Columbia Global Center | Athens: Finance and Administration Manager
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About Columbia Global Centers
Columbia Global Centers | Athens is part of a network of 11 global centers of Columbia University in the City of New York, one of the world’s leading academic institutions. The centers were created to drive transformative connections between the university and the world, fostering innovation, understanding, and engagement. Columbia University launched the Athens Center in November 2022 to in-country partners on issues related to Climate Change; Migration and International affairs; Business and Innovation; Classics & Ancient Studies; Arts & Culture; Global Health & Preparedness; and Medicine, among others. The Global Centers are part of the broader Columbia Global initiative, which leverages the remarkable scholarship, expertise, and resources of Columbia University to help address the world’s most complex challenges while fostering intellectual endeavors that inspire, surprise, and push the boundaries of our thinking.
Position Summary
This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing team and shape the operations of one of Columbia’s newest global centers. The Finance and Administration Manager (FAM) will work closely with the Director of the Center, overseeing the financial and operational functions of the Athens Global Center office. As such, the manager will be expected to provide day-to-day management of the Center’s budget, human resources, space and technological functions. The FAM will liaise and collaborate with appropriate counterparts within the Columbia Global New York Office. The FAM is responsible for managing, monitoring, advising on and enforcing compliance with Columbia University policies as well as prevailing local policies and standards as they relate to accepted financial, labor and operational principles.
Responsibilities
Financial Management
- Develop and manage project and the Center’s operating budgets in collaboration with program teams.
- Manages all banking relationships of the Center.
- Performs monthly international bank reconciliation processes in accordance with the Columbia Global Centers Standard Operating Procedures.
- Monitor and ensure accurate financial reporting, including monthly financial statements, budget vs. actual analysis, and forecasts.
- Ensure compliance with donor financial regulations and reporting requirements.
- Oversee financial transactions, including payments, reimbursements, and payroll.
- Maintain financial records and ensure they are organized and easily accessible for audits and reviews.
Administration
- Manage day-to-day administrative operations of the Center, including procurement, logistics, and office maintenance.
- Develop and implement policies and procedures to improve office efficiency and effectiveness.
- Coordinate with relevant government authorities to ensure compliance with local regulations.
Human Resources
- Oversee all HR functions, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and staff development.
- Assists the Center with payroll compliance in accordance with both local and international norms and regulations.
- Facilitate HR training and capacity building for staff.
- Manage personnel records and HR documentation.
- Handle HR-related inquiries and issues in a timely and confidential manner.
Compliance and Risk Management
- Implement and enforce financial, administrative, and HR policies, procedures, and controls.
- Identify and mitigate financial, operational, and HR risks.
- Ensure compliance with local tax laws, labor laws, and other regulatory requirements.
- Provides services in support of compliance with internal and external audits.
Capacity Building
- Provide training and support to staff and partners on financial, administrative, and HR processes and compliance.
- Promote a culture of financial responsibility, transparency, and HR professionalism within the Center.
Reporting
- Prepare and submit accurate and timely financial reports to donors and Columbia Global NY.
- Prepare regular reports for senior management on financial, administrative, and HR matters.
- Assist in the development of proposals and budgets for new projects and grants.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or Accounting with at least 5 to 8 years of related finance and administration experience.
Additional Position-specific Qualifications
- Relevant experience in areas of financial management
- Relevant experience managing office operations
- Strong communications, interpersonal and organizational skills
- Strong initiative, a problem solver, and ability to establish priorities
- Ability to work under pressure, autonomously and possess good independent judgment
- Confidentiality and discretion are required
- Ability to work as a team player in a fast-paced and start-up environment
- Excellent computer skills including advanced knowledge of Excel are crucial.
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced finance degree (i.e., MBA, Masters in Economics, Accounting, etc.)
- Professional qualification as a Certified Financial Accountant/Certified Public Accountant is considered a plus.
- Fluent in Greek and English.
