that annual royalty statements and payments adhere to author contracts.

Assist in the preparation of grant proposals. Manage the financial component of all grants, both pre- and post-award. Prepare annual Data Arts report.

Unique Duties

Qualifications

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in business administration, accounting, finance or business-related discipline. Advanced degree in Business Management preferred.

EXPERIENCE

Minimum of five years of financial, budget and supervisory experience, preferably in higher education or a large/complex organization. Minimum of five years of experience in managing a variety of business functions preferred. Experience should include management work relating to contracts and agreements, facilities, sales and marketing, inventory management and accounting, and technology. Experience working in a non-profit organization is highly preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

BUSINESS ACUMEN:

Possess an understanding of administrative systems, preferably in a higher education environment. Demonstrates a high level of understanding of School/College/Division business operations or possesses the equivalent professional experience in supporting the business operations of an equivalent size in a non-university organization such as non-profit, corporate or government. Possesses keen business judgment and insight. Demonstrates broad knowledge and perspective and is future oriented.

ANALYTICAL SKILLS:

Demonstrates the ability to apply analytical and logical thinking to gathering and analyzing information. Makes valid and reliable evaluation of information. Proposes and evaluates alternative solutions to achieve organizational goals. Capable of analyzing large volume of data and summarizing results.

PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS:

Analyzes the impact of potential actions. Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner. Anticipates the implications and consequences of situations and takes appropriate action to be prepared for possible contingencies.

LEADERSHIP SKILLS:

Provides leadership and training to responsible area(s) regarding financial, budgetary, and administrative matters. Demonstrates strong leadership skills that can influence and motivate individuals and groups to achieve results.

ORGANIZATIONAL AGILITY:

Demonstrates the use of strategic and mission critical approaches in decision making. Knows how to get things done both through formal channels and the informal networks. Demonstrates the ability to work effectively with Dean/Unit Head to establish and accomplish the mission, strategic plans, goals and objectives of the unit.

PLANNING/PROJECT MANAGEMENT:

Ability to shift priorities and multi-task on various projects. Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals. Accurately scopes out length and difficulty of tasks and projects. Realistically estimates time and resource requirements on projects.

CUSTOMER FOCUS:

Dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers. Establishes and maintains effective relationships with customers and gains their trust and respect. Proactively identifies customer issues and quickly and effectively resolves customer problems.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS:

Expresses oneself clearly in conversations and interactions with others. Expresses oneself clearly and concisely in writing. Demonstrates the ability to plan and deliver oral and written communications that are impactful and persuasive including presentations to university management and committee.

Preferred Qualifications

Testing Requirements

Not Applicable

Test Scheduling

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Category

Professional/Administration & Supervisory/Management

Fiscal Year of Job Open Date

2022

Job Open Date
(When job is posted in the system)

06-17-2022

Job Close Date
(or until suitable candidate is found)

Until Suitable Candidate is Found

Is this position reposted?

No

Reposting Reason:

None (New Posting)

Background Check Requirements

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting to work. If you are offered employment, the University will inform you if a background check is required.