Director of Athletics Budget and Finance

About the role

The Director of Athletics Budget and Finance oversees the comprehensive stewardship, fiscal integrity, and business operations of the athletic department resource reporting directly to the Deputy AD – Chief Operations Officer. This position serves as a key member of the department's leadership team, with a primary focus on financial strategy, resource allocation and revenue optimization.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration or related field with emphasis in accounting or finance required
• Master's Degree in Business Administration or CPA certificate preferred
• Minimum 7 years of financial management experience in higher education or a complex fiscal operation required

Skills and Knowledge

• Knowledge of fund accounting principles, auditing standards, reporting requirements and GAAP required
• Experience working in intercollegiate athletics, government, or public accounting preferred
• Demonstrated ability to analyze, design, implement and manage administrative systems and policies that establish clear responsibility, accountability, controls, and reduce liability and risk to the department
• Strong analytical, written and verbal communication, presentation and interpersonal skills combined with the ability to successfully interact with diverse individuals from both University and community related constituencies for maximizing University and departmental goals, objectives, relationships and representation
• Ability to manage, direct and perform confidential detailed work with accuracy under deadline pressure
• Demonstrated leadership, crisis management and organizational skills and experience
• Demonstrated strong work ethic with the ability work extended hours including evenings and weekends

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Senior leadership to design of fiscal models, forecast models, and the development and maintenance of the 10-year strategic budget plan
• Work collaboratively with Budget Office representatives to ensure the Athletics budget plan is in alignment with University budget requirements, overall philosophy/strategy, and NCAA and ACC financial obligations
• Coordinate Human Resource activity for all Athletics staff and coaching personnel
• Serve as primary liaison to the University's Human Resource Office. In collaboration with senior leadership oversee complex and confidential issues related to employment, compensation, appointment letters, coaching contracts, and employee relations
• Work closely with Athletics leadership to determine revenue projections, sport program allocations, and associated cost management strategies, ensuring that the financial impact of decisions — including scholarship costs, travel budgets, and facility expenditures — is well understood
• Perform internal financial and operational audits to ensure compliance with University policies and procedures, NCAA regulations, and ACC requirements, and to inform the department's strategic plan
• Collaborate with senior leadership to Evaluate, develop, and implement department-wide internal controls
• Investigate opportunities for continuous improvement and streamlining of business processes
• Supervise and manage the Athletics financial team including procurement, HR/Payroll, budget reconciliation, and research administration. Serve as authorized signer for all department accounts
• Implement expense budgets for sport programs and operational units within the Athletics department using an all-funds approach, incorporating institutional support, revenue generating sports, donor funding, and restricted accounts
• Review financial information requests with senior leadership. Including NCAA, ACC, and institutional reporting requirements, including annual statistical report preparation and accreditation-related financial disclosures
• Other related duties as assigned

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience. The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University's 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.

About the Syracuse Area

Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.