Strategic Finance Director – Higher Education

The George Washington University; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 143,000 - 239,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Job summary

The George Washington University (GWU) is seeking a Managing Finance Director to lead our financial management and strategic initiatives. This role reports to the Associate Vice President for Financial Management and collaborates with the Dean of the GW School of Public Health to align budgets with academic priorities.

The candidate will model financial scenarios, oversee operating funds, and supervise the school’s finance staff, ensuring transparency, accountability, and long-term

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting with 10 years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree with 8 years.
• Experience in higher education is desirable.
• Strong proficiency with Tableau, BANNER, and Oracle Financials.

Responsibilities

• Provide proactive strategic financial advice to the Deans and Associate Deans.
• Develop financial models for enrollment, academic programs, research portfolios, and partnerships.
• Oversee budgets, forecasts, accounting, procurement, and payroll.
• Ensure internal controls and compliance with GW financial policies.

Skills

Communication skills

Tableau reporting

BANNER

Oracle Financials

Accounting software

Project management

Team leadership

Discretion/confidentiality

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting

Master’s degree in Finance or Accounting

Tools

Tableau Reporting Software

BANNER

Oracle Financials

Job description

The George Washington University (GWU) is seeking a Managing Finance Director to lead our financial management and strategic initiatives. This role reports to the Associate Vice President for Financial Management and collaborates with the Dean of the GW School of Public Health to align budgets with academic priorities.

The candidate will model financial scenarios, oversee operating funds, and supervise the school’s finance staff, ensuring transparency, accountability, and long-term