Associate Director Financial Business Systems

Job Summary:

The Associate Director of Financial Business Systems plays a key role in supporting operations by providing leadership and hands-on expertise for enterprise financial applications. This position supports both day-to-day system operations and major Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) initiatives, including significant financial system redesign and module implementations.

Working closely with the Controller’s Office, IT, and campus partners, the Assistant Director serves as a bridge between finance and technology. The role combines functional leadership, technical understanding, and project delivery skills to help modernize financial systems, improve business processes, and ensure reliable, well-controlled operations that support the University’s mission.

Duties & Essential Job Functions:

1. Serves as a primary liaison between Finance and Administration and Information Technology teams to identify, analyze, and resolve functional and technical issues within enterprise financial systems.
2. Co-leads functional workstreams for major ERP initiatives, including Chart of Accounts redesign and grants-related modules, in partnership with university stakeholders.
3. Provides functional leadership for assigned project tracks by managing day-to-day activities, coordinating tasks, and supporting timely delivery of project milestones.
4. Leads system design activities, including but not limited to, requirements analysis, fit/gap assessments, documentation, system configuration, and testing.
5. Partners with subject matter experts to ensure effective end-to-end process design and data flow, particularly for grants and project-based financial processing.
6. Applies industry best practices, lessons learned, and prior project experience to inform system design and implementation decisions.
7. Supports system conversions and implementations by leveraging established approaches, tools, and methodologies where appropriate.
8. Delivers training sessions, system demonstrations, and knowledge transfer for project team members and end users.
9. Co-leads user acceptance testing, training, and rollout activities to support successful adoption of system changes.
10. Guides team members and subject matter experts through task execution, issue resolution, and delivery of assigned work.
11. Participates in issue tracking and resolution for assigned project areas, escalating risks and dependencies as needed.
12. Helps identify business change impacts, document process changes and benefits, and support communication and change management efforts.
13. Prepares project deliverables aligned with defined scope, objectives, project phases, and institutional standards.
14. Provides regular status updates and reports to project management and University leadership.
15. Assists in developing, implementing, and maintaining strong internal controls within financial systems to support compliance, audit requirements, and accurate reporting.
16. Identifies opportunities to streamline processes, improve data quality, and make effective use of system functionality.
17. Stays informed about P2P financial systems trends and best practices to help guide future enhancements.
18. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Management Information Systems, Accounting, or related field.
• 5 years of related experience, including financial systems analysis, systems and project management, and overseeing interaction between financial systems and other applications
• Prior lead or supervisory experience

Preferred Education & Experience:

• Advanced degree such as an MBA or CPA
• Ten (10) or more years of experience in requirements management, financial systems analysis, including prior lead or supervisory experience, preferably in a higher education or similarly complex institutional environment.
• Experience with SQL
• Experience supporting or integrating related enterprise systems commonly used in higher education (such as procurement, travel, research administration, or third-party vendor software)
• Exposure to evaluating or supporting AI-driven solutions that enhance business processes, improve decision-making, and increase operational efficiency.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams to incorporate AI capabilities into existing systems and workflows.

Required Licensure/Certification/Specialized Training:

None.

Preferred Licensure, Certification, and/or Specialized Training:

• Technical knowledge of PeopleSoft Financials and related tools and utilities, which may include People Tools, Application Engine, App Designer, Component Interfaces, XML Publisher, Integration Broker, Workflow, BI Publisher and nVision.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of and ability to implement and maintain PeopleSoft Financial systems.
• Knowledge of data analysis, data mining tools including data warehouse applications, MS Access, Advanced MS Excel, and other query and reporting tools.
• Knowledge of or familiarity with Artificial Intelligence (AI) concepts, tools, and applications such as machine learning, natural language processing and automation technologies.
• Skill in effective written and verbal communication.
• Skill in the use of Microsoft Office to include Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Skill in utilizing appropriate tools for analyzing data, documenting processes, developing and testing prototype solutions.
• Ability to demonstrate a strong technical aptitude
• Ability to work effectively with reporting, integrations, workflow, and form-based solutions that support administrative and academic operations.
• Ability to stay current with emerging AI trends, data governance considerations, and the ethical use of AI.

TCU Core Competencies:

University Core Competencies definitions may be found on the Human Resources website and in the staff performance management system.

Physical Requirements (With or Without Accommodations):

• Visual acuity to read information from computer screens, forms and other printed materials and information.
• Able to speak (enunciate) clearly in conversation and general communication.
• Hearing ability for verbal communication/conversation/responses via telephone, telephone systems, and face-to-face interactions.
• Manual dexterity for typing, writing, standing and reaching, flexibility, body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling and prolonged sitting.
• Lifting and moving objects and equipment up to 10 lbs.

Work Environment:

• Work is indoors and sedentary and is subject to schedule changes and/or variable work hours.
• This role is an on campus, in-person position.
• There are no harmful environmental conditions present for this job.
• The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate.

Employment Values Statement:

Texas Christian University values Integrity, Engagement, Community, and Excellence in the workplace. TCU treats applicants and employees with fairness and respect. TCU hires and promotes individuals based on their qualifications and their commitment to making a positive impact on our student-centered community. TCU is an equal opportunity employer and follows all applicable employment laws. TCU fairly considers all qualified individuals, ensuring we are a workplace free from unlawful discrimination and harassment.