Director, Finance and Business Operations

Kent State University; Kent (OH); On-site; USD 77,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

Kent State University seeks a Director, Finance and Business Operations to lead financial management and administration for the Kent Campus. The role directs budgets, grants, and strategic planning, reporting to the Dean and management team.

Responsibilities include multi-year forecasting, revenue monitoring, personnel budgeting, and IT/operational support for college units. The position requires strong leadership and a background in higher education finance.

Qualifications

• Budgeting, forecasting, reporting principles are required.
• Grant proposals/funding principles knowledge is expected.
• Legal/regulatory understanding is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain budgeting systems and cost projections.
• Analyze financial health and propose improvements.
• Forecast revenue, personnel and capital for 3–5 years.
• Manage financial records and reporting systems.
• Supervise staff and coordinate HR processes.
• Oversee procurement, vendor contracts, and audits.

Skills

Budgeting

Forecasting

Reporting

MS Office

Data analysis

Organizing

Deadlines

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting

Master’s degree in Business

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Title:

Director, Finance and Business Operations

Physical Location:

Kent Campus - Kent, OH

Salary:

$77,158 - $87,458

Basic Function:

Direct the overall financial management and the direction of the business and research operations of one or more academic units with large operating budgets, generally at the college level. Utilize significant professional skills to provide leadership, direction and coordination for administration and business-related services in budget preparation, budget management, financial management, facilities, research and grants management, marketing, and revenue/expenditure monitoring. Reports to Dean or designated administrator.

Examples of Duties:

Develop and maintain budgeting systems; prepare cost projections for budget increases and additions; identify funding sources; review budget proposals; distribute budget information. Prepare business plans to analyze the financial impact of proposals for creating new programs or phasing out old programs; provide recommendations for maximizing the economic viability for such proposals.

Analyze areas where financial health can be improved and create proposals for achieving those improvements.

Prepare and review forecast worksheets and consult with Deans and management team on methodology and reasonableness of forecast projections.

Develop, maintain, and support the formulation of three- to five-year forecasts for revenue, personnel and capital

Maintain financial records; review financial reports; respond to requests for financial data. Work with Institutional Research to analyze financial and enrollment data to identify trends and highlight potential risks or opportunities.

Advise Dean and management team on various personnel matters involving recruitment, selection, retention, compensation, and performance evaluations; ensure compliance with division and university personnel policies and procedures; analyze and advise Dean on financial impact of new positions, hiring, reclassifications/promotions, salary increases, and other changes affecting salary budgets. Serve as primary liaison with Human Resources to resolve personnel issues.

Compile and report financial information for management analysis and decision making needs. Utilize and maintain automated reporting systems. May develop databases, logs, and spreadsheets to maintain records and create reports. May formulate and implement policies and procedures for business processes.

Serve on various University committees.

Work with the Dean and management team to develop long- and short-term strategic financial plans.

Manage the general accounting functions involving revenue, expenditure, asset, liability, fund balance, and development accounts. Prepare budget revisions and other various financial transactions; review and approve budget revisions.

Provide routine audits of the expense reimbursements, p-card transactions, and check request process.

Participate in research administrative process for the college. This entails the proposal stage, the post award grant management stage, and finally the closeout for all externally funded projects.

Provide direct supervision of unclassified staff. Fulfill responsibilities of human resource management including equal opportunity, affirmative action, and employee development. Coordinate and oversee personnel activities including but not limited to, recruitment, employee selection, appraisals, and evaluation.

Develop and implement strategies for capital expenditures and improvements. In addition, oversee the acquisition and maintenance of the college’s IT systems. Develop and manage a capital budgeting model that supports decision making.

Manage the procurement process, negotiate, review and audit vendor contracts, process payments and manage related financial databases; maintain delegation letter and signature authority for all contracts up to designated approval limit.

Develop business planning models related to enrollment, research, and development, that allows the Dean and management team to make prudent financial and strategic decisions.

Establish goals, objectives, and strategies; develop and implement program and activities to accomplish goals, and attract and retain students.

Manage graduate assistantship and student scholarships across the college/unit.

Develop financial and strategic models that measure the effectiveness of off-campus and distance learning delivery.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or relevant field required. Six years’ budget and financial experience in a higher education or similar complex organization.

Knowledge Of:

• Budgeting, financial and cost accounting, forecasting concepts and reporting principles *
• Research grant proposals and funding principles
• Applicable laws and regulations *

Skill In:

• Preparing reports and budgets*
• Verbal, written and interpersonal communication *
• Analyzing data and making recommendations *
• Utilizing Microsoft Office Suite and other applicable software *
• Organizing information and projects
• Adhering to deadlines

Ability To:

• Review financial statements, analyze data, and compile information
• Multi-task while managing multiple projects and assignments *
• Manage people and projects *

Preferred Qualifications – if applicable:

Master’s degree in Business or related field.

Assessments:

Asterisk (*) indicates knowledge, skills, abilities which require assessments

Additional Information:

Must pass a security check.

Kent State University is committed to creating a community that is culturally and intellectually diverse and to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that respect differences, and are inclusive, welcoming, respectful and kind.

For official job descriptions, visit www.kent.edu/hr.

Kent State University is a Smoke-Free, Tobacco-Free University effective July 1, 2017. Smoking and tobacco use are not permitted on any of Kent State’s campuses or other locations and properties that are owned, operated, or leased by Kent State, both domestic and international. For additional details, visit www.kent.edu/smoke-free.

Disclaimer:

The intent of this description is to illustrate the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and should not be interpreted to describe all the specific duties and responsibilities that may be required in any particular position. Directly related experience/education beyond the minimum stated may be substituted where appropriate at the discretion of the Appointing Authority. Kent State University reserves the right to revise or change job duties, job hours, and responsibilities.