University Budget Director

About the role

The Executive Director, University Budgets and Student Accounts manages the development of the University’s annual operating budgets, the budgeting system – Adaptive Planning, and position control for all benefitted positions. Additionally, this role oversees the University’s Student Accounts Office, with direct supervision over the Director/Manager of Student Accounts.

Responsibilities

• Manages the development of the University’s annual operating budgets
• Manages the university’s monthly financial operating forecast and all components within (revenues and expenses)
• Manages and oversight of the development of the annual revenue budgets and the associated reconciliations between budgets and actuals on a monthly basis to ensure proper revenue recognition
• Manages position control for all benefitted positions, including the dynamic funding allocations for those positions
• Manages and maintains the University’s budgeting system – Adaptive Planning
• Manages annual forecasts to ensure variances are identified and actions taken, where appropriate
• Presents and reports on College level budget and expenditures to the Deans of each College
• Creates, reviews, and distributes monthly financial reports and recommends corrective actions, where appropriate
• Partners with the Deans of each College to formulate, present and report on College level budget and expenditures
• Develops and maintains complex financial reports for forecasting, trending, and results analysis
• Identifies financial trends and cost saving opportunities/measures. Implements solutions to identified problems
• Provides accounting detail and reporting requirement information, as needed
• Directs and monitors internal and control audits and external reporting activities
• Creates and maintains effective working relationships with all levels of employees
• Affords assistance in the development and submission of external grant budgets
• Undertakes special projects and/or general management assignments within the scope of finance and budget as requested

Requirements

• Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field from an accredited college or university strongly preferred. A combination of relevant education, experience, and training will be considered in lieu of a degree. Prior experience in college or university settings is preferred but not required.
• Leadership & Supervisory Experience: Minimum 8–10 years of progressive experience in accounting, fiscal management, budget planning, or related financial functions—preferably in higher education, public sector, or similarly complex environments. At least 3–5 years of supervisory experience, including leading, coaching, and developing teams (minimum of 5 direct reports). Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities while ensuring day-to-day operations stay on track. Comfortable making informed, timely decisions under pressure and navigating high-stakes situations.
• Technical Expertise: Demonstrated knowledge of accounts receivable, cashiering functions, and general accounting principles. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and familiarity with financial report writers and data reconciliation tools. Experience with enterprise systems and Microsoft Office Suite; ability to quickly learn and adapt to new software platforms.

Qualifications

• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to draw meaningful conclusions from complex data. High level of attention to detail and commitment to accuracy. Strong interpersonal and communication skills; capable of working across teams and departments. Ability to adapt to changing priorities, work under tight deadlines, and remain flexible during peak periods (occasional evenings/weekends may be required during audits).

Skills & Attributes

• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to draw meaningful conclusions from complex data.
• High level of attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; capable of working across teams and departments.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, work under tight deadlines, and remain flexible during peak periods (occasional evenings/weekends may be required during audits).