Assistant Director of Finance and Business Operations

Department Information

To apply, please go to: https://cu.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=37368

Join Our Team and Make a Difference in Higher Education!

At the System Administration office at the University of Colorado, we are dedicated to building a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Our office is committed to fostering a culture where employees find community, a sense of belonging, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to our mission and purpose.

By joining our team, you’ll have a direct impact on shaping the future of higher education. In addition to the Office of the Board of Regents, the University of Colorado’s system administration includes 19 units that provide essential services to CU’s campuses in Aurora, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Denver, as well as the Office of the President. While not a part of any one campus, we are proud to serve in the centralized office for the University system. Together, we ensure CU continues to deliver outstanding education, groundbreaking research, and valuable service to our communities.

We believe in creating an environment where the unique experiences and perspectives of everyone are embraced, enriching the work we do and the strategic outcomes we pursue. If you’re passionate about making a difference, contributing to a dynamic team, and supporting a mission that matters, we encourage you to apply and be part of our journey. Learn more about CU System Administration.

Description of Job

Duties and Responsibilities:

Financial Management:

• Ensure that budgetary and financial decisions align with the organization's overall fiscal strategy and resource allocation.
• Manage and analyze financial performance, providing actionable insights and recommendations to drive informed decision-making.
• Ensure strict compliance with financial regulations, policies, and internal controls to mitigate risk and maintain integrity.
• Oversee all accounting functions and financial reporting, ensuring adherence to organizational policies, GAAP standards, and relevant regulatory requirements.

Budget

• Contribute to the creation, management, and execution of budgets to optimize financial resources and support organizational objectives.
• Manage a fund transfer schedule between System Administration and the campuses, utilizing initiative and Inter-Campus Cost Allocation (ICCA) details provided by the Assistant Vice President of Budget and Business Operations.
• Provide budgetary expertise to departments for in-year decision-making and actions requiring financial guidance.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to develop budgets and manage financial resources for projects and special initiatives as directed by leadership.
• Partner with Human Resources to make informed budgetary decisions regarding departmental labor budgets.

Reporting

• Hold monthly meetings with department leadership to review their financial reports, identify any shortfalls or issues, resolve discrepancies as needed, and provide guidance or follow-up actions to ensure the budget remains aligned with actuals.
• Prepare System Administration reports for various leadership requests, including those for Regent board meetings, University Net Position, the June Regent Budget Notebook, Efficiency Analysis, State Budget Data Book, and any other reports as needed.

Accounting and Procurement

• Oversee compliance and manage approval processes for journals, requisitions, purchase orders, procurement card usage, travel and expense reimbursements, and reconciliations, ensuring accuracy and strict adherence to financial policies.
• Partner with the Procurement Service Center and system departments to ensure the timely processing of new RFPs and other high-priority procurement actions, driving efficiency and alignment with organizational needs.
• Lead and manage the fiscal year-end close process, including overseeing accruals (by the second close), preparing exhibit reports for System Administration (GASB), and coordinating additional tasks to ensure a timely and accurate financial close.

Building Operations

• Supervise customer service, facilities management, and office management functions of the Finance and Business Operations Professional, ensuring efficient and effective service delivery.

Leadership and Team Collaboration:

• Act as the AVP's backup in their absence, representing them at the Controller's and Budget Officers' meetings and collaborating with leadership on urgent building needs
• Lead and mentor finance staff, fostering their professional growth and contributing to team development.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (HR, IT, operations) to support and drive the organization’s overall business objectives.
• Promote cross-departmental collaboration between finance and other teams to optimize business performance and achieve shared goals.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education, or equivalent professional experience. Professional experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.
• Six (6) years’ professional experience in higher education budget, accounting, finance, internal controls, and funding which includes one or more of the following:
• Experience with university, state and federal rules pertaining to financial and budgetary activity
• Experience optimizing organizational strategic planning with budget strategy
• Experience with a wide range of human resource concepts, practices, and procedures
• Two (2) years’ experience in a managerial or supervisory role, which includes managing personnel, developing/mentoring direct reports, and completing performance reviews to ensure continuous improvement, high performance, and employee retention

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education in the field of finance, business administration, accounting, or non-profit management
• Seven (7) years’ professional experience in higher education budget, accounting, finance, internal controls, and funding.
• Progressively responsible experience managing or supporting a department or unit’s business operations, which includes:
• Monitoring and managing budgets and finances and providing financial analysis
• Coordinating human resources activities
• Overseeing and participating in customer service functions
• Planning and executing projects, meetings, and/or events
• Two (2) years’ experience in a managerial or supervisory role, as indicated above

Supplemental Information

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please attach the following as separate documents to your application at https://cu.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=37368:

• A cover letter identifying the job specific minimum qualifications you possess
• A resume including any and all relevant experience to be accurately assessed against the qualifications listed in the posting.

Benefits:

With our unparalleled range of benefits, including top-notch healthcare, comprehensive wellness programs, enriching professional development, and a dynamic work-life balance, we ensure your holistic growth and happiness.

• No-cost or low-cost medical & dental plan options, some inclusive of IVF assistance.
• Disability, Life, Vision Insurance options.
• Multiple retirement planning options including a mandatory 401(a) plan where CU contributes 10% of your gross pay, a 401k or 403b plan and a 457 deferred compensation plan.
• Pre-tax savings plans, such as Health care and Dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• Embrace a healthy work-life balance with ample sick and vacation leave, along with at least 12 paid holidays. This includes a dedicated week off for winter break.
• 6 weeks of parental leave to adjust to the joys of parenthood.
• A tuition benefit program for you and/or your dependents.
• Free RTD EcoPass and Free Onsite Parking at our 1800 Grant Street Office.
• Many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Additional taxable fringe benefits may be available.

For more information on benefits programs, please review our Comprehensive Benefits Guide.

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