Business and Finance Manager
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How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Job Summary
The Business and Finance Manager is responsible for executing strategic financial decision making, leading the finance team and executing day-to-day financial operations, ensuring the accuracy of the organizations financial data and fiscal compliance. They manage key financial activities such as budgeting, forecasting, and financial models, develop and monitor internal controls ensuring financial compliance, analyze key metrics and create financial reports that inform strategic business decisions.
As a member of the management team reporting to the Director of Business Management, the Business and Finance Manager contributes to the development and furtherance of our organizational strategic plans, is the organizations finance expert and facilitates cross functional initiatives and processes related to the financial health of the organization.
Who We Are
The Michigan Language Assessment team is dynamic, and committed to building and strengthening a culture of support, innovation, adaptability, quality, and trust. You'll have the chance to collaborate with peers from more than a dozen countries as you help us grow domestically and globally. We believe in hard work and the importance of personal time. We believe good ideas can come from anyone in the organization. We believe that difficult projects and hard tasks can be accomplished in an atmosphere that's collegial and supportive, because we're all in this together.
To find out more about Michigan Language Assessment, visit us at https://michiganassessment.org/about-us/.
Responsibilities*
Contribute to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the long-term strategic business plan, including development of strategic reporting for the organization to support management decision-making, providing expert recommendations (specialty areas include, products and services pricing, payment gateways, and banking and credit controls) leading budgeting and reforecast cycles and board reporting. Lead the development and ongoing maintenance of organizational management reporting and key performance metrics, covering all areas of the business, and presenting information to key stakeholders in clear and concise ways that support decision making.
Lead the review and evaluation of financial reports and metrics based on specific timelines for varying key internal & external stakeholders to support business decision making; identifying areas of continuous improvement and leading on agreed upon implementation. Reports likely to include product/service cost analysis, sales reports, budget variance reports, monthly financial reports, cash flow statements, and KPIs.
Manage financial compliance processes and internal controls. Create and maintain financial policies and procedures to gain efficiencies while adhering to best practices (i.e. refunds, customer statements, and pricing). Ensure compliance with University standards and GAAP by conducting gap analyses, departmental certification, tax reporting requirements, credit card compliance, and other required financial and accounting standards.
As a key member of the Business Management leadership team provide subject matter expertise to support strategic finance initiatives (both local and global) contributing to the development of systems supporting all products and services and ensuring that business operations are financially sound and adhere to compliance standards, including international tax collection and business operations, pricing strategies and contributions to business and financial key initiatives
Lead the overarching end to end finance function; oversee and execute periodic financial reconciliations of accounts (fund, class, program and project grant level), maintain contracts, manage shortcodes and prepare and report detailed analysis on Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable transactions. Oversee approval and review of transactions for accuracy and investigate & resolve discrepancies. Reconciliations include salary to budget, gross pay register, U-M to internal financial systems (AR Reconciliation), stakeholder reconciliations & payments, and more.
Manage the finance team, ensuring that they have the necessary tools and skills to operate effectively and are motivated to strive towards continuous improvement.
Other contributions commensurate with level and experience as required.
Required Qualifications*
Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting or similar field
Excellent analytical skills to assess processes and identify opportunities for improvement. Strong capability in identifying process improvements and implementing best practices to enhance efficiency and productivity.
Highly proactive, with a high degree of problem-solving skills, accountability for workload, and adaptability during times of change.
Ability to work in an environment of fluctuating priorities and interruptions.
Leadership, training, and mentoring skills with demonstrated ability to consistently give constructive critical feedback.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build consensus, motivate team members, and foster a collaborative environment.
Demonstrated proficiency utilizing database management systems (Microsoft Dynamics a plus) as well as MS Office Products, cloud-based storage (e.g. DropBox), and the Google Suite.
Progressive experience working as a business and finance manager, providing financial support, insight and leadership to business teams whilst also providing customer insight and experience to internal cross functional teams.
Progressively responsible experience in finance (accounts payable and accounts receivable is required), financial analysis, forecasting, and budgeting.
Extensive knowledge and experience using spreadsheets (can perform complex functions) in programs such as Excel and Google, complex databases (CRM's), and other Office products. Demonstrated skill in creating data queries and reports.
Experience developing metrics and dashboard reporting.
Experience working collaboratively with teams and independently. Proven experience in coordinating cross-functional teams, ensuring all voices are heard, and facilitating productive discussions.
Desired Qualifications*
Master's degree in business, finance, accounting, or similar field.
Experience with UM systems including, M-Reports, M-Pathways, Business Objects.
Experience with Microsoft Dynamics.
Possess a strong understanding of University of Michigan procurement policies, including business travel and hosting expense guidelines.
Experience with using artificial intelligence in day-to-day processes, such as reconciliations.
Work Locations
Michigan Language Assessment is seeking candidates within commuting distance to Ann Arbor. This is a hybrid position with occasionally scheduled in person activities.
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about thework modes (https://hr.umich.edu/working-u-m/my-employment/ways-we-work-resource-center/ways-we-work-implementation-group/modes-work) .
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.
Job Detail
Job Opening ID
268236
Working Title
Business and Finance Manager
Job Title
Financial Associate Manager
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Hybrid
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
College Of Lsa
Department
Michigan Language Assessment
Posting Begin/End Date
9/05/2025 - 9/22/2025
Salary
$90,000.00 - $100,000.00
Career Interest
Finance
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