Executive Director University Finance - 529711

The University of Alabama•Tuscaloosa, AL

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Executive Director of University Finance serves as a senior financial leader and strategic advisor to the Senior Associate Vice President/Chief Financial Officer and the Senior Vice President Finance & Operations/Chief Operating Officer/Treasurer. Delivers high-level financial analysis, executive reporting, and institutional insights that support strategic decision-making across the university. Provides leadership and coordination for financial information requests from the Board of Trustees and System Office, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and effective communication of complex financial data. Ensures operational continuity by providing leadership support to University Financial Accounting and Reporting and other core University Finance units as needed during the ERP implementation.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or higher in accounting, finance, business administration, or related financial field and ten (10) years of finance, accounting, or financial planning and analysis experience; OR Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and eight (8) years of finance, accounting, or financial planning and analysis experience.
Highly proficient in the use of Microsoft Excel.
Ability to successfully advise executive leadership.
Familiarity with accreditation processes (SACSCOC, etc.) and supporting financial components of institutional reviews.
Ability to independently lead complex financial analyses and provide candid, data-driven recommendations, including situations requiring professional judgment and constructive pushback.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Strong understanding of internal controls and compliance requirements.
Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence without direct authority.
Strong business acumen and understanding of organizational strategy.
Must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree (MBA, MPA, or related field).
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or equivalent professional certification.
Senior-level financial analysis and reporting experience.
Experience preparing materials for executive leadership, governing boards, or external stakeholders.
Significant experience in governmental or higher education accounting.
Experience with enterprise financial systems, data analytics platforms, and reporting tools.
Experience developing and managing complex operating budgets and performing ongoing financial analysis across multi-entities.
Banner Finance knowledge.
Experience operating within a shared services or enterprise finance model.
Experience maximizing and aligning a variety of funding sources, including state appropriations, grants, restricted funds, and special federal funding programs.

Responsibilities

Serves as a senior financial leader and strategic advisor to the Senior Associate Vice President/Chief Financial Officer and the Senior Vice President Finance & Operations/Chief Operating Officer/Treasurer.
Delivers high-level financial analysis, executive reporting, and institutional insights that support strategic decision-making across the university.
Provides leadership and coordination for financial information requests from the Board of Trustees and System Office, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and effective communication of complex financial data.
Provides leadership support to University Financial Accounting and Reporting and other core University Finance units as needed during the ERP implementation.