Director of Business Affairs for Head Start (CS26-224)

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) seeks a Director of Business Affairs for Head Start to advance its mission of social and economic mobility and workforce development in the St. Louis metropolitan region. SIUE employs over 2,400 faculty and staff and generates a $1.3 billion annual economic impact.

About the role

This position serves as the Chief Financial Officer for the Head Start/Early Head Start grant program, overseeing fiscal operations, budget development, compliance, and financial reporting for a federally and state-funded early childhood education initiative.

Responsibilities

• Advise the Program Director on annual budget development and direct accounting for all Head Start/Early Head Start funds.
• Communicate financial and budgetary information on behalf of the Program Director in meetings with Head Start Centers, university leadership (School of Education, Health & Human Behavior, Provost’s office), and external partners.
• Develop, manage, and implement sub-budgets for individual Centers and special projects.
• Oversee day-to-day fiscal operations, including receipt, custody, disbursement, and management of all program assets.
• Approve and monitor all financial transactions to ensure compliance with federal, state, and university regulations.
• Serve as Fiscal Officer for Head Start/Early Head Start, reporting to the Governance Group and Policy Council, and participate in leadership, negotiating, and collective bargaining teams.
• Manage federal and state grant budgets by tracking expenditures, ensuring compliance, providing guidance on allowable costs, and preparing budget modifications.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, management, or a related field.
• Two years of professional business, financial, or managerial work experience (a Master’s degree in a relevant field may substitute for one year of experience).
• Three additional years of accounting experience.

Qualifications

• CPA certificate (preferred).
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Five years of experience with educational and/or federal grant-based accounting.
• Demonstrated expertise in not-for-profit accounting and fiscal management principles.
• Familiarity with university, state, and federal policies and regulations.
• Track record of clean audits.
• Advanced skills in Excel.
• Knowledge of SIUE and/or state university personnel policies and collective bargaining agreements.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively and with cultural competence in diverse settings.

Out-of-state candidates must establish Illinois residency within 180 days of hire by providing a valid Illinois Driver’s License or state ID. Veterans may qualify for preference with appropriate documentation.