Associate Director of Budget and Finance

Reports to the Budget and Finance Senior Director. Directs the Leeds Budget team and the Leeds Accounting and Procurement (A/P) team, providing high-level fiscal and analytical support for the school. Assists with strategic visioning for budget and A/P functions at Leeds and manages collaboration between the teams. Has independent decision-making authority regarding Leeds budget and finance matters and oversees everyday budget and A/P processes. Acts as second in charge of budget and finance operations in the absence of the Director.

About the School

Located in Boulder, Colorado, Leeds offers unparalleled access to world-changing entrepreneurs, national research institutions, and award-winning faculty. Set in one of the nation’s most vibrant business communities, Leeds provides a dynamic environment for professional growth.

Responsibilities

• Operational Budget and Finance Management
  • Lead the Leeds Budget department by supervising budget staff, collaborating with unit budget managers, planning and implementing the annual budget process, administering the school operating budget, and ensuring accuracy of Leeds budget data and reporting.
  • Lead the Leeds A/P department by supervising the A/P Manager, providing high-level direction, leading efficiency-improvement and standardization efforts, guiding policy, and ensuring proper maintenance of accounting systems.
  • Ensure excellent communication and collaboration between Leeds budget and finance teams.
  • Support Associate Deans, Chairs, Directors, and unit budget managers by providing sound budget and finance guidance and interpreting Leeds and University policies.
  • Maintain an in-depth understanding of each unit's unique budget and A/P requirements and develop strong working relationships with Leeds budget managers.
  • Direct Leeds’ year-end process.
  • Review and approve high-level transactions in CU Boulder financial systems.
  • Guide collaboration between budget/A/P teams and Leeds HR and Advancement teams.
  • Independently manage deadlines and ensure team adherence to them.
• Budget and A/P Team Supervision
  • Provide oversight and supervision for Leeds budget team staff and the Leeds A/P Manager.
  • Engage teams in priority setting and collaborative problem-solving.
  • Mentor, coach, and ensure professional development opportunities; manage work allocation, training, problem resolution, performance management, and team dynamics.
  • Provide leadership through regular communication, goal setting, and coaching to align behavior with school’s core values.
• Budget Monitoring, Data Analysis, and Reporting
  • Supervise budget team reporting and forecasting, ensuring accuracy and timeliness of routine and ad hoc reports.
  • Lead budget meetings for Leeds unit budget managers.
  • Monitor budgets for over- and under-spending; notify Budget and Finance Senior Director of potential issues.
  • Compile and analyze finance and HR data at the request of senior leadership.
  • Prepare financial and HR reports for senior leadership and unit budget managers.
  • Work closely with unit budget managers to maintain accurate forecasting reports and budget projections.
  • Assist in developing and streamlining reports for unit budget managers and senior leadership.
  • Support special budget and finance projects as needed.
• Strategy and Process Improvement
  • Provide strategic input for Leeds budget and finance operational processes and goals.
  • Develop financial and administrative processes and policies to support operations.
  • Collaborate on updates to budget and finance technology and new software implementation.
  • Recommend changes to reporting formats, frequency, and scope to better achieve objectives.

Schedule

Hybrid modality with 3+ days per week in the office. Work hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Rare evening, weekend work, or travel may be required.

Pay

Annual hiring range: $104,000–$115,000. Relocation assistance available for eligible candidates.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and retirement plans.
• Generous paid time off.
• Tuition assistance for employees and dependents.
• ECO Pass for local transit.
• Access to CU Advantage program for additional perks and wellness resources.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 4+ years of relevant professional experience in finance, accounting, data analysis, and reporting.
• Experience with Human Resource Information Systems and financial reporting software.
• 3+ years of experience in a supervisory position.
• Expert-level experience with ad hoc query tools such as Microsoft Excel (e.g., macros, formulas, pivots) to manipulate and summarize large data sets.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated skills in financial and budgetary analysis.
• Thorough understanding of budget and accounting principles in a university system.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills for complex organizational structures.
• Ability to supervise multiple teams and implement accounting/budgetary principles.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for formal and informal settings.
• Ability to guide and inspire teams toward organizational goals.
• Analytical skills with experience in financial analysis software and high-quality presentations.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Expertise in comparative data analysis, charting, and trending.
• Ability to maintain strong working relationships with faculty and staff amid changing circumstances.
• Ability to independently manage deadlines and ensure team adherence.
• Ability to interpret complex University policies and revise processes for operational efficiencies.
• Passion for growing and developing employees.
• Commitment to creating an inclusive environment reflecting Leeds’ values and vision.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant experience in finance, accounting, data analysis, and reporting.
• 5+ years supervising professional-level employees.
• Experience with PeopleSoft HCM and Finance, and COGNOS financial reporting.
• Experience in higher education or public sector financial management with progressively broader responsibilities, including knowledge of university fiscal policies and organizational structures.