Administrative Financial Director

Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department:

The University of Georgia, a land-grant and sea-grant institution, is an international leader in outreach programming and statewide engagement. As part of UGA’s outreach mission, the division of Public Service and Outreach (PSO) works to help create jobs and prosperity, develop the state’s leaders, and solve critical statewide challenges.

College/Unit/Department website:

https://outreach.uga.edu/

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan: TRS or ORP

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time: Full Time

Additional Schedule Information: M-F

Advertised Salary: Commensurate with Experience

Posting Date: 08/26/2026

Open until filled: Yes

Proposed Starting Date: 11/01/2026

Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

EEO Policy Statement:

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement:

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Classification Title: Business Manager-Coll/Div

FLSA: Exempt

FTE: 1.00

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent plus 10 years of professional experience to include 3 years of supervisory experience

Position Summary:

The Administrative Financial Director oversees the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development’s (Fanning Institute) financial and human resources operations and provides guidance and support to the Director and senior leadership team. The position is responsible for budget planning and financial management, human resources processes, internal controls, compliance, and the effective administration of Institute resources. The position provides financial and administrative information, analysis, and recommendations to support informed decision-making.The Administrative Financial Director serves as a primary liaison with central University offices and provides guidance and support to faculty and staff on financial, human resources, and administrative matters. The position promotes professional, responsive, and consistent administrative practices that contribute to a positive and productive work environment. The position also continuously evaluates and improves processes, systems, and workflows to strengthen efficiency, service, and continuity of operations. This position supervises the Business Manager II.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:

• Working knowledge of UGA and USG financial, administrative, and human resources policies and procedures, as well as accounting, budgeting, procurement, and administrative practices.
• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, financial analysis, forecasting, reconciliation, and reporting.
• Ability to lead and coordinate human resources processes across the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, employee development, performance management, workforce planning, and talent management, while supporting faculty and staff and fostering a professional, supportive, and productive workplace culture.
• Working knowledge of PeopleSoft or comparable ERP and financial/data management systems, with the ability to prepare accurate reports and learn new systems.
• Strong spreadsheet and data analysis skills, including the ability to analyze, summarize, and clearly present financial and narrative information.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to identify issues and recommend practical solutions.
• Ability to review and synthesize financial, contractual, personnel, and administrative information for accuracy, completeness, and compliance and provide clear recommendations to the Director.
• Ability to identify and implement continuous improvements to administrative processes, systems, and workflows, leveraging technology and evolving best practices to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, adapt to changing needs, and meet deadlines.
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including discretion when handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with faculty, staff, university departments, vendors, and other constituents.

Physical Demands:

Typical for an office environment.

Is driving a responsibility of this position?:

No

Is this a Position of Trust?:

Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?:

Yes

Does this position require a P-Card? :

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? :

No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?:

No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications):

Yes

Credit and P-Card policy:

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy:

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Provides guidance and support to the Fanning Institute Director and senior leadership team.

• Serves as a member of the senior leadership team, providing guidance and support on financial, administrative, strategic, and operational matters and assisting with the implementation of the Institute’s strategic goals and priorities.
• Advises and supports the Director and senior leadership team on financial, human resources, personnel, policy, compliance, and other administrative matters and serves as the Institute’s primary liaison with central University offices, including the Office of Legal Affairs, Finance Division, Human Resources, Sponsored Projects Administration, Open Records, and other units as appropriate.
• Reviews financial, personnel, contractual, administrative, and other documents requiring the Director’s signature or approval for accuracy, completeness, appropriate review, and compliance. Resolves issues or obtains additional review as needed before submission to the Director.
• Prepares and analyzes financial and personnel information, forecasts, and reports to support planning, resource allocation, decision-making, and management oversight.
• Identifies financial and administrative risks, issues, and opportunities and recommends appropriate actions.
• Interprets University and PSO policies and requirements and provides practical guidance to leadership, faculty, and staff.

Percentage of time: 25

Duties/Responsibilities:

Provides oversight of the Fanning Institute’s fiscal operations.

• Manages the Institute’s annual budget and financial operations across multiple sources of funding.
• Manages annual budget planning, salary-setting, forecasting, MRR requests, and multi-year financial and resource planning as needed.
• Prepares and monitors financial forecasts and reports to identify trends, risks, and resource needs and support decision-making.
• Maintains appropriate internal controls and ensures responsible use of resources and compliance with applicable federal, state, University, and Foundation requirements.
• Oversees financial administration of sponsored projects, contracts and other agreements, departmental sales and service activities, procurement, and related transactions.
• Reviews sponsored projects, grants, contracts, and other agreements for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable requirements.
• Serves as the unit-level approver for all financial transactions.
• Reviews account reconciliations and oversees financial transaction processing to ensure accuracy, completeness, timely completion, and resolution of discrepancies.
• Provides financial and administrative guidance to faculty and staff and resolves issues as they arise.
• Continuously evaluates and improves financial and administrative processes, systems, and workflows to increase efficiency, strengthen controls, reduce administrative burden, and adapt to changing needs.
• Maintains documentation and appropriate cross-training for key financial and administrative processes to support continuity of operations.
• Supervises and supports the Business Manager II and ensures accurate, timely, and responsive financial and administrative services.

Percentage of time: 45

Duties/Responsibilities:

Oversees the Fanning Institute’s human resources and personnel processes.

• Manages human resources processes across the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, hiring, onboarding, position management, employee development, performance management, workforce planning, and talent management.
• Performs and oversees HR transactions and personnel actions, including salary administration, position classification, personnel records, and payroll coordination, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with University and USG requirements.
• Provides guidance and support to faculty, staff, supervisors, and leadership on HR and personnel matters and assists in resolving issues as they arise.
• Monitors changes in HR policies and procedures, communicates relevant requirements, and coordinates implementation within the Institute.
• Regularly evaluates and improves HR processes, systems, and workflows to increase efficiency, consistency, and service and adapt to changing organizational and University needs.
• Develops and maintains documentation and cross-training for key HR processes to support consistent practices and continuity of operations.

Percentage of time: 30

Contact Details:

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name: David Meyers

Recruitment Contact Email: dmeyers@uga.edu

Organization

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

Website: https://www.uga.edu/

Telephone: 706-542-3000

Location: 215 S. Jackson St.
Athens
Georgia
30602
United States