Dartmouth’s Provost Finance Center (PFC) is a centralized resource dedicated to supporting the financial management and administration of the institution’s academic mission. It operates under the Office of the Provost and serves as a crucial link between the Provost’s strategic priorities and the practical execution of budgetary and financial operations within Dartmouth’s various schools, departments, and programs. The primary function of the PFC is to provide comprehensive financial support to the academic units under the Provost’s purview. This encompasses a wide range of activities, including budget development and management, financial analysis and reporting, grant management, procurement oversight, and compliance with relevant financial regulations and policies. A key aspect of the PFC’s role is the development and monitoring of budgets. They work closely with academic leaders to develop annual budgets that align with the institution’s strategic goals and priorities. This involves a thorough understanding of the financial needs of each unit, as well as the availability of resources. The PFC provides guidance on budget allocation, expenditure tracking, and variance analysis to ensure that budgets are effectively managed and that resources are used efficiently. Financial analysis and reporting are also core functions. The PFC generates regular reports on financial performance, providing insights into revenue streams, expenses, and overall financial health. These reports are used by academic leaders to make informed decisions about resource allocation and strategic planning. The PFC also conducts ad-hoc analyses to address specific financial questions or concerns. The Provost Finance Center plays a vital role in grant management. They assist faculty and staff in preparing grant proposals, ensuring compliance with grant requirements, and managing grant funds. This includes tracking expenditures, preparing financial reports, and coordinating audits. Given the significant role that external funding plays in supporting Dartmouth’s research activities, this aspect of the PFC’s work is essential. Procurement oversight is another important function. The PFC ensures that all purchases are made in accordance with Dartmouth’s procurement policies and procedures. They provide guidance on vendor selection, contract negotiation, and payment processing. This helps to ensure that the institution obtains the best possible value for its purchases while also maintaining compliance with ethical and legal standards. Compliance with financial regulations and policies is a critical responsibility. The PFC stays abreast of changes in financial regulations and policies and ensures that Dartmouth’s academic units are in compliance. They provide training and guidance to faculty and staff on financial matters, helping to promote a culture of financial responsibility and accountability. In addition to these core functions, the PFC also serves as a central point of contact for financial inquiries from academic units. They provide expert advice and guidance on a wide range of financial topics, helping to ensure that faculty and staff have the information they need to manage their budgets effectively. Ultimately, the Provost Finance Center is integral to the smooth operation of Dartmouth’s academic enterprise. By providing comprehensive financial support, they enable academic leaders to focus on their core mission of teaching, research, and scholarship, contributing significantly to Dartmouth’s overall success.