Director of Finance, Office of Research and Creative Scholarship

University of Montana•Missoula Mountain Campus, MT

About The Position

The University of Montana’s Office of Research and Creative Scholarship (ORCS) seeks a Director of Finance to oversee its fiscal management. The Director provides fiscal leadership, develops and manages budgets, coordinates operations, and makes decisions concerning budgetary and financial services. The role has substantial autonomy in formulating and administering financial functions and helps senior leadership make decisions about the organization’s financial health. The Director reports to the Vice President of Research & Creative Scholarship. The position also manages ORCS human resources functions and advises the research community on financial and administrative matters. It supervises staff and student employees and coordinates funding and operational needs with affiliated centers and University departments.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and five years of relevant experience.
Advanced knowledge of financial planning, forecasting, budgeting, reconciliation, accounting principles, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Experience with grant and fund accounting, fiscal management, budget processes, and financial software.
Experience in human resources, staff supervision, and project leadership.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise discretion, and demonstrate sound judgment.
Proficiency in using software to access, analyze, synthesize, and report data.
Strong quantitative, analytical, problem-solving, and financial presentation skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to manage competing priorities, navigate stressful situations, and maintain professionalism.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or a related field, with relevant accounting coursework and experience in financial management.
Experience developing financial reports and projections to support fiscal planning.
Knowledge of University policies and procedures related to budgeting, accounting, procurement, recruitment, and employee retention.
Experience with University financial and administrative systems, including Ellucian Banner ERP, Argos, Axiom, Jaggaer, Tableau, and Emburse.
Knowledge of University travel, contracting, purchasing, and capital equipment policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

Develop financial reports, reconcile data, and prepare departmental, labor, and ad hoc reports.
Lead annual budget development and assist departments with budget preparation and input.
Prepare financial projections, monitor expenditures and variances, and advise the Vice President on financial planning and solutions.
Oversee research start-up funds, grant payments, purchasing, payroll, and LAR billing in accordance with University policies.
Manage ORCS human resources functions, including recruitment, hiring, onboarding, offboarding, employee reviews, and professional development.
Coordinate funding, allocations, and operational needs with affiliated centers and University departments.
Advise the research community on financial and administrative matters, including issues outside the Office of Sponsored Programs.
Hire, supervise, and manage staff and student employees in accordance with University policies and procedures.