Associate Athletic Director/Business Administration

Inside Higher Ed; Tallahassee (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A higher education institution is seeking an Associate Athletic Director/Business Administration to oversee the operation of the Athletics Business Office in Tallahassee. This role requires a Master's degree with four years of experience, or a Bachelor's degree with six years of experience. Responsibilities include managing finances, audits, and leading a team. Preferred candidates will have CPA or CMA designations and advanced Excel skills. Strong interpersonal abilities are essential for collaborative success.

Qualifications

• Master's degree and four years of related experience, or a Bachelor's degree and six years of related experience.
• Preferred CPA or CMA designation and advanced Excel skills.
• CPA or CMA designation is preferred.
• Experience with cash and accrual accounting.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of the Athletics Business Office.
• Lead accounting functions including reporting and audits.
• Monitor and analyze budgets for fiscal sustainability.
• Prepare and review audit reports and financial statements for compliance filings.
• Coordinate with the University Controller’s Office to align accounting standards and audits.
• Collaborate with the Deputy AD/CFO on budgeting and strategic initiatives.
• Monitor budgets to ensure alignment with goals and sustainability.
• Develop staff and foster a culture of collaboration and excellence.
• Partner on long-term planning for operating and capital budgets.

Skills

Management of business operations

Financial analysis

Interpersonal communication

Advanced Excel skills

Education

Master's degree or Bachelor's degree with experience

Bachelor's degree

CPA or CMA designation

Tools

Excel

Financial reporting software

Job description

Associate Athletic Director/Business Administration

Job Title: Associate Athletic Director/Business Administration
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Job ID: 61813
Department: Department of Athletics - Business Office

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the Athletics Business Office, including a team of six professionals.
• Manage the full business operations lifecycle, including procurement, travel, accounting, reporting, and audit processes.
• Lead all cash and accrual accounting functions, including monthly and annual close processes.
• Prepare and review audit reports, financial statements, and compliance filings (NCAA, EADA, FSUAA, tax, and internal/external audits).
• Serve as liaison with the University Controller’s Office to ensure alignment of accounting standards, reporting requirements, and audit coordination.
• Partner with the Deputy AD/CFO to execute financial and budgetary strategies for the operating and capital budget(s).
• Monitor and analyze budgets to ensure alignment with departmental goals and long-term fiscal sustainability.
• Manage business office staff, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.
• Develop and coach team members to support professional growth and succession planning.
• Collaborate with the Deputy AD/CFO on strategic office initiatives and long-term planning.
• Perform related duties as assigned by the Athletics Executive Staff.

Qualifications

Master's degree and four years of related experience, or a Bachelor's degree and six years of related experience. (Higher education may substitute at an equivalent rate.)

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation.
• Prior work experience in professional sports or collegiate athletics (preferably at Power 4 or Group of 6 level).
• Experience working with consolidated and/or complex financial statements.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Understanding of the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics.
• Demonstrated experience in financial operations and accounting.
• Strong understanding of both cash and accrual accounting principles.
• Proven ability to manage direct reports and complex projects.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Apply

If qualified and interested, submit an application through the Florida State University job portal at https://jobs.fsu.edu. Current FSU employees may apply via myFSU Self Service. Applications must include full work history (up to 10 years) and education details, even if attaching a résumé.

Other Requirements

• Position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check.
• Must be able to work evenings and/or weekends, if needed.

Equal Employment Opportunity

FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.