Reporting to the Director of Student Finance, the Associate Director will manage the operations of the Student Finance Accounting and Systems units at all Northwestern locations and oversee all Administration and Budget activity for Student Finance and the staff who perform those functions. This position will lead cross-functional teams, including both accounting and IT, in executing efficient, compliant, and strategic operations in support of Student Finance. They will provide expert guidance in all areas of student accounts, including Institutional Loans, 1098T, 1098E, Cash Management (Title IV), and State and Federal regulations.
Additionally, this role oversees Student Finance’s Systems unit, managing IT operations, data reporting, system integrity, and software implementations and collaborates with internal and external partners to support transformative customer service, ongoing process improvement, and strategic data-driven decision-making.
Specific Responsibilities:
Administration
- Oversee day-to-day operations of both Accounting and Systems teams to ensure seamless coordination, compliance, and service delivery.
- Lead cross-functional resource planning and organizational analysis to support decision-making.
- Collaborate with Director to establish and monitor strategic performance metrics across financial and systems operations.
- Act as project sponsor or manager for regulatory, systems, and operational improvements.
- Guide and review the design, testing, and implementation of system enhancements and upgrades.
- Ensure proper documentation, knowledge sharing, and continuous process improvement across units.
Budget & Financial Management
- Manage Student Finance’s budget; provide accurate financial reporting and forecasting.
- Oversee fiscal year-end processes, audit compliance, and reconciliation procedures.
- Support budgetary planning and cost analysis for IT projects and system investments.
- Evaluate and approve reallocations and expenditures within the department's budget authority.
Analysis, Statements & Reporting
- Oversee preparation and analysis of financial and systems-related performance metrics and regulatory reports.
- Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of reports to federal agencies (e.g., Department of Education, HHS), internal leadership, and audit entities.
- Maintain accountability for data governance and system security practices within Student Finance.
- Performs complex financial account reconciliations, statement analysis, and transaction research.
Systems Oversight & IT Strategy
- Provide strategic oversight of the Student Finance Systems unit, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and university-wide system standards.
- Guide the team in supporting PeopleSoft Campus Solutions and other administrative systems including Student Finance-specific applications.
- Ensure accurate data reporting, business intelligence, and analytics to support leadership decisions.
- Evaluate and implement systems strategies that enhance process automation, customer service, and compliance.
- Support the development and adoption of system upgrades, compliance adaptations, and user training.
- Monitor changes in technology, legislation, and regulations to ensure Student Finance remains compliant and effective.
Leadership & Supervision
- Directly supervise managers and leads within both the Accounting and Systems units.
- Provide coaching, performance evaluations, hiring, and professional development for all supervised staff.
- Foster a collaborative team culture with shared accountability for delivering results.
- Champion professional development and continuous learning in areas of finance, compliance, and technology.
Office Standards and Expectations
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Serves on the Student Finance Office’s management team to support and guide office operations.
- Engages in professional development activities and stays current on regulations and best practices
- Attends and presents at seminars and conferences to develop professional expertise and networks and to positively represent Northwestern University.
- Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)
- Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance or related field; or 2 years financial administration work experience; OR equivalent combination education and experience where similar knowledge, skills, and abilities may be acquired.
- 5 years financial, budgeting &/or preparing account reconciliations or financial statements along with financial analysis experience.
- Expert staff leader and manager.
- Ability to lead and serve on small and large teams.
- Solid organizational skills.
- Substantial experience with large-scale student information systems.
- Proven skills necessary to make data-informed decisions.
Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)
- Excellent computer skills including proficiency in the use of spreadsheet, database and word processing software.
- Strong understanding of Student Finance areas (i.e. accounts, loans)
- Strong understanding of financial reporting.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)
- Experience with student loan programs and loan servicer systems
- Knowledge of federal student loan regulations
- Experience or familiarity with Oracle Campus Solutions
Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)
- Ability to use available information to make educated decisions
- Ability to delegate tasks effectively, set clear expectations/goals, hold people accountable
- Creative Problem Solving
Target hiring range for this position will be $95,000 – $105,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.
Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.
Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.
Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.
