TechLink is a nationally recognized technology transfer center at Montana State University (MSU), established in 1996. Since 1999, TechLink has served as the primary, nationally focused "partnership intermediary” for the US Department of Defense (DoD), helping the DoD to develop productive technology partnerships with US industry, primarily small businesses. In 2019, TechLink began providing the same service to the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as its first-ever partnership intermediary.
The current program includes three major lines of effort: Technology Transfer (T2) Partnership activities; T2 Impact assessment and return on investment analysis reporting; and T2 Training via TechLink’s Technology Transfer University (T2U). Supporting activities include expanded marketing which enables TechLink to cultivate capable T2 partners and Technology Transition to support transitioning new technologies to government operational use. Cross-functional teams supporting the entire organization include TechLink’s Data Systems & IT team, and the Finance team. TechLink also manages the MSU Technology Transfer Office (TTO) and Montana Innovation Partnership (MTIP). TechLink’s organizational structure includes an assigned team lead role for each major line of effort, supporting activity, cross functional team, TTO and MTIP.
The TechLink Finance Team includes the Associate Director for Finance and Operations, an Accounting Associate, the Assistant Fiscal Controller, and this position. Additional transactional support is provided by MSU Fiscal Shared Services. Together, we work to maintain the financial integrity of TechLink and to optimize the use of our diverse funding sources.
This position oversees TechLink’s finances in close coordination with the Associate Director for Finance and Operations. It plays a lead role in developing and implementing long-term financial and operational strategies. As a senior member of the Finance Team, the position makes critical decisions that impact the entire organization and provides leadership, guidance, and mentorship to the team.
The role also works closely with TechLink team leads to manage budgets and ensure that financial and operational resources are aligned with the organization’s mission-critical activities. Using data-driven tools and financial analysis, this position provides essential insights to support sound decision-making and to strengthen TechLink’s financial health and long-term sustainability.
As one of only two national Partnership Intermediaries for the Department of Defense and the sole Partnership Intermediary for the Department of Veterans Affairs, TechLink operates within a unique funding environment. Standard financial management models and benchmarks are not readily applicable. Success in this role requires creativity, strong analytical and technical skills, sound judgment, and a collaborative, solution-oriented approach.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist with the implementation of the organization-wide financial and operational strategy:
- Develop, manage, and oversee TechLink’s annual budgets, ensuring proper allocation of resources to support the organization’s primary efforts.
- Optimize operational workflow and brainstorm solutions for most effective outcomes.
- Manage day-to-day operations, making independent decisions that impact the organization, while navigating the complex, conflicting, and changing policies of MSU and federal policies, procedures, and guidelines.
- Provide back up transactional support for invoice payments, procurement orders, travel reports, account reconciliations and discrepancy resolution.
- Work with TechLink staff and customers to develop resources, contracts, and budgets to ensure scope of work milestones are met, expectations are clearly communicated to third parties and other external resource providers, and that payment schedules and invoicing align with predetermined spend rates established by the federal sponsor.
- Work directly with MSU Procurement services to establish RFP, IFB and other contracting mechanisms.
- Develop processes, tools and systems that provide critical financial and operational information. This includes leading the team’s accounting analytics tool upgrade and modernization.
- Perform Chief Compliance Officer duties, to include the handling of TechLink audit issues, exceptions, and questionable costs, and resolve fiscal problems both internally and externally on sponsored projects.
- Work directly with sponsoring agency personnel to manage TechLink’s existing $70M and $250M DoD partnership intermediary agreements, the Department of Veterans Affairs agreement, and new Federal sponsor agreements. Create and provide monthly reports to the Office of Sponsored Programs for specific sponsor related information required for invoicing purposes and ensure adherence to all MSU, State and Federal policies.
- Oversee departmental hiring, payroll, and other HR related issues.
- Assist with planning and management of office space.
- Assist TechLink in other ways to help it achieve its mission, consistent with your background and expertise, as requested by the Executive Director or Associate Directors.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a relevant field, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
- A record of five years progressively responsible experience in financial management, with background in a leadership or supervisory role.
- Familiarity with federal Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), and compliance requirements for managing federally funded projects.
- Demonstrated competence and experience in development, analysis, and execution of complex budgets and long-range business/financial management plans for a large organization.
- Demonstrated experience using enterprise accounting/procurement systems as well as Microsoft suite.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- CPA, CMA, or master’s degree (MBA, MPA).
- A record of ten years progressively responsible experience in financial management, with background in a leadership or supervisory role.
- Experience in a higher education institution, nonprofit organization, or government agency.
- Knowledge of MSU policies, procedures, and systems and/or state guidelines and regulations.
- Advanced proficiency in financial management software and experience with data analytics or business intelligence tools.
- Demonstrated experience working with human resource functions.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively and provide leadership in team settings.
The Successful Candidate Will
- Exercise sound judgement and initiative in decision-making, while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.
- Present complex financial and administrative information in ways that build clarity, transparency, and informed decision-making across varying levels of financial expertise.
- Communicate clearly and effectively in both written and verbal formats, including presentations.
- Find creative solutions to challenges, adapt to changing circumstances, and maintain motivation and resilience during periods of adversity.
- Manage and adapt to multiple priorities with attention to detail, accuracy, flexibility and adherence to deadlines in a dynamic work environment.
- Display strong attention to detail while maintaining a strategic, big-picture perspective.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
- Successful candidate must be able to comply with the federally mandated requirements of US export control laws, which may require proof that candidate is a US person. Per 22 CFR §120.15, US person means a person who is a lawful permanent resident as defined by 8 USC 1101(a)(20) or who is a protected individual as defined by 8 USC 1324b(a)(3).
- Continuation of employment depends on funding availability.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
This position has supervisory duties?
Yes
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
Upon completion of a successful search.
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on July 29, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
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