Director of Business & Finance Operations - University Advancement

Southeast Missouri State University

Salary: Depends on Qualifications

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: 202500320

Location: Cape Girardeau, MO

Position Summary

The Director of Business & Finance Operations will provide strategic and hands-on leadership for the financial and operational functions of the Southeast Missouri University Foundation. In this pivotal role, the director will not only manage the Foundation's complex financial activities but will also support the advancement team in achieving the Foundation's philanthropic goals.

Through thoughtful supervision and continuous process improvement, the director will play a key role in sustaining the Foundation's mission and enhancing its long-term impact.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Financial Oversight & Reporting: Prepare and maintain financial reports and presentations for leadership and the Foundation Board of Directors. Lead year-end closing and audit preparation and serve as liaison with external auditors.
• Staff Supervision & Systems Administration: Supervise advancement services staff in areas such as prospect research, data integrity, and gift processing. Serve as principal contact, administrator, and trainer for content management programs, including, but not limited to, Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT, GiftWrap, etc.
• General Ledger & Tax Compliance: Prepare journal entries and reconcile various general ledger accounts; reconcile and prepare sales and use tax filings, approve expenditures, and ensure compliance with Foundation policies and procedures.
• Endowment Accounting: Manage quarterly distribution entries and ensure accurate endowment balances for stewardship and financial reporting.
• Budget Development & Forecasting: Collaborate with leadership to develop and monitor operating budgets and identify funding sources. Provide regular updates to personnel to review these budgets while anticipating future needs.
• Stewardship & Donor Relations: Maintain communication with donors and internal stakeholders regarding endowment balances and fund usage. Exercise a high degree of discretion about how best to resolve issues related to inquiries.
• Accounting Integrity & Compliance: Ensure Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) compliance for routine and complex transactions. Recommend best practices for non-profit accounting with strict adherence to IRS rules and regulations.
• Policy Review & Procedure Development: Regularly evaluate and revise financial procedures to ensure compliance with laws and regulations.
• Decision-Making & Leadership: This role involves oversight of Foundation finances and support for university programs. The Director exercises discretion in resolving donor and departmental inquiries, audit findings, and financial policy decisions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting. A master's degree in accounting and/or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification is a plus.
• Five years of accounting experience. Experience in higher education or non-profit is a plus.
• Demonstrated supervisory experience
• Demonstrated experience with financial reporting under internal and external regulations
• Proficiency in Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP); experience with Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) or Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) is a plus.
• Proficiency in system administration and Microsoft Office skills. Experience with Blackbaud Raiser's Edge/Raiser's Edge NXT or Financial Edge NXT and/or Ellucian Banner Finance is a plus.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Attention to detail and organizational skills
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Experience and commitment to customer service and stewardship

Required Information & Deadline

Application Deadline: The position is available immediately and will remain open until filled. To ensure full consideration, application materials must be received by September 30, 2025.

To Apply: Complete the online application by clicking on the APPLY button at the top of the page. You must submit the following for your application materials to be complete:

• Letter of interest addressing all position qualifications
• Current resume
• Names and contact information of three professional references may be asked for later, if not previously submitted