Overview
Job Location:
Boston Conservatory at Berklee
Job Description:
Reporting to the Executive Director, BCB, and with accountability to the Vice President of
Finance and the Chief Financial Officer, the Senior Business Officer manages daily financial
and business operations for the Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Under the supervision of the
Executive Director and in alignment with the overall institutional financial strategy as set by
the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, the Senior Business Officer is responsible for all
accounting, financial management, short- and long-term budgeting, and strategic financial
planning pertaining to the Boston Conservatory at Berklee.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
Financial Management
● Under the supervision of the Executive Director, and with accountability to the Office of the
Chief Financial Officer (CFO), including the Vice President of Finance (VP Finance), manages all
business and financial matters pertaining to the Boston Conservatory at Berklee (BCB).
● Prepares budgets and financial reports for review by the Executive Director, and review and
final approval by the Office of the CFO.
● In close collaboration with the Executive Director and with strategic guidance provided by the
Office of the CFO, evaluates and establishes best practices relative to internal fiscal procedures
at the Conservatory.
● Partners with BCB and Berklee leadership on implementation of institutional guidelines and
practices regarding all financial matters, including stewardship of resources and development
of financial and operational plans.
● In partnership with Accounting and consistent with Finance policy and procedure, responsible
for establishing and maintaining strong internal controls pertaining to payroll, purchases,
procurement, disbursements and reconciliations.
Budget Planning and Reporting
● Reporting to the Executive Director and in collaboration with the Office of the CFOhief
Financial Officer, assists with strategic budget planning activities, ensuring sound budget
implementation and administration.
● Continuously assesses and analyzes current financial performance relative to budget.
● Develops both long and short term forecasts and provides timely budget vs. actual reports and
projections to assist the Executive Director in the ongoing management of the Conservatory.
Provides all materials for regular review as requested by the VP Finance, the CFO, the
President and the Board. Accountable to the Executive Director and the Office of the CFO for
annual budget performance.
● Ensures department adherence to institutional budgetary expectations, in addition to
appropriate and efficient utilization of financial resources.
● Prepares standard financial reporting, in addition to preparing ad-hoc and special reports as
requested by the Executive Director, the VP Finance, the CFO, the President, and the Board.
● Consults closely with the Office of the CFO and the Chief Information Officer to oversee fiscal
recordkeeping and reporting.
Other duties as assigned.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Skills and Knowledge
● Demonstrated ability to lead and monitor fiscal operations and financial performance in a
complex higher education setting or similar environment
● Strong knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and their application within non
-profit higher education and/or performing and creative arts financial settings
● Ability to support and further short- and long-term strategic financial goals and outcomes
● Proven ability to anticipate, identify, adapt and develop innovative solutions and
recommendations to complex situations
● Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills
● Strong financial, analytical and problem-solving skills
● Ability to manage myriad complex projects and initiatives, through excellent project management, time
management and prioritization skills
● Experience in structuring detailed analyses in a fast-paced, evolving environment
● Experience in accessing and using enterprise accounting systems; knowledge of Workday
Financial is highly desirable
● Quantitative and analytical skills, including experience with query and data visualization tools
● Demonstrated ability to actively foster and maintain a workplace climate that is supportive of all
employees regardless of their identity
● Respectful of difference and genuinely open to multiple perspectives
Experience
● Minimum 5 years of relevant financial and budgeting experience, or an equivalent
combination of education and experience
● Progressive financial management responsibility in higher education or performing and
creative arts settings preferred
Education
● Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting or equivalent
combination of education and experience
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Equal Employment Opportunity at Berklee:
We support an inclusive workplace where everyone excels based on personal merit, qualifications, experience, ability, and job performance. Berklee affirms that inequality is detrimental to our faculty, staff, students, and the communities we serve. Our goal is to make lasting change through our actions. Berklee is committed to providing fair and equitable consideration of all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, place of birth, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, or status as a member of the armed forces or veteran of the armed forces, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.
As part of this commitment, Berklee will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Human Resources Team at [email protected] or call 617-747-2375.
Berklee is committed to increasing the diversity of our institution, community, and the curriculum. Candidates who can contribute to that goal are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths in this area.
*Currently enrolled Berklee students are not permitted to apply for staff or faculty positions.*
Employee Type:
Staff