Strategic Finance & Budget Director (Accountant/Fiscal Manager II)

Job Responsibilities

Reporting to the Vice President for Finance and Business Affairs, this position serves as a key leader in overseeing the College’s financial planning, budgeting, and strategic finance operations. This role operates in a high-impact, executive-level environment and is responsible for directing budget development, conducting financial analysis, and monitoring institutional financial performance. The position exercises independent judgment in financial decision-making, policy development, and resource allocation while ensuring compliance with state regulations and supporting data-driven leadership decisions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the College’s budget formulation processes, including policy interpretation, forecasting, budget preparation, and consolidation. Develop multi-year financial plans and provide strategic guidance to executive leadership on financial goals and resource allocation.
• Monitor budget execution and financial performance through analysis of budget-to-actual reports, variance tracking, and spend-down projections. Produce recurring financial and statistical reports, identify trends and risks, and recommend corrective actions.
• Develop financial models, forecasts, and scenario analyses to support executive decision-making. Evaluate program performance, cost structures, and return on investment to guide long-term financial strategy and institutional effectiveness.
• Develop, implement, and maintain financial policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal regulations and sound financial management practices.
• Partner with executive leadership, budget owners, and external stakeholders to align financial strategies with institutional priorities. Supervise and develop financial staff, providing training, guidance, and oversight.
• Provide oversight and analysis for auxiliary operations, investments, contracts, and capital projects. Serve as a key advisor on financial performance, reporting, and operational effectiveness.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

A bachelor's degree with multiple accounting courses and professional experience directing professional accounting, auditing, banking, or finance employees.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred candidates will have a master’s degree and eight (8) years of professional experience in accounting, finance, economics, or business. Experience in budgeting, financial analysis, and financial reporting within a state agency, higher education institution, or governmental environment is strongly preferred.

Strong knowledge of financial management systems, governmental accounting principles, and budgeting processes is preferred.

Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data and regulations. Strong communication skills with the ability to effectively present financial information to executive leadership and stakeholders. Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, lead staff, and operate effectively in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment.