Director of Financial Services

University of Central Oklahoma; Edmond (OK); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Central Oklahoma seeks a Director of Financial Services to lead accounting operations. This full-time role in Edmond involves overseeing financial reporting, ensuring compliance, and guiding a team. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance and at least seven years of relevant experience. Leadership, analytical, and interpersonal skills are critical. The position offers opportunities for improvements in efficiency and engagement with internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related field.
• Seven or more years of progressively responsible experience in accounting.
• Demonstrated leadership and administration success.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction for accounting operations.
• Oversee preparation of financial statements and reports.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.

Skills

Leadership skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Banner software

Job description

Position Classification

Regular, full-time, salaried, non-exempt and benefit-eligible staff position. For more benefit information visit Why Work at UCO?

General Schedule

Position typically works Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm in-office at UCO's main campus in Edmond, Oklahoma.

Department Overview

The Financial Services Department is responsible for managing and overseeing all accounting functions of the University. This includes the accurate and timely completion of financial statements, reconciliation of ledger accounts, university audits, and internal and external reporting requirements. The department monitors account activity, evaluates internal controls, supports financial system integrations, and ensures compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) guidelines, and applicable regulatory requirements.

Position Overview

The Director of Financial Services provides leadership and direction for the University’s accounting operations, ensuring accuracy, integrity, and compliance while driving improvements in efficiency, consistency, and effectiveness across the department. This role requires a strong people leader who can set expectations, coach and develop staff, and lead change, while also remaining actively engaged in day‑to‑day accounting operations. The Director is responsible for maintaining sound accounting policies and procedures, strengthening internal controls, modernizing processes where appropriate, and ensuring the financial systems and records of the University are accurate, reliable, and well‑documented. The position plays a key role in improving how the department operates and supports the broader organization.

Job Duties

• Provide hands‑on leadership, direction, and accountability for a team overseeing general accounting, plant fund accounting, and accounts payable.
• Establish clear expectations, promote collaboration, and foster a culture of accuracy, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the preparation and presentation of financial statements, reconciliations, and internal and external financial reports.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external auditors; coordinate annual audits, respond to audit findings, and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
• Evaluate existing accounting processes and internal controls; identify inefficiencies and implement improvements to enhance effectiveness and compliance.
• Ensure full compliance with state and federal laws and regulations, University policies, Regional University System requirements, State Board of Regents policies, Internal Revenue regulations, and applicable accounting standards.
• Oversee financial system integrations, including payroll system integration, ensuring data integrity and effective system use.
• Prepare and review required financial reports for internal stakeholders and external entities, including NCAA Compliance and OMES reporting.
• Balance strategic oversight with active involvement in operational work to ensure timely and accurate execution of departmental responsibilities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications / Experience Required

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related field that provides extensive knowledge of fundamental accounting and financial principles. Demonstrated success in leadership and administration, with the ability to lead teams, manage change, and improve operations. Seven (7) or more years of progressively responsible experience, including responsibility for complex accounting functions, process improvement, and staff leadership. Proven ability to analyze problems, develop practical solutions, and implement improvements in a regulated environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
• Experience with governmental and fund accounting.
• Prior experience in higher education and/or with Banner software.
• Broad understanding of finance division operations and cross‑functional collaboration.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong leadership, coaching, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and hold teams accountable.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving abilities, with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and database systems.

Physical Demands

Reasonable accommodations (in accordance with ADA requirements) may be made, upon request, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.