Assistant Vice President for Financial Affairs/Business Manager

About the role

The Assistant Vice President for Financial Affairs/Business Manager provides leadership and direction for the University's accounting and financial matters, including Budgeting, Accounting, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, Procurement, and Auxiliary Services. This role reports directly to the Vice President for Financial Affairs and works closely in formulating and administering policy and procedures pertaining to all fiscal matters of the University, while supporting University programs and its mission. The Assistant Vice President ensures financial reporting is accurate, timely, and compliant with all accounting standards and serves as the primary contact for external and state auditors.

Responsibilities

• Strategic:
  • Provide modeling and analysis of the University's financial operations.
  • Ensure compliance with standards and best practices issued by GASB, FASB, AICPA, NACUBO, IRS, Department of Education, and other agencies.
  • Develop, promote, and follow sound fiscal practices, procedures, and internal controls; monitor and evaluate financial programs for effectiveness.
• Managerial:
  • Provide leadership and oversight for accounting, budget, grants accounting, sponsored programs, procurement, accounts payable, payroll, fixed assets, and auxiliary services, including all grants and contracts.
  • Manage the University's operating cash and short-term investments; develop and enhance banking relationships.
  • Develop and implement the University's investment plan in accordance with state law to achieve optimal returns with proper risk assessment.
  • Oversee pre- and post-award sponsored programs administration, grant monitoring, reporting, and compliance with grant terms.
  • Oversee budgets, operating variances, and development of remedial action plans with responsible managers.
  • Supervise, coach, and train Business Office staff, evaluating performance in relation to strategic goals and promoting accountability and stewardship of University funds.
  • Coordinate and oversee contracts and services for campus auxiliary enterprises, including spirit store/bookstore and foodservice operations.
• Operational:
  • Manage University debt, including bonds, letters of credit, lines of credit, leases, and bond covenants; interact with lenders, creditors, and government agencies.
  • Compile and administer monthly investment summaries.
  • Review financial statements, the annual A-133 audit, and other required reports.
  • Monitor the University's cash flow to ensure availability of funds for daily operations; compile cash flow projections for review by leadership and the Board of Trustees.
  • Monitor and collaborate with the Financial Aid office on financial administration and compliance of federal student loans, SEOG, Pell, and Work-Study programs.
  • Attend and make presentations to the President's Cabinet and/or Board of Trustees as directed.
• Other Duties:
  • Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with all departments; provide guidance on financial matters to ensure timely, customer-focused support.

Requirements

• Master's degree or CPA/CMA Certification.
• Five (5) years of experience in accounting and finance operations with supervisory experience.

Pay

Salary Band: A380. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. View salary schedules.

About the organization

Located in historic Athens, Alabama, Athens State University offers junior and senior-level coursework to community college graduates and transfer students. The University serves over 3,100 students, with 50 majors and degree programs taught by a supportive faculty. Approximately 80% of students are enrolled in at least one online course, and the typical student is a working adult who commutes. The University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and employs more than 350 full and part-time employees, including 90 full-time faculty members, 75% of whom hold a terminal degree.

Athens, Alabama, is located in north Alabama, equidistant between Nashville, TN, and Birmingham, AL. The city hosts several events featured as the Southeast Tourism Society's "Top 20 Events in the Southeast," including the Athens Storytelling Festival and the Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention.