University Student Services (USS) is a division of Johns Hopkins University supporting all ten academic divisions. The USS Finance team serves as a strategic partner across the University, leading finance and enterprise reporting for a broad portfolio of student-facing services.
USS manages a complex and highly visible operating and capital portfolio, including major initiatives such as the Housing and Dining Improvement Plan. The division supports a wide range of functions, including Student Affairs & Auxiliaries, Admissions and Financial Aid, Student Health and Well-Being, and Enrollment & Registrar services.
The Senior Strategic Finance Associate is a highly visible, high-impact role that operates as a senior internal consultant and thought partner to USS finance leadership. This individual will play a critical role in shaping financial strategy and decision support by synthesizing complex financial data into actionable insights. The position requires strong executive presence, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence decisions across a decentralized, multi-entity organization.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic Financial Leadership & Decision Support
Serve as a trusted advisor to the Sr. Director of Finance and senior USS leadership on financial strategy, fund balance management, and other policy matters.
Translate financial and operational data into clear, actionable recommendations that influence executive decision-making.
Provide independent thought leadership on financial risks, opportunities, and trade-offs across the USS portfolio.
Represent USS Finance in high-level meetings with Divisional Business Officers, Central Budget Office, and University leadership.
Enterprise Financial Planning & Analysis
Oversee the consolidation and synthesis of financial data across multiple subledgers and operational units into cohesive, division-wide reporting.
Ensure the integrity, accuracy, and consistency of financial data used in strategic decision-making.
Lead variance analysis and performance reviews, identifying key drivers and emerging trends across the division.
Oversee workforce and compensation modeling for approximately 1,100 employees, including scenario planning and long-term financial impact analysis.
Evaluate funding strategies, financial risk, and return on investment for large-scale initiatives.
Reporting, Analytics & Transformation
Lead the design and evolution of executive-level financial reporting, dashboards, and analytics across USS.
Drive the adoption of automation and reporting enhancements using tools such as Power Automate and Power BI.
Elevate the quality, accessibility, and strategic value of financial reporting for senior stakeholders.
Identify and implement opportunities to streamline processes and improve analytical capabilities across the finance function.
Data Strategy & Financial Systems
Help shape and advance a division-wide data strategy to support scalable, integrated financial reporting and planning.
Leverage enterprise systems, including Oracle for budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning, and SmartView for advanced financial reporting and data extraction from Oracle.
Contribute to and support the implementation of Workday and optimize reporting functionality as it pertains to the USS division.
Provide recommendations on data structures, system enhancements, and reporting tools to support complex, multi-dimensional analysis.
Ensure high standards of data governance, accuracy, and usability across financial outputs.
Leadership & Impact Profile
Operates with a high degree of independence, managing a portfolio of complex, high-visibility projects.
Influences decision-making at senior levels without direct authority.
Builds strong, trusted relationships across finance, operations, and University leadership.
Demonstrates executive-level communication skills and the ability to distill complexity into clarity.
Acts as a change agent, driving continuous improvement in financial processes, tools, and insights.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Exceptional analytical skills.
Expert-level Excel proficiency, data manipulation, and the ability to build scalable, auditable reports that support complex strategic decision-making.
Ability to independently manage complex, large-scale projects from start to finish; proactively identifies solutions to challenges and gaps in information.
Strong collaboration and stakeholder management skills across all levels of the organization.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting to senior leadership.
Advanced proficiency with data and reporting tools (e.g., Power Automate, Power BI) preferred.
Strong attention to detail with a commitment to data integrity and accuracy.
Strong familiarity with enterprise financial systems (Oracle, Workday, SAP).
Experience with automation and data visualization tools (Power BI, Power Automate).
Experience with Financial Modeling.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree.
Seven years of related progressively responsible experience in financial analysis, project management, and/or consulting.
Additional education may substitute for required experience, and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree (MBA, MPP, or related field).
Seven plus years of experience with increasing scope and influence.
Experience in higher education or similarly complex institutional environments.
Strong familiarity with enterprise financial systems (Oracle, Workday, SAP).
Experience with automation and data visualization tools (Power BI, Power Automate).
Experience with Financial Modeling.
Demonstrated experience managing and large datasets in a multi-entity environment.
Classified Title: Sr. Associate Strategic Initiatives
Job Posting Title (Working Title): Senior Strategic Finance Associate (University Student Services Finance)
Role/Level/Range: ATP/04/PG
Starting Salary Range: $99,800 - $175,000 Annually (Commensurate w/exp.)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: Mon - Fri / 08:30am - 05:00pm
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Hybrid/Homewood Campus
Department name: Student Services Finance & Administratio
Personnel area: University Student Services
Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
