Business Manager, VPRO

Colorado State University; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado State University’s Energy Institute seeks a VPR Business Manager to oversee financial operations, budgets, and forecasting, aligning institute priorities with institutional policies. You will act as fiscal officer, manage complex funding sources, and provide strategic financial guidance to EI leadership and campus partners.

The role requires strong analytical skills, experience with financial modeling and reporting, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field and 3 years of professional experience supporting a team in a financial management role OR master’s degree in business and 2 years of professional experience supporting a team in a financial management role.
• Experience in creation, management, and improvement of financial modeling.
• Experience in financial analysis, including risk assessment and generation of alternative solutions.
• Experience in budget creation and management.

Responsibilities

• Management of Energy Institute fiscal and business operations including business planning, rate setting, financial allocation, billing, and oversight of Institute recharge centers, management and stewardship of donor funds, and general oversight of Institute financial health.
• Approvals for expenditures, preparation of annual budgets, and develop forecasting reports to facilitate financial decision making for Institute leadership.
• Independently analyze complex financials related to departmental activities in both business and research to identify risks, contingencies, and alternatives.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to Energy Institute leadership, translating institutional priorities into financial and operational strategies, evaluating opportunities and tradeoffs, and developing long-range plans that advance the Institute’s mission and ensure its financial sustainability.
• Management of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Energy Institute and the University including, managing the financial model which tracks research expenditures and F&A overhead related to research performed at the Powerhouse Energy Campus, calculating F&A amounts, and auditing.
• Oversight of Powerhouse facility lease revenue financials including auditing, reconciliation, and allocation.
• Development and improvement of procedures, processes, and internal controls in accordance with GAAP, federal and state regulations, and university policies.
• Financial and administrative operations including oversight of financial transactions, labor allocations, Purchasing card activity, and billing for compliance, proper and consistent allocation, and documentation.
• Summarizes, analyzes, and reports financial information to Institute leadership, VPR, and other stakeholders as necessary.

Skills

Financial modeling

Financial analysis

Budget management

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field

Master’s degree in business (optional alternative)

Tools

Kuali Financial System

Kuali Research Proposal Development System

Workday

Job description

Job Description

The VPR Business Manager is a member of the VPR Finance Team and provides dedicated financial oversight, services, and support to the Energy Institute (EI). The position is responsible for broad financial management, including the daily business and financial operations, financial oversight, business planning, reporting, and analysis for the Energy Institute. The Energy Institute operates within a complex financial model that includes multiple funding sources, sponsored research projects, cost-share commitments, facilities operations, and external partnerships. The Business Manager serves as the Fiscal Officer and Account Manager in the Kuali Financial System for assigned departmental accounts and helps ensure funds are spent and managed appropriately and in accordance with applicable policies and guidelines. The position partners closely with EI staff, internal and external customers, Fiscal Officers, purchasing agents, the VPR Director of Finance, and other campus stakeholders. The Business Manager provides financial expertise while leveraging shared processes, tools, expertise, and internal controls of the VPR Finance Team. The position remains current on changes in university policies, rules, and best practices through ongoing professional development to support legal, compliant, and fiscally responsible operations. The position reports to the VPR Director of Strategic Financial Planning and Resource Management and works in close partnership with the EI Associate Director of Operations.

Essential Job Duties

• Management of Energy Institute fiscal and business operations including business planning, rate setting, financial allocation, billing, and oversight of Institute recharge centers, management and stewardship of donor funds, and general oversight of Institute financial health.
• Approvals for expenditures, preparation of annual budgets, and develop forecasting reports to facilitate financial decision making for Institute leadership.
• Independently analyze complex financials related to departmental activities in both business and research to identify risks, contingencies, and alternatives.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to Energy Institute leadership, translating institutional priorities into financial and operational strategies, evaluating opportunities and tradeoffs, and developing long-range plans that advance the Institute’s mission and ensure its financial sustainability.
• Management of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Energy Institute and the University which includes, managing the financial model which tracks research expenditures and Facilities & Administration (F&A) overhead related research performed at the Powerhouse Energy Campus, calculating F&A amounts, and auditing.
• Oversight of Powerhouse facility lease revenue financials including auditing, reconciliation, and allocation.
• Development and improvement of procedures, processes, and internal controls in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, federal and state regulations, and university polices.
• Financial and administrative operations including oversight of financial transactions, labor allocations, Purchasing card activity, and billing for compliance, proper and consistent allocation, and documentation.
• Summarizes, analyzes, and reports financial information to Institute leadership, VPR, and other stakeholders as necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervision

This position may supervise up to 3 professional finance staff positions. Right now this position oversees 1 person with the possibility of overseeing 2.

Conditions of Employment

Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), valid driver’s license. Colorado State University may conduct background checks on final candidates.

Benefit Information

Employee Benefit information can be found on HR’s Website: https://hr.colostate.edu/current-employees/benefits/.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field and 3 years of professional experience supporting a team in a financial management role OR master’s degree in business and 2 years of professional experience supporting a team in a financial management role.
• Experience in creation, management, and improvement of financial modeling.
• Experience in financial analysis, including risk assessment and generation of alternative solutions.
• Experience in budget creation and management.
• Excellent and demonstrated communication skills, specifically related to financial reporting and analysis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Financial management in an institution of higher education or other research-focused organization.
• 5 years of professional experience supporting a team in a financial management role OR master’s degree in business and 3 years of professional experience supporting a team in a financial management role.
• Experience with Federal Cost Accounting Standards and Uniform Guidance requirements.
• Experience with Kuali Financial System, Kuali Research Proposal Development System, and Workday.

Salary Range

$90,000-$100,000

Employee Benefits

Employee Benefits Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Inspired by its land-grant heritage, Colorado State University is committed to excellence and engagement, setting the standard for public research universities in teaching, research, service and extension for the benefit of the citizens of Colorado, the United States, and the world.

Current employees will need to apply for jobs in Workday.