Metropolitan State University of Denver
Department
Center for Visual Art
About the University
Established in 1965, Metropolitan State University (MSU Denver) was founded to serve students who were underrepresented in higher education whose life paths and experiences did not fit the traditional mold. Sixty years later, the University continues to serve over 16,000 of Colorado's extraordinary and diverse students, providing them with the foundation on which to build their unique aspirations. As the third largest public institution of higher education in Colorado, MSU Denver is a model university for today's college students.
Proud of its federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution that also offers graduate programs (gHSI) and the only Seal of Excelencia certified institution in Colorado, the University serves the most diverse undergraduate student population in the state, as well as the most first-generation students. Through affordable, flexible, and holistic education, MSU Denver helps students build essential skills grounded in a multicultural and global perspective that lead to undergraduate and graduate degrees, and career and life success.
At MSU Denver, we are committed to our CADRE values: Community, Access, Diversity, Respect, and Excellence. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where all community members are valued and belong. Our dedication to breaking down barriers to education, fostering open dialogue, and promoting world-class scholarship ensures that we provide exceptional services and innovative learning opportunities for our students, faculty, and staff.
Position Summary
MSU Denver is currently seeking a Fiscal Manager for the Center for Visual Art (CVA). This position exists to analyze and monitor all finances at the operational level for CVA by authorizing and processing financial transactions; developing internal purchasing procedures and training staff in those procedures; monitoring transactions for compliance with state and university fiscal rules; developing and implementing financial tracking systems; forecasting future spending and allocating resources accordingly; and alerting the director to unexpected issues with suggestions for possible solutions. This position also regularly prepares accounting reports for MSU Denver Foundation, CVA staff, grants, and other agencies; and prepares budget transfers and journal entries as needed. This position monitors all income including institutional budget allocations, student program fees, grants, donations, member dues, and earned income through rentals, artwork and merchandise sales, workshop fees. Retail sales are an area of growth for the Center for Visual Art; this position helps manage vendor contracts and payments for facility management, manages contracts for facility rentals. This position will help manage Point of Sale (POS) and Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) data to foster an ever-growing source of income.
Responsibilities
Budget Management
Works with the CVA Director and gallery staff, administrative and technical staff members to plan the use of allotted funds on a short- and long-term strategic basis. Monitors the rate at which allotted funds are being used and forecasts future expenditures. Alerts the director to anticipated budget shortfalls or problem areas in a timely manner and suggests solutions. Anticipates CVA needs for the fiscal year and prepares purchase orders accordingly. Creates and maintains advanced Excel spreadsheets and pivot tables to track and report expenditures and revenues including student employment, and work study awards. Reconciles institutional Workday statements with internal records; investigates and resolves discrepancies. Reviews contracts for services and equipment and forwards to Business Services as appropriate.
Purchasing
Receives requests for special orders or unusual items; researches availability, pricing, and delivery timelines. Monitors and approves purchasing card transactions and ensures all state purchasing policies are being followed. Prepares purchase requisitions, special purchase orders, or service contracts as appropriate. Collects paperwork to create new vendors/ suppliers in Workday. Assist CVA staff with pre and post travel authorizations in Workday.
Accounts Payable and Receivable
Creates and authorizes payment requests as needed. Verify that vendors have been paid in a timely manner. Reviews corporate card purchases to ensure they have been reallocated to appropriate funding source and verifies compliance of purchases made. Prepares journal entries or budget transfers as needed. Works with Auraria Higher Education Purchasing office to prepare bids for vendors that will exceed corporate card limits. Assists staff in the preparation of visiting artist paperwork and processing honoraria payments. Prepares paperwork for artwork and merchandise sales and staff reimbursements.
Earned Income Management
Manages all aspects of earned income for the Center for Visual Art, including retail sales, artwork and merchandise sales, facility rentals, workshop fees, and other revenue-generating activities. Supports the continued growth of the CVA retail program by maintaining accurate Point of Sale (POS) and Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) data and ensuring smooth integration of sales information with internal financial systems. Ensures the integrity of credit card processing by ensuring all staff are trained and PCI compliant. Tracks and reconciles earned income, including sales tax collection and allocation, and works with the Cashier's Office to ensure accurate revenue distribution. Creates deposit forms for any check and cash received. Develops procedures for retail operations, monitors sales trends, and assists in forecasting earned-income revenue as part of the annual budget process. Works with tax accountants to determine unrelated business sales and actual cost per item. Attend Office of the Controller's informational meetings 2x monthly. Works with Cashier's Office to ensure accuracy of earned income allocation. Prepares reports for CVA staff, granting agencies, and the MSU Denver Foundation to support strategic planning and fundraising efforts. Manages a multi-artist consignment program overseeing inventory systems, sales transactions, and artist payouts, while improving workflows and contributing to the development of POS and CRM solutions to support long-term growth.
Record Keeping
Develops internal tracking and reporting systems for all income and expenditures. Tracks spending of approximately $500,000 each year. Prepares budget reports monthly. Updates records as purchases are made and invoices are paid. Provides records to others (CVA staff, the dean's office, MSU Denver Foundation, auditors, human resources, student government) as appropriate. Tracks grant income and expenditures and reports according to grant requirements. Processes student employee time entry and monitors account balance throughout the year to advise on scheduling. Manages donor and member lists. Creates fundraising reports, processes membership renewal requests and donor acknowledgements.
Collaboration and Committee Service
Works as part of a team with staff members. Assists with budget aspects of grant writing and reporting. Develops departmental procedures for making purchases and trains staff and faculty in those procedures. Manages department credit card and travel card and assists with department wide purchasing needs. Serves as a resource to staff members. Serves on school or University committees as appropriate, with approval of supervisor. Other duties as assigned. Attends community advisory board meetings and CVA events. Some evenings and weekends required.
Position Competencies
- Leads with values by modeling CADRE values through coaching, clear expectations, accountability, and conflict resolution that strengthens trust and team effectiveness.