Finance Manager

University of Texas at Austin•UT MAIN CAMPUS, UT

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Finance Manager oversees the Oden Institute’s day-to-day financial operations, including budgeting, financial reporting, forecasting, compliance, procurement, travel, reimbursements, and financial analysis. The role partners with Institute leadership to provide accurate reports, budget projections, and analysis that support informed decision-making and resource management. It ensures responsible stewardship and compliance across university, sponsored, endowment, gift, and other funding sources, while providing guidance, customer service, training, and operational support to Institute leadership and staff. The position supervises finance staff, develops and maintains procedures and training materials, and serves as the Institute’s subject matter expert on university financial policies and practices. It manages financial processes and controls, supports audits, and leads improvements to strengthen efficiency, service, and organizational excellence. The position is based at UT Austin’s main campus. Work is fully in person during the introductory period, with consideration for up to two remote days after the employee is fully trained. Occasional extended hours may be required during budget development, fiscal year-end close, audit periods, or high-volume processing cycles.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Management, or Business Administration; relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
At least six years of progressively responsible experience in financial administration, budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, or related areas.
Experience preparing financial reports, budgets, forecasts, projections, and analyses for leadership decision-making.
Experience interpreting and applying financial policies, procedures, internal controls, and compliance requirements.
At least four years of supervisory experience, including staff training, coaching, and performance management.
Strong customer service skills and ability to build collaborative relationships with staff, leadership, and university partners.
Demonstrated commitment to collaboration, continuous improvement, effective training, and organizational excellence.
Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, written communication, and verbal communication skills.
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and experience using financial management systems.
Knowledge of higher education budgeting, financial management, reporting, and compliance practices.
Ability to interpret complex financial information and communicate it clearly to financial and non-financial audiences.
Ability to translate financial data into practical guidance, options, and recommendations for leadership.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy, accountability, and responsible stewardship.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and operational demands in a complex environment.
Collaborative, service-oriented approach focused on solutions, partnership, and continuous improvement.
Ability to train, mentor, and develop staff while promoting consistency, accountability, and operational excellence.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
Experience in higher education, research administration, government, or nonprofit financial operations.
Experience with university fund accounting, restricted funds, endowments, gifts, and sponsored project compliance.
Familiarity with UT Austin financial systems and processes, such as Workday, DEFINE, FRMS, or related university tools.
Experience developing dashboards, management reports, financial procedures, and training resources.
CPA, CMA, CGFM, or other relevant professional certification.

Responsibilities

Supervise finance staff, set expectations for performance and accountability, and provide coaching, mentoring, and professional development.
Develop, document, streamline, and maintain financial procedures, training materials, and operational guidance.
Serve as the Institute’s subject matter expert on university financial policies and practices related to travel, entertainment reimbursements, procurement, purchasing, and related transactions.
Provide responsive financial guidance to staff and Institute leadership, balancing operational needs, compliance requirements, and sound financial practices.
Build partnerships with central campus offices, Research Administration, and university stakeholders to resolve issues and advance Institute priorities.
Train staff and administrators on travel, procurement, reimbursement, and financial processes; identify improvements to business processes and customer service.
Manage day-to-day financial operations, including preparation, monitoring, and reconciliation of operating, personnel, and research-related budgets.
Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, analyses, and projections; monitor revenues, expenditures, commitments, and fund balances.
Maintain real-time tracking systems for endowment, gift, discretionary, and other Institute funds, including balances, distributions, and investment performance.
Support leadership with financial modeling and scenario planning; develop management reports and dashboards.
Identify budget variances, financial risks, and funding issues, and recommend solutions for resource utilization and financial planning.
Review and approve procurement, travel, entertainment, and reimbursement transactions for accuracy, appropriateness, and compliance.
Monitor financial activity, identify compliance issues and risks, recommend corrective actions, and maintain internal controls and best practices.
Coordinate audit responses, provide supporting documentation for financial reviews, and work with Research Administration to ensure sponsored project expenditures comply with applicable requirements.
Oversee financial processes and operations to ensure quality, timeliness, and alignment with Institute goals and university standards.
Foster a service-oriented, collaborative culture that supports staff satisfaction, professional growth, and continuous improvement.
Lead process-improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, strengthen internal controls, and improve the experience of Institute stakeholders.