Business Operations Manager, Information Services
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute · Boston, MA · 4 mo ago
Management$109k–$126k/yrFull-time
About the role
The Business Operations Manager, Information Services (IS) oversees financial planning, management, and coordination for all IS operating and capital budgets across multiple cost centers. The role manages and forecasts approximately $90M+ in operating budgets and $500K–$40M+ in capital budgets, partnering with project managers to ensure capital project financials and technology transitions are accurately planned and funded.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- IS Operating Budget Management: Leads the annual operating budget development process for all IS cost centers in collaboration with IS leadership and Finance, covering approximately $90M+ in operating spend. Consolidates and reviews budget submissions, ensuring accuracy, alignment with strategic priorities, and adherence to institutional guidelines. Monitors budget performance throughout the year, analyzes variances, and recommends corrective actions.
- Capital Budget and Project Financial Support: Partners with IS project managers and portfolio leaders to develop, track, and forecast capital budgets for technology projects and initiatives, ranging from $500K to $40M+. Reviews business cases and project proposals for financial completeness and reasonableness. Monitors capital spend against plan, supports re-forecasting, and provides financial input into project prioritization and sequencing.
- New Technology Services and Transitions: Manages the operating and capital budget planning for new technology services and the transition or retirement of existing services. Works with technical and operational leaders to model total cost of ownership, transition costs, and ongoing run-rate impacts. Ensures that financial implications of technology changes are understood, planned, and incorporated into IS and institutional budgets.
- Financial Analysis, Forecasting, and Reporting: Develops and maintains financial models, forecasts, and dashboards to support IS leadership decision-making. Prepares regular and ad hoc reports on IS financial performance, including cost center performance, capital utilization, and project financial status. Summarizes monthly and annual spend and provides clear, concise narratives and recommendations for executive and non-financial stakeholders.
- Stakeholder Collaboration and Matrixed Coordination: Serves as a primary financial liaison between Information Services and Finance, Supply Chain, and other key departments. Collaborates effectively in a matrixed environment with IS leaders, project managers, and vendors to support contract financial review, cost allocation, and funding strategies. Provides guidance and education to IS managers on budgeting, forecasting, and financial management practices.
- Data, Systems, and Continuous Improvement: Utilizes institutional financial systems, project portfolio tools, and reporting platforms to manage and analyze IS financial data. Identifies opportunities to improve data quality, reporting efficiency, and financial transparency. Leads or participates in initiatives to streamline financial workflows and enhance the accuracy and timeliness of IS financial information.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Strong knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis principles, including operating and capital budgeting in a large, complex organization.
- Understanding of technology/IT financial concepts such as total cost of ownership, capital vs. operating expense, depreciation, and project-based accounting.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret and analyze financial data, identify trends and variances, and develop clear, actionable recommendations.
- Proficiency with financial and reporting systems and advanced skills in Microsoft Excel; familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) and project portfolio management tools preferred.
- Able to create clear, compelling financial presentations and reports for executive leadership and other stakeholders.
- Proven ability to work effectively in a matrixed environment, building strong relationships and coordinating across multiple departments and stakeholder groups.
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple priorities, manage competing deadlines, and support numerous concurrent initiatives.
- High level of attention to detail, accuracy, and follow-through, with a commitment to data integrity and quality.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain strict confidentiality, and appropriately handle highly confidential fiscal and employee data.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain financial concepts to non-financial audiences.
- Continuous improvement mindset, with the ability to identify and implement process enhancements in budgeting and financial operations.
Minimum Job Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or related field required.
- Minimum 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, budgeting, or business operations required. Experience in information technology, healthcare, or other complex, matrixed environment preferred.
- Experience managing large operating and capital budgets and working with project managers on project financials required.
- Experience supporting technology or information services organizations preferred.
- Supervisory or team lead experience preferred.
- CPA, CMA, or relevant financial/IT financial management certification preferred.