Budget Director

Dillard University; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Dillard University is seeking a strategic Budget Director to lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning, ensuring fiscal discipline and institutional sustainability. The role analyzes historical data, develops multi-year forecasts, advises executive leadership on resource allocation, and supports policy development across the university.

As part of the Office of Business and Finance, you will oversee budgeting systems such as Jenzabar, strengthen internal controls, and mentor the Budget

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible budgeting/financial planning experience.
• Experience with GAAP, FASB, and internal controls in higher education is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, coordination, and execution of the University’s annual operating and capital budgets.
• Partner with academic and administrative units to prepare, review, and finalize budget submissions.
• Develop and enforce budgeting policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure fiscal discipline.
• Maintain and enhance automated budgeting systems to ensure accuracy, transparency, and efficiency.
• Monitor budget-to-actual performance and ensure expenditures are properly recorded and controlled.
• Perform detailed financial analysis, including variance analysis, trend identification, and forecasting.
• Provide actionable insights and recommendations to improve financial performance and sustainability.
• Prepare routine and ad hoc financial reports for senior leadership and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the VP for Business and Finance/CFO and senior leadership on strategic financial planning initiatives.
• Advise leadership on resource utilization, cost containment strategies, and financial assumptions.
• Support long-term financial planning, including multi-year forecasts and scenario modeling.
• Assist in institutional decision-making related to investments, programs, and priorities.
• Ensure GAAP compliance, monitor bond covenants, debt agreements, and related reporting requirements.
• Strengthen internal controls and coordinate with auditors during audits and reviews.
• Lead budgeting systems optimization and training for financial staff and stakeholders.

Skills

Budgeting

Forecasting

Financial analysis

Leadership

Excel

ERP systems (Jenzabar)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field

Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration

CPA or other relevant professional certification

Tools

Jenzabar

Job description

Position Summary

Dillard University is seeking a strategic, analytical, and results-driven Budget Director to lead the University’s budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning functions. As a key member of the Office of Business and Finance, this role ensures the development, implementation, and oversight of a comprehensive university-wide budgeting process that supports institutional strategy, financial sustainability, and operational excellence. The Budget Director applies advanced accounting and financial management principles to analyze historical and current financial operations, forecast revenues and expenditures, and guide leadership in strategic decision‑making. This role serves as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, ensuring effective resource allocation, fiscal discipline, and compliance with institutional policies and regulatory requirements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Budget Development & Administration: Lead the development, coordination, and execution of the University’s annual operating and capital budgets. Partner with academic and administrative units to prepare, review, and finalize budget submissions. Develop and enforce budgeting policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure fiscal discipline. Maintain and enhance automated budgeting systems to ensure accuracy, transparency, and efficiency. Monitor budget-to-actual performance and ensure expenditures are properly recorded and controlled.
• Financial Planning & Analysis: Perform detailed financial analysis, including variance analysis, trend identification, and forecasting. Analyze past and present financial data to project future revenues, expenditures, and financial position. Provide actionable insights and recommendations to improve financial performance and sustainability. Prepare routine and ad hoc financial reports for senior leadership and stakeholders.
• Strategic & Executive Support: Collaborate with the VP for Business and Finance/CFO and senior leadership on strategic financial planning initiatives. Advise leadership on resource utilization, cost containment strategies, and financial assumptions. Support long‑term financial planning, including multi‑year forecasts and scenario modeling. Assist in institutional decision‑making related to investments, programs, and operational priorities.
• Compliance, Controls & Reporting: Ensure compliance with GAAP, FASB, and applicable federal and state regulations in all budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting activities. Monitor and support compliance with all bond covenants, debt agreements, and related financial and budgeting reporting requirements, including tracking key financial ratios and reserve requirements. Support preparation and review of financial reports, including annual and quarterly reports. Strengthen internal controls and ensure adherence to institutional financial policies and procedures. Coordinate with auditors and provide necessary documentation for audits and reviews.
• Cost Management & Operational Efficiency: Develop and implement cost control measures and efficiency initiatives. Analyze operational performance and recommend improvements in cost management and resource allocation. Assist in financial performance evaluation, asset management, and institutional efficiency initiatives.
• Systems & Process Improvement: Oversee budgeting systems and recommend enhancements or new technologies. Lead implementation, optimization, and training for financial and budgeting systems (e.g., Jenzabar). Identify opportunities for automation, improved workflows, and data‑driven decision‑making.
• Leadership & Supervision: Provide leadership, supervision, and professional development to Budget Office staff. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Support cross‑functional collaboration across Finance, Accounting, and campus departments.
• Other Duties: Perform special projects, analyses, and other duties as assigned by the VP for Business and Finance/CFO.

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS, AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Required: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in budgeting, financial planning, or accounting. Strong knowledge of financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and internal controls. Experience working in complex organizations, preferably in higher education or nonprofit environments. Proficiency in ERP systems (Jenzabar or similar), Microsoft Word, and advanced Microsoft Excel skills. Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment and strategic thinking.

Preferred: Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration. CPA or other relevant professional certification. Proficiency with Axiom Strata. Experience with higher education financial reporting, grants, and compliance (e.g., Uniform Guidance). Knowledge of federal and state funding regulations and financial aid guidelines.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Strategic financial planning and analysis – Budget development and management – Financial modeling and forecasting – Regulatory compliance and risk management – Leadership and team development – Data‑driven decision making – Strong communication and stakeholder engagement – ERP and financial systems expertise

OTHER SPECIFICATIONS

In‑depth knowledge of accounting principles, budgeting methodologies, and financial management practices. Ability to interpret and apply complex financial regulations and institutional policies. Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and organizational skills. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively across diverse constituencies. High level of integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

Primarily sedentary work with extended periods of computer use. Occasional standing, walking, and lifting up to 10 pounds. High level of accuracy and attention to detail required. Ability to work under deadlines and manage multiple priorities. Regular interaction with a wide range of stakeholders across the University.