Financial Systems and Controls Architect

Department

PME Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering

About the Department

The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME) was established in May 2019 and evolved from the Institute for Molecular Engineering, founded in 2011. The PME integrates science and engineering to address global challenges from the molecular level up. The PME’s rigorous academic and research programs are made possible through the University of Chicago’s unique partnership with Argonne National Laboratory. The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering is the first new school at the University of Chicago in three decades and the first school in the nation dedicated to molecular engineering. In the next phase of growth as a School, the PME will continue to expand its team of world-class faculty researchers and empower students from diverse backgrounds to collaborate with faculty in cutting-edge facilities. The PME aims to bring solutions for urgent societal problems to the forefront, while training the next generation of scientific leaders and entrepreneurs.

Job Summary

This role reports to the Director of Finance and the Senior Associate Dean and Chief Operations Officer. The Financial Systems and Controls Architect strategically designs and optimizes the organization’s financial information and reporting structure, processes, and strategies, including reporting and analysis to support budgeting, forecasting, resource planning, and investment management. In addition to traditional finance duties, this role architects scalable financial information systems and controls that enhance sustainability, data integrity, and decision-making across all University related funding streams including sponsored and discretionary projects, general funding, gifts, endowments, and tuition revenues.

The Financial Systems and Controls Architect serves as a strategic financial information systems design collaborator during UChicago’s ongoing Oracle conversion and implementation process, partnering with divisional and central leadership to drive process innovation, compliance, and operational efficiency. This position also integrates financial analytics, ongoing report development, receivables audits, including unbilled/unpaid reviewing, and a close partnership with central billing teams to maximize fund utilization, compliance, and organizational impact.

Responsibilities

• Develops and delivers comprehensive financial reports and analytic dashboards to optimize financial information accessibility and reliability and enable rapid, informed decision-making. 
• Drives change management efforts by partnering with key UChicago stakeholders to streamline and automate financial processes that reduce bottlenecks and improve both time and cost efficiencies.
• Collaborates with PME and Central IT, accounting, and research administration teams to align financial data architecture, reporting hierarchies, and system integrations within Oracle and related platforms.
• Leads and participates in financial systems and analytics projects that encompass sponsored research, general funds, discretionary accounts, gifts, endowments, and other institutional funding streams to enhance data transparency and financial efficiency.
• Designs, evaluates, and refines financial systems to ensure robust tracking and reporting. Develops and delivers comprehensive financial reports and analytic dashboards for grants and receivable status. 
• Develops sophisticated financial models, ensuring predictive accuracy, scenario analysis, and optimization. 
• Conducts detailed financial audits including unbilled and unpaid receivables, collaborating across departments to resolve discrepancies and strengthen controls. 
• Leads analysis and reporting initiatives, developing internal and external financial reports that drive strategic decision-making. Advises leadership on cost management, investment strategies, and long-term financial planning. 
• Partners with accounting and billing teams in the development and management of centralized billing and account receivables processes. 
• Carries out risk assessments and opportunity analysis, providing actionable recommendations. 
• Initiates and oversees special financial projects focused on innovation, compliance, and process optimization. 
• Analyzes faculty grant activity and portfolios, including evaluating past funding success, current grant activity, trends and spend rate, and strategic alignment with PME goals, and recommends areas for improvement. 
• Designs and develops high-impact grant applications and support financial documentation. Oversees grant budgets, ensuring unbilled and unpaid receivables are closely tracked, validated, and resolved in regular audits. Ensures compliance with grantor regulations and internal policies. 
• Collaborates regularly with central billing and account receivables teams to optimize collections and compliance efforts. Fosters teamwork and communication across programs, finance units, and external partners. 
• Works independently to maintain and support the planning and execution of financial strategy.
• Uses best practices and in-depth financial knowledge to assist in the preparation of annual budgets. Works with minimal guidance to provide analytical support for complex budget projects. Examines past budgets and researches economic and financial developments that affect spending.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualification

Experience:

• Advanced experience in financial audits, especially receivables (unbilled/unpaid), reconciliations, financial analysis, budgeting, reporting skills and compliance reviews. 

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• High-level proficiency in accounting, Oracle ERP systems, financial reporting, IT integration, and research administration.
• Proficiency in Oracle and SQL.
• Proficiency in report development and analytical tools (Excel, BI platforms, or similar). 

  

Preferred Competencies

• Expertise in financial modeling, quantitative and qualitative data analysis. 
• Think strategically while maintaining exceptional attention to detail in accounting and financial reporting.
• Proven ability to lead through influence by consulting with key stakeholders (accounting, billing, grants, leadership) across all organizational levels to drive process innovation and system-wide improvement. 
• Strong problem-solving and strategic thinking skills. 
• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal. 
• Strong teamwork, consensus-building skills, and collaboration. Change management and process implementation skills.
• Deep understanding of budgeting, forecasting, and risk analysis. Strong understanding of grant management software and financial analytic tools. 
• Knowledge of relevant grant regulations and compliance requirements. 

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• Professional References Contact Information (3)(required)

Job Family

Financial Management

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$100,000.00 - $115,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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