New

Manager - Financial Operations

Columbia University
United States, New York, New York
Feb 04, 2026
Job Type: Officer of Administration Bargaining Unit: Regular/Temporary: Regular End Date if Temporary: Hours Per Week: 35 Standard Work Schedule: Building: Salary Range: 80,000-95,000 The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. Position Summary Reporting to the LDEO Director of Finance and Administration, the Manager, Financial Operations will contribute to the management of wide-ranging internal and external functions in support of the research analysis and planning of coordinated science strategy with the funding, facility needs and hiring plans of the LDEO. These would be coordinated with the Observatory's Scientific, Finance and Administration, and Facilities leadership. This includes providing key inputs to the management of various projects of significance to the Observatory, with variable scopes, complexity and risk. The candidate will oversee financial management services supporting Principal Investigators (PIs)and the Observatory leadership and assist in communicating project plans to all stakeholders. Other responsibilities will include tracking compliance requirements, budget items, financial reporting, implementing workflows which streamline operations, as well as creating templates for reporting functions. Responsibilities Financial Management: The Manager, Financial Operations oversees all accounting and financial activities for the Directorate. Responsibilities include preparing monthly reconciliations, analyzing overdrafts, processing journal entries, and managing quarterly and year-end close procedures. The role supports the annual budget process through system entries and analysis of budget changes, and develops and maintains financial databases to model campus-wide revenue and expense projections for Directors and PIs. This position supervises salary distributions, cost transfers, and payroll suspense accounts, and analyzes operational and financial data to identify risks, opportunities, and improvement areas. The Manager coordinates analytical data across science, philanthropy, finance, administration, and infrastructure to recommend enhancements, and collaborates with internal and external partners to define business and systems requirements that support new or revised programs. The role also develops project schedules and milestones aligned with objectives and timelines. Additional duties include drafting analytical reports on LDEO research management, compliance issues, and operational trends; gathering required input from associate directors and staff; tracking progress; and independently managing multiple deadline-driven projects. The Manager conducts data-driven analyses of LDEO operations and participates in special studies to inform future organizational and financial strategies, including reviews of cost reimbursement centers, staffing models, hiring impacts, and the Lamont Research Professor program. The role provides proactive customer service by resolving accounting discrepancies and initiating corrective actions with campus partners. Responsibilities also include developing financial models and projections to support strategic planning, supporting monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes (including payroll, endowment, gifts, and capital projects), and ensuring compliance with University and federal requirements, including Uniform Guidance. Manager provides cross-coverage for post-award functions during peak periods. Communication Responsibilities: The Manager, Financial Operations, in conjunction with the LDEO Director of Finance and Administration, will develop key metrics and reports to be used in communication with Observatory leadership and other stakeholders. Incumbent will be responsible for writing, editing, and compiling reports and for representing LDEO Director's Office to internal and external constituents. Incumbent will assist in the preparation of presentations for senior level audiences including the Director and Deputy, LDEO Executive Committee, Associate Directors Council, and other internal and external audiences as needed. Other duties: As assigned by the LDEO Director of Finance and Administration. These assignments will include analysis of variables, which the Director may consider in relationships with various LRPs, DEES, Climate School and others. The candidate will also contribute assistance to scientific programs on an as needed basis, to provide data handling support and analytical projects when Principal Investigators are developing proposals. These duties will be done in a highly independent manner with guidance and counsel from the LDEO Director of Finance and Administration. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree and or equivalent combination of education and experience. Minimum of 3 years of related experience or its equivalent required. Advanced degree preferred. Strong organizational skills, excellent written and oral communication skills, including excellent attention to detail and proofreading. Demonstrated ability to manage projects independently, to work collaboratively as a member of a team and to lead on project specific assignments. Exceptional leadership skills, ability to work on multiple projects, under pressure on competing responsibilities with resilience, discretion, and diplomacy. Ability to communicate complex issues to senior staff, Directorate members and other senior members of Observatory research staff. Ability to present data in succinct, understandable presentation formats tailored for varied audiences. Ability to take initiative and manage progress on projects that involve multiple contributors is required. Ability to work successfully in a dynamic, ambiguous environment. Ability to meet tight deadlines and prioritize workloads. Ability to develop new ideas and creative solutions. Demonstrated technical proficiency (Excel, databases, organizational systems) required. Preferred Qualifications Experience with CU systems of ARC/FDS, PAC, RASCAL and Budget Tool strongly preferred. Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.