The Budget & Finance (B&F) strategic plan is the overarching framework guiding the efforts of the B&F team to align financial resources with Rice’s mission, provide customer-centric financial services, drive data-supported decision-making, and spur innovation.
To achieve these ambitious goals, a team comprised of B&F staff embarked on a strategic planning process to develop departmental mission statements, identify key programs and initiatives, and establish metrics to track success.
Budget & Finance Strategic Planning Committee
This dedicated team continues to drive strategic improvements that ensure Rice’s financial future remains strong, transparent, and innovative.
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Joe Abi-Nader, Controller’s Office Sandra Braziel, Controller’s Office Armi Cahoy, Budget & Finance Angelica Davis, Capital Planning Donna Gilberg, Budget & Finance Analysis Marco Leal, Strategic Sourcing & Procurement |
Kay Leigh Shannon, Controller’s Office Monique Smith, Controller’s Office Josh Sosa, Budget & Finance Analysis Jeff Yeung, Controller’s Office Zeneshia Zenon, Risk Management
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Departmental Mission Statements: Leading with Purpose
Each department within B&F plays a vital role in supporting Rice’s financial sustainability. Their missions reflect a commitment to efficiency, transparency, and service:
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Budget & Fiscal Analysis: To deliver accurate budgetary and fiscal analysis that supports informed decision-making, promotes financial transparency, and ensures the efficient use of University resources. We are dedicated to timely and effective communication, collaboration with all departments, and continuous process improvements.
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Capital Planning & Space Management: To empower the University to thrive and innovate while ensuring long-term financial sustainability and strategic growth through effective capital finance, space planning, and utilization.
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Controller’s Office: To provide accurate, timely, and transparent financial services in support of Rice’s world-class teaching and research. We foster a culture of collaboration, while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements to enhance the trust of all stakeholders.
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Office Treasury: To safeguard and support the University's daily and future financial needs through efficient cash and debt management.
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Office of Risk Management: Enabling opportunities and mitigating risks by providing excellent risk management and insurance services to safeguard our people, property, financial resources, and the University's mission in collaboration with stakeholders.
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Strategic Sourcing & Procurement: To ensure the right goods and services are delivered at the right time in the right condition to maximize value for the University.
Expanding the B&F Excellence Portfolio
Since its launch in 2023, the B&F Excellence Portfolio has grown significantly. Initially focused on the Budget Transformation Initiative and the Research Administration Initiative, the portfolio now includes four additional high-impact projects:
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Building Momentum Together: Originally called the Resource Optimization Initiative (ROI), Building Momentum Together is a broad portfolio of projects aimed at maximizing efficiency through Strategic Value Enhancement, Strategic Sourcing, Research Administration Optimization, and Facilities Reimagined.
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Budget Transformation Initiative: A new budget model designed to increase transparency and flexibility, ensuring resources are aligned with Rice’s strategic growth priorities.
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10 Year Capital Plan: A long-term financial roadmap to guide capital investments, prioritize institutional needs, and ensure sustainable growth.
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Financial Training: Building financial knowledge across campus with expanded training programs to increase efficiency and support better decision-making.
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New Labor Distribution Process: A streamlined, user-friendly approach that allows campus users to update labor distribution accounts directly, reducing reliance on spreadsheets and manual processes.
For more information about these initiatives, please visit the B&F Department Missions webpage.