Executive Associate

Job description

The Executive Associate to the Chief Financial Officer provides high-level administrative, analytical, and operational support to the CFO and the Division of Finance. This role manages the CFO's schedule, communications, and confidential matters while also supporting core financial planning and budgeting activities, reporting, and cross-functional coordination. The Executive Associate helps ensure the CFO's office runs efficiently and that financial planning deliverables are accurate, timely, and well-organized. Essential Functions (Principal Duties and Job Responsibilities): Manage the CFO's calendar, correspondence, meeting preparation, and confidential matters requiring discretion and sound judgment. Support budget preparation, forecasting, and variance analysis under the direction of the CFO and finance leadership. Compile and format financial reports, dashboards, and presentation materials for senior leadership and Board meetings. Help coordinate materials and logistics for Board of Trustees finance committee meetings and other executive-level reviews. Track and follow up on special projects and action items on behalf of the CFO. Serve as a point of contact between the CFO's office and Treasury, the Controller's Office, Grants and Research Finance, and auxiliary units. Maintain and update financial planning and budgeting calendars, templates, and process documentation. Support use of financial systems and tools (ERP, budgeting software, reporting platforms), including basic troubleshooting and data entry/updates. Flag operational or administrative issues to the CFO and help coordinate resolution. Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Division of Finance. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required: Working knowledge of financial planning, budgeting, and reporting processes, ideally within higher education, academic medicine, or healthcare. Familiarity with ERP and financial reporting systems. Strong organizational and project-coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality in handling sensitive information. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint) and comfort working with financial data. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred: Advanced expertise in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis, ideally within higher education, academic medicine, or healthcare. Strong command of enterprise financial operations, including integration with Treasury, the Controller's Office, Grants/Research Finance, and auxiliary functions. Education and Experience Required: Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field required; Minimum of 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in executive level support preferably in financial planning and analysis or budget planning, ideally within higher education, academic medicine, or healthcare. Prior experience working directly with or supporting a CFO, senior finance executive, or executive leadership team strongly preferred. Demonstrated experience with ERP and financial management/reporting systems. Experience preparing materials for and/or presenting to boards, executive committees, or senior leadership preferred.