Director of Fiscal and Business Operations

Arizona State University•Phoenix, AZ

3d•$115,000 - $135,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication seeks a Director of Fiscal and Business Operations to provide financial and HR leadership and day-to-day operational management for the School. This position reports to the Dean, serves as a member of the senior leadership team and performs work of considerable difficulty in planning, organizing, directing, and coordinating the finance, human resource and operational activities of the School. The Director interacts proactively and collaboratively with School leadership on a regular basis to understand and address current operational needs and expectations, and counsels and advises senior leadership on fiscal and human resource administration. The successful candidate will understand and be committed to the ASU Charter, Mission, and Goals; will be a self-starter with an efficient work methodology and close attention to detail; and will be skilled in maintaining effective working relationships across a diverse population while handling confidential and sensitive information.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and nine (9) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field including five (5) years managerial experience; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.
Understanding of and commitment to the ASU Charter, Mission, and Goals.
Self-starter with an efficient work methodology and close attention to detail.
Skilled in maintaining effective working relationships across a diverse population while handling confidential and sensitive information.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field; ten (10) or more years of professional experience, including at least five (5) years managing an FP&A or comparable finance/budget function.
Experience in managing Budget, Finance, Business and HR functions in higher education or large private sector environment
Demonstrated knowledge of HR principles, practices, and applicable federal, state, and regulatory requirements (e.g., FLSA, FMLA, ADA, FERPA).
Experience with university/enterprise-level systems for payroll, budgeting, purchasing, and data acquisition (e.g., PeopleSoft, Workday, Adaptive Planning, Analytics, Concur, Kuali, Adobe, Alteryx, BI Desktop/Amazon Workspaces).
Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel; ability to build and maintain complex financial models.
Demonstrated knowledge of University and College policies and procedures, including financial controls, personnel (including academic personnel), purchasing, and facilities.
Analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify root causes and challenge the status quo to find innovative solutions.
Evidence of an effective communication style — persuasive, motivating, and supportive — including experience preparing and presenting reports and presentations to support strategic planning and management decision-making.
Demonstrated leadership experience and desire, with sound business acumen and judgment to communicate with and influence senior/executive management.
Experience managing quickly changing priorities, including resolution of conflicts, with an innate sense of urgency and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
An entrepreneurial, self-directed mindset with the ability to strategically prioritize multiple tasks proactively.

Responsibilities

Direct all annual planning and budgeting processes for the School, including salary planning, quarterly forecasting, monthly reporting, and revenue forecasting.
Manage the School's all-funds budget, expenditures, and personnel actions; track budget changes and manage commitments.
Track and assess the School's financial status; meet with the Dean and/or senior leadership as needed to address corrective action, and provide ongoing variance explanations.
Oversee accounts payable, reimbursements, purchasing, and all other financial transactions for the School.
Lead the fiscal year-end close process, including balancing multiple fund types and internal accounts.
Respond to internal audit requests related to travel, PCard, and payroll reconciliations.
Monitor ASU Foundation accounts and provide updates to leadership on use of funds and available balances for philanthropic initiatives.
Review documents requiring Dean approval for appropriateness and compliance with University and School policies, including travel, personnel transactions, and purchasing.
Coordinate College- or University-wide budget/personnel actions such as annual budget planning, hiring plans, forecasting, year-end processes, and salary increase programs.
Troubleshoot problems originating at the unit level related to staffing or budget; keep unit staff informed of policy and procedure changes and provide related training.
Perform quantitative analysis for strategic planning and special projects, and communicate results to the management team; prepare other reports and participate in special projects as requested.
Assesses HR operations to develop and implement procedures that improve effectiveness and efficiency
Serves as the primary HR advisor to college management and staff, interpreting university policies, federal/state/local regulations, and providing direction on HR, payroll, and benefits matters.
Contributes to the strategic and operational leadership of university HR service delivery channels
Manages the resolution of sensitive employee relations issues, complaints, and grievances in collaboration with the central Office of Human Resources.
Manage academic appointments, faculty hiring and be the primary point of contact for the Provost’s Office on faculty operational matters concerning the school.
Serve or represent the School's interests on internal and external committees and teams.
Coach, mentor, train, and provide supervision and feedback to financial and administrative staff.
Performs additional duties as assigned to support department and university goals.
Evidence of strong leadership, interpersonal skills, and the ability to motivate and manage a diverse team.
Exceptional customer service mindset and commitment to a positive employee experience.