Director, Office of Planning and Budget

Southern Utah University; Cedar City (UT); On-site; USD 113,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah, seeks an experienced finance leader to develop and implement the E&G and auxiliary budgets, ensuring alignment with the university's priorities and strong financial controls.

The role oversees budgeting operations, analyzes data, forecasts revenues and expenses, and collaborates with campus partners to provide accurate reporting and compliant financial management. This is a full-time staff position with opportunities for impact and growth.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in accounting or related field with 5+ years of equivalent experience.
• Understanding of accounting and budget principles and practices.
• Higher education finance experience, governmental accounting knowledge.
• Advanced spreadsheet skills and ability to analyze financial data.
• Ability to organize multiple projects and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Direct/manage staff in budget operations and ensure proper budgetary controls.
• Evaluate budget models and assist with forecasting and analysis.
• Develop and implement strategic plans aligned with the university's mission.
• Submit required state financial reports to higher education and government offices.
• Coordinate institutional financial resources for financial aid leveraging.
• Prepare and present budgets, models, and processes to University Cabinet.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Budget management

Financial analysis

Forecasting

Policy development

Staff leadership

Communication

Education

Master's degree in accounting or related field

Tools

Banner/Ellucian

SQL Developer

Job description

Salary: See Position Description

Location: Cedar City, UT

Job Type: Full-time Staff

Job Number: 202600140

Division: Finance and Administration

Closing: Continuous

FLSA: Exempt

Position Summary

Responsible for developing and implementing the overall E&G budget and other associated budgets with unique/auxiliary/soft money funding sources for the institution. This involves analyzing financial data, forecasting revenues and expenses, and collaborating with various departments to ensure that the budget aligns with the institution's goals and priorities. Oversees implementation of the university's budgets ensuring compliance with applicable rules and regulations while maintaining appropriate financial controls.

Date of first consideration: 10/07/2026.

Salary range: $125,000 + DOE.

Essential Functions

• Direct/manage staff involved in budget operations; develop and implement policies and procedures designed to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of budget operations and ensure proper budgetary controls across the University and its component units.
• Evaluate various budget models and assist with forecasting and analysis largely at the direction of the Assistant Vice President of Finance and President's leadership team.
• Develop and implement strategic plans that align with the institution's mission and goals
• Submit required and requested State financial reports to the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education, the Governor's Office, Legislative Offices, and others as appropriate.
• Coordinate institutional financial resources for financial aid leveraging
• Prepare and present on budgets, models, and budget processes to the University Cabinet and other stakeholders and committees.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in accounting or related field plus 5 years of equivalent experience in essential functions.
• Demonstrated understanding of accounting and budget principles and practices.
• Higher education finance experience.
• Understanding of governmental accounting.
• Understanding of legislative process and procedures.
• Advanced knowledge of computer applications, particularly spreadsheet software.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and present financial data in an accurate and timely manner.
• Ability to use systems and technology to obtain financial information and prepare complex and informative reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to organize multiple complex projects and use time effectively.
• Ability to work amiably with, and influence personnel at all levels of the institution.

Preferred Qualifications

• In-depth experience with Banner/Ellucian.
• Utilization of SQL Developer in data analytics.

Supplemental Information

Due to recent changes in H1B visa fees, Southern Utah University is no longer able to sponsor international faculty and staff that require an H1B visa and are currently living outside of the United States.

Southern Utah University does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services. For more information or contact information, please visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination/.

In accordance with Utah State Code 53A-3-410, appointment to this position is contingent upon the successful passing of a background check.