Vice Chancellor for Finance

Duties & Responsibilities

• Financial Administration
  • Work with the Chancellor and Provost to develop and implement operating and capital budgets.
  • Provide oversight of campus financial, budgetary and resource planning, including capital plans and financing, debt management, purchasing and contract management, and cash flow optimization. Lead and manage operations and staff of the campus Budget and Resource Planning Office, a unit of the Office of the Provost, including the annual campus budget process, development of annual and multi-year funding models and analysis, and general financial oversight of the Urbana-Champaign campus to ensure the effective use of university resources.
  • Monitor campus reserves and arrange availability of funds to units, as directed by the Chancellor and Provost.
  • Oversee the staffing and support the campus budget committees (Budget Reform Steering Committee, Campus Budget Oversight Committee, Administrative Budget Committee) and serve in an ex officio capacity on the Senate Budget Committee.
  • Assist collegiate units as needed in their financial planning and management. Develop unit-level relationships.
  • Provide data-informed leadership developed through partnership, communication, trust, consistency, and efficiency, allowing strong data practices and policies that will support effective data-informed decision making at all levels.
  • Serve as Treasurer for the University of Illinois Research Park, LLC.
  • Serve on the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) and other external working groups.
  • Oversee the Division of Management Information.
• Strategy
  • Provide strategic financial, budget, and allocation advice to the Chancellor and Provost.
  • Lead the development, implementation, and assessment of the campus's short- and long-term financial strategies; analyze, interpret, and communicate information pertaining to the financial performance of the university; make recommendations concerning business processes and policies and the strategic allocation of resources; develop strategies to improve financial performance and efficiency; identify trends and changes in resources and expenditures that may require action.
  • Identify and develop solutions for complex and systemic problems.
  • Provide strategic direction and oversight for the Operational Excellence @ Illinois Initiative.
• Insight and Innovation
  • Lead continuous improvement efforts related to the campus budget model and system.
  • Model campus values and engage in transparent, collaborative stewardship and communication across the campus.
  • Foster an inclusive, collaborative workplace environment where leadership and employees are motivated to advance the goals of the university, respond creatively to change, and maintain sound business practices.
  • Serve as a role model, respecting and valuing diverse leadership and working styles and fostering a culture that rewards service and creativity, leading with empathy, and the ability to navigate issues with sensitivity.
  • Cultivate and maintain relationships across the University.
  • Partner with departments/colleges to collate comprehensive, accurate data and develop metrics and measures for success and consistent reporting to ensure transparency and help raise financial literacy across the University to support clear strategic decision-making at all levels.
  • Work with vice chancellors, deans, and academic fiscal officers to understand unit needs, collect budget information, and provide advice to the Chancellor and Provost regarding budget and funding requests.