Assistant Director of Finance

FHLB Des Moines; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 92,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Washington Graduate School is seeking an Assistant Director of Finance to oversee financial management, analysis, and compliance. Reporting to the Director of Finance, you will manage daily operations, lead budget planning, and ensure adherence to policies for a large graduate community.

You will supervise fiscal staff, review payroll expenses, and serve as payroll backup while advancing internal controls and process improvements in a hybrid work environment based at the

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in business, accounting, public administration, or related field is required.
• 4-5 years of progressively responsible financial operations and management experience in a university, public entity, or business setting.
• Experience with Workday payroll/finance and strong Excel skills are highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily financial operations and align with organizational goals.
• Review and approve financial transactions in Workday; monitor expenditures and variances.
• Develop and refine internal controls and procedures for travel, purchasing, reimbursement, and transfers.
• Lead budget preparation and resource planning with unit directors and Director of Finance.
• Provide training and mentorship on Workday and financial policies to staff.

Skills

Excel

Financial analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Workday payroll/finance

Adaptive

SAGE

BI Portal

Job description

Job DescriptionThe Graduate School’s Finance, Fellowships, and Awards (FFA) has an outstanding opportunity for an Assistant Director of Finance to join their team.About this OpportunityReporting to the Director of Finance, the Assistant Director plays a key role in overseeing financial management, analysis, and compliance for the UW Graduate School. The Assistant Director provides fiscal oversight and strategic and tactical support for Dean’s Office leadership and school-wide staff, ensuring that the Graduate School operates in a financially responsible and operationally effective manner in compliance with University policies, procedures, and guidelines. The Assistant Director of Finance develops and implements best practices and procedures for operations, process improvement, financial policy, budget planning, reporting, forecasting, and analysis.This position is based at the University of Washington Seattle campus and is eligible for a hybrid schedule.Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial Management and Operations: 40%Manage the daily financial operations of the Graduate School, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and prioritiesReview and approve financial transactions in Workday; track expenditures; monitor variances; recommend adjustments as necessaryManage finance security roles and permissions for unit staff within Workday Finance and provide ongoing training and mentorship in system useDevelop, implement, and refine internal controls and procedures for travel, purchasing, reimbursement, internal billing, reconciliation, funding and expenditure transfersManage fiscal staff (0.65 FTE), fostering a collaborative and effective work environment.Review payroll expenses regularly; identify and process adjustmentsServe as payroll backupAdvise unit staff on approaches to spending and proper use of resourcesEnsure compliance with federal, state, and university financial regulations and policiesAdaptive Plan Management: 20%Serve as the Adaptive subject matter expert and oversee the planning and preparation of the Graduate School’s annual operating budget submissionWork closely with the Director of Finance, Fellowships & Awards as well as Graduate School unit directors to support effective resources planning and budget developmentMonitor and revise/recast Adaptive plans as necessary and within stated guidelines/deadlinesUse Adaptive reporting to review actual vs. planned revenue and expenditures and recommend adjustments as necessaryAttend ongoing meetings and trainings, and participate in communities of practiceFinancial Reporting and Analysis: 20%Prepare accurate and timely financial reports for internal and external stakeholdersAnalyze financial data to support decision-making and strategic planning effortsCollaborate with cross-functional teams to assess financial performance and operational efficiencyConduct regular financial analysis and forecasting to identify trends, risks, and ongoing opportunities for improvementProcess Improvement: 15%Identify, recommend and lead initiatives to streamline financial processes and optimize the utilization of financial systems and toolsProvide training and regular support to staff on Workday, fiscal and operational policies and procedures, and promote a culture of continuous improvement.Other duties as assigned: 5%Required QualificationsTo be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.Minimum QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Public Administration, Higher Education Administration or related field4-5 years of progressively responsible financial operations and management experience in a university, public entity, or business settingApplicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.Additional QualificationsExperience with financial, HR/payroll, and administrative systems such as Workday payroll/financeStrong financial management, budgeting, and analytical skillsExcellent interpersonal communication and problem-solving skillsCollaborative and flexible work styleDetail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlinesAdvanced skills with Microsoft Excel; proficiency with other financial analysis tools and softwarePreferred QualificationsExperience working within a complex higher education environment.Working knowledge of UW operating systems: SAGE, Workday, Adaptive, BI Portal.Working ConditionsThis is a hybrid position requiring at least two days of onsite work per week at the Seattle UW campus during regular business hours.This position shares an office on alternating days with another Graduate School staff member.About the TeamFor the University of Washington Graduate School, students are our purpose and our source of strength. Serving over 17,000 graduate students and supporting 300 graduate programs across our three campuses, we deliver inclusive programming, community events, professional and intellectual development resources and funding opportunities. Visit us at https://grad.uw.edu/ to learn more.Compensation, Benefits and Position DetailsPay Range Minimum:$92,004.00 annualPay Range Maximum:$109,500.00 annualOther Compensation:-Benefits:For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/Shift:First Shift (United States of America)Temporary or Regular?This is a regular positionFTE (Full-Time Equivalent):100.00%Union/Bargaining Unit:Not ApplicableAbout the UWWorking at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.Our CommitmentThe University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81 .To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [e-mail] .Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law .