University Budget Director

University Budget Director

Job Summary

Reporting to the Vice President for Finance and Administration, the University Budget Director provides leadership and direction for all aspects of University budget development and monitoring, financial planning, forecasting, and legislative financial analysis. The Director is charged with refining the University’s budget operations to support campus and central administration needs.

Primary duties include:

• Budget Development and Management: Directs the University’s overall operating budget by providing oversight, management, development and administrative planning for budget operations. Directs the allocation, monitoring, and evaluation of the University’s budget to ensure adequate funds are available; monitors revenues and expenses for conformance to budget; develops recommendations for budget adjustments as appropriate; oversees strategic budget modeling, annual budget development, and position control.
• Leadership and Supervision: Ensures timely dissemination of information, accurate reports, and appropriate documentation in support of the University’s strategic goals. Develops and implements operational improvements designed to enhance the budget process and support short- and long-term strategic goals of the University. Provides supervision and oversight for direct reports while managing day-to-day activities, performance management, and deadlines.
• Financial Planning: Analyzes the impact of introduced legislation on University resources and prepare decision briefs for the administration to consider and understand the financial impact. Works closely with appropriate University divisions and state offices to analyze and forecast both current and future years’ revenues and expenditures. Provides budget estimates with future years’ revenue and cost projections as necessary. Coordinates detailed financial research and analysis to benchmark the University with peers.

Required Qualifications

The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience in planning (formulation) and management (execution) of comprehensive budgets for complex entities, with a preference for
experience in higher education/federal or state government setting. Ability to track, interpret,  analyze and make recommendations on internal and external fiscal policies. Experience in addressing and developing complex institutional budgetary priorities and needs.  Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills; demonstrated ability to write in a concise, well-thought out manner. Ability to respond to inquiries from internal and external constituents in a professional, timely, and concise manner. Demonstrated ability to analyze financial data and knowledge of automated financial accounting systems and Microsoft Office software. Demonstrated ability to supervise and work in a fast-paced environment, adapt to and facilitate change, and to work independently or as part of a team. Strong ability to plan, implement and direct projects and programs affecting areas of responsibility.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference given for relevant level of experience in higher education finance or related field involving budget or financial analyses; familiarity with public policies affecting state colleges and universities; understanding of Virginia’s legislative process; and experience in preparing financial forecasts in large complex organizations. Aptitude to work with database reporting tools, pivot tables and core functions in integrated accounting systems such as Banner Finance.

Education/experience

Advanced degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field, or Bachelor’s degree with combined training and work experience at a level which equates to an advanced degree is required; responsible level of experience in higher education finance or related field involving budget or financial analyses; familiarity with public policies affecting colleges and universities; and experience in preparing financial forecasts in large complex organizations.