Director of Finance for Operations

Position Overview

The Director of Finance for Operations serves as the chief financial strategist and operational finance leader for KU Operations. Reporting directly to the Vice Chancellor for Operations, this position leads comprehensive financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, data analytics, and fiscal stewardship activities across all Operations units--including Facilities, Parking & Transit, EH&S, Space Management, Campus Police, Administration, and other assigned units.

This role directs the Operations Business Office, ensuring consistent financial operations, strong internal controls, effective resource allocation, and clear financial reporting. The Director collaborates with key KU units such as Procurement and the Shared Service Center to ensure proper review and processing of contracts, purchasing activity, and other financial matters. The Director also serves as a campus-wide partner and advisor, supporting leadership with data-driven insights, operational performance metrics, and long-range financial planning.

The ideal candidate brings demonstrated experience in complex, multi-unit financial management, advanced analytics, and the ability to communicate financial concepts to a wide range of stakeholders.

Job Description

30% - Operations Business Office Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership and day-to-day oversight of the Operations Business Office, including direct supervision of the financial team.
• Develop, implement, and maintain standardized budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and reconciliation processes to ensure accuracy and alignment with university financial policies.
• Mentor and develop financial staff by providing ongoing coaching, training, and performance feedback to build analytical, technical, and customer-service capabilities within the Business Office.
• Ensure strong internal controls, audit readiness, and proper documentation of fiscal procedures, approvals, and financial transactions across the Operations portfolio. Oversee workload distribution, project assignments, and service delivery standards to support high-quality financial support for all Operations units.
• Collaborate with other University administrative partners such as Procurement and the Shared Service Center to ensure accurate processing and appropriate review of contracts, purchasing activity, and other financial matters across Operations.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts to streamline financial systems, enhance reporting tools, and strengthen cross-unit coordination within Operations.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for complex financial issues, providing guidance and decision-making support to Business Office staff and Operations leadership.

30% - Financial Strategy, Planning & Oversight

• Develop and manage the annual Operations area budget in collaboration with department heads and leadership ensuring compliance with university, state, and federal guidelines.
• Serve as a strategic partner to Operations unit leaders, providing consultative support, financial guidance, and data-driven recommendations to align financial strategies with departmental and institutional goals.
• Conduct annual budget development, multi-year forecasting, revenue and expenditure modeling, and financial scenario planning.
• Monitor fiscal performance across all Operations units; provide variance analysis, financial risk identification, and recommendations for corrective actions.

25% - Project & Capital Financial Management

• Oversee project financial management including project setup, budgeting, funding, analysis, and close-out procedures
• Oversee and coordinate with Facilities, Planning, and Capital Project teams on construction, renovations, and auxiliary services to ensure compliance with KU, state, and KBOR requirements.
• Develop cost analyses, pricing models, and profitability reviews for internal services and billable operational functions.
• Represent Operations on committees related to finance, analytics, compliance, and operational planning.

15% - Data, Analytics, Metrics & Reporting

• Oversee collection and analysis of operational and financial data to guide resource allocation and improve operational efficiencies.
• Utilize and develop dashboards, KPIs, scorecards, and reporting structures for executive decision support.
• Prepare reports and presentations for the Vice Chancellor, senior leadership, and campus stakeholders.
• Ensure reliable, streamlined data management and reporting systems to support enterprise-level decision making.
• Standardize business processes, templates, and financial workflows across units for consistent operational execution.
• Develop standards and processes to facilitate budget management for all Operations personnel with budget management responsibilities. This may include holding monthly meetings with each individual to review prior month expenditures and plan for future needs.
• Communicate financial information to a wide range of audiences, including non-financial stakeholders.

Position Requirements

• Primarily sedentary work, involving sitting for extended periods.
• Occasional walking to different locations within the office or campus.
• Ability to lift and carry light objects, such as files or documents, if needed.

Required Qualifications

1. Master's degree and five (5) years of related experience or Bachelor's degree and seven (7) years of related experience.
2. Five (5) years of progressive leadership responsibility.
3. Five (5) years of supervisor experience.
4. Demonstrated leadership and management experience in budget and financial analysis as evidenced by application materials.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Graduate degree in business, finance, accounting, higher education, public administration, or related field.
2. Work experience that required collaboration and teamwork, and the ability to work collaboratively with students, staff, administrators, and other members of the University as evidenced by application materials.
3. Strong time-management and organizational skills and self-motivated as evidenced by application materials.
4. Demonstrated experience with the structure, policies, and procedures of the University of Kansas Lawrence campus as evidenced by application materials.
5. Experience using PeopleSoft system(s) for HR/Payroll and/or Financials, version 9.0 or higher.