Director of Finance and Administration, Barton School of Business

Job Details

Department: Barton School of Business

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Starting salary of $65,757 commensurate with experience.

Work Schedule: Mon-Fri, 8-5pm (evenings as needed or schedule adjusted based on needs of dept)

Export Compliance Requirement: No export control requirement.

Job Story

Think less “back-office accounting” and more “mission-critical strategist.” This role serves as the lead for the Barton School of Business (a college within the university) financial planning, resource allocation, and administrative strategy; tracking, forecasting, and optimizing the use of funds, while strengthening revenue generation and ensuring long-term sustainability across departments, centers, and programs. If you’re the kind of professional who doesn’t just track budgets but anticipates where they’re going… who can sit at the table with leadership and confidently translate financial complexity into clear direction… this role is built for you.

We’re looking for a strategic financial leader who can operate both in the details & someone who can partner directly with the Dean, guide decision-making, and keep the financial engine of this specific area within the university running smoothly and proactively.

Be the Dean’s Financial Right Hand Turn Data into Direction Own the Financial Ecosystem Manage What Matters Lead Through Others Keep Things Tight Think Ahead

The Kind of Person Who Thrives Here: You’re not waiting to be told what to do you’re already two steps ahead, seeing what needs to be handled. You’ve likely managed complex budgets before, maybe in higher ed, maybe in another structured environment. You’re comfortable navigating ambiguity, asking the right questions, and figuring things out when there isn’t a clear roadmap. And most importantly, you care about impact. You understand that behind every line item is a student, a program, a faculty member, or a future initiative which matters.

Step into a position where your insight drives decisions, your leadership strengthens operations, and your work directly supports the future of business education. Apply for your chance to make an impact on us!

Job Summary

Provides leadership, expertise and strategic planning for the operations and financial direction of a college. Creates and maintains the financial and operational infrastructure to be responsive to all areas of the college. Creates financial analysis tools to predict future financial revenue and expenditures.

Essential Functions

Promotes operational and fiscal responsibility and efficiency within the college by providing technical assistance and analysis in planning, developing, administering, and monitoring the budget process and operational procedures. Creates financial models based on analyses to support organizational decision making. Gathers data, organizes information, analyzes historical results, makes forecasts and projections, makes recommendations, and creates models, presentations, and reports to support and explain financial strategies. Represents the college on university-level financial and budgeting committees. Assesses how departments within the college are performing and makes recommendations to improve their processes. Provides consulting and oversight for departments in strategic financial planning. May develop budgets and financial reporting best practices for the college. Aligns college and/or department practices with University standards. Performs a variety of professional and administrative duties that facilitate the operational and financial strategies of the college.

Job Duties

• Monitor departmental budget expenditures to ensure accuracy, compliance, and alignment with strategic priorities
• Meet weekly with the Dean to review financial status, priorities, and upcoming needs
• Prepare and provide financial reports and analysis to support leadership decision-making
• Process and approve expenditures across state, restricted, and foundation accounts
• Monitor foundation endowments, scholarship activity, and fund balances
• Supervise and support work to ensure efficient daily operations
• Review, manage, and approve faculty and staff additional compensation and related payroll actions
• Complete monthly reconciliations for state and foundation accounts
• Continually assess the short- and long-term financial health of the BSB College and recommend proactive adjustments as needed

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business or related field
• Five (5) years of experience in budget, finance or related field

Required License/Certifications/Training:

None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Proven record of strategic problem-solving, operational excellence, and innovation strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills with the ability to build trust and credibility across diverse stakeholders
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) and financial management systems

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field
• Experience in financial management, budgeting, or administration in a complex organization
• Experience in higher education financial systems and foundation fund management

Additional Information:

This role is housed within the BSB college & not a position that has financial oversight or influence for the whole university.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to remain in a stationary position. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators. Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchange information.

Additional Physical Requirement: