Financial Mgt Director - Executive Director of Finance and Budget

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities

2d

About The Position

This position provides strategic and operational financial leadership and oversight and serves as the primary financial manager for the College. The position manages and directs the staff and financial operations of the institution, including accounting services, budgeting, accounts receivable, accounts payable, financial reporting, banking, audit coordination, contracts, purchasing, inventory, student and employee payroll and risk management. The position also has oversight for auxiliary operations including the campus bookstores and foodservice. The position ensures generally accepted accounting practices are followed, and the college is in compliance with state and federal regulations, Minnesota Management and Budget policies and procedures and Minnesota State policies and procedures. The position interacts with the system office, banking and risk management experts and other financial experts to ensure government financial standards are established and followed. In coordination with the Vice President of Administration, provides oversight for the annual budget. The position provides leadership, communication and information to the president, vice presidents, deans and department directors for matters involving financial management and budget planning. The values that guide our work include: access and opportunity, equity, inclusion and belonging, cultural competence, cultural responsive pedagogy & service, and community engagement. Our educational environments are culturally relevant, responsive, and innovative to the students we serve. Our students are assets; we affirm their identities and lived experiences and provide spaces that are emotionally safe and reflect who students are.

Requirements

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive, professional experience in a financial management related position. A master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field substitutes for 18 months of experience; a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field substitutes for 12 months of experience; an associate’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field substitutes for 6 months of experience.
• Progressive responsibility, leadership and supervision in financial management in a complex environment
• Experience with budget development and budget management
• Minimum of 3 years supervisory experience
• Ability to understand and interpret statistical and financial data for the purpose of monitoring, developing, recommending, and implementing sound administrative financial policies
• Sufficient written and oral communication to create professional documents, deliver presentations and communicate technical ideas
• Advanced skills in the use of spreadsheets, word processing and computer based management information systems
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully with people of diverse backgrounds including a sensitivity to their needs and concerns
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with internal and external constituents

Nice To Haves

• Master’s Degree in accounting, business management or related degree or professional certificate, such as, CPA or CMA.
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in government accounting
• Ability to direct the development and implementation of problem solving for a variety of financial problems, utilizing a team approach
• Demonstrated experience in financial management in a higher education environment
• Demonstrated experience with staff training and professional development
• Understanding of a collective bargaining (union) environment

Responsibilities

• Customer Service. On a daily basis, live the mission, vision and values of M State to ensure a positive experience for all students and stakeholders. Service to M State students and stakeholders is a core component of the position and work responsibilities.
• Fiscal Management, Coordination, and Oversight. Coordinate and direct the activities of the finance team so that all College budgets and accounting and financial policies and procedures are strategically carried out in accordance with federal and state laws and regulations. This includes general fund accounts, revenue fund accounts, student fee accounts and other self-supporting accounts. Monitor and improve accounting policies, procedures, internal controls, PCI compliance, and business processes utilizing the complex system-wide accounting system. Represents the College as the chief financial officer in the absence of the Vice President of Administration.
• Strategic Leadership and supervision of Finance Division of the College. Lead, manage and supervise the employees in the finance division in such areas as financial reporting, internal controls, accounts payable, audit, banking, purchasing, contracting, vendor payments, purchasing cards and employee payroll. Ensure all staff are trained and compliant with federal, state and local regulations, Minnesota State policies and procedures and sound business practices, and ensure all staff are trained in the areas that they work to ensure efficient and effective use of their time. The position also has oversight of auxiliary services including bookstore and foodservice operations, which includes ensuring customer service standards that align with the college mission are met and financial sustainability is planned and implemented. Supervisory responsibilities include: Reviews job applications, interviews, and hires personnel, conducts probationary evaluations and makes certification decisions. Determines work priorities and establishes work schedules which can include temporary reassignment of employees within the division. Oversees the supervision of personnel, which includes but is not limited to, work allocation, training, and problem resolution. Evaluate employee performance, rewards or disciplines employees and promote, suspend, discharge of change status according to performance; make recommendations for personnel actions; and motivate employees to achieve peak productivity and performance. Provides training for unit employees on new programs, procedures, and laws. Perform supervisory responsibilities in accordance with established equal opportunity/Affirmative Action, non-harassment, and discrimination, and employee safety policies and procedures. Administer applicable labor contracts in accordance with statewide policy, including applicable collective bargaining agreements and Minnesota State policies and procedures
• Strategic Budget Development and Oversight. In collaboration with the Vice President of Administration, lead the establishment of the strategic framework for annual budget development, monitoring, amendments, and reporting with key budget managers and administrators of the college. Provide leadership in establishing budget guidelines, assumptions, timelines, and recommendations to be used by senior leadership to set the annual fiscal plan. Provide strategic input to ensure that the annual budget is funding the strategic plan.
• Contract Management and Oversight. Manage and oversee the contracting process for the college, ensuring that all non-personnel contracts are executed and implemented in accordance with college, system, and state requirements. Oversee the Request for Proposals/Request for Information process and consult with the system and state legal teams when necessary.
• Financial Analysis and Problem Solving. Develop and recommend new or improved management methods and procedures to solve a variety of complex financial problems as well as taking advantage of opportunities that exist. Manage processes to optimize and safeguard the resources of the College. Collaborate and provide solutions that satisfy the needs of competing stakeholders. Communicate effectively to ensure policies and procedures are followed and College goals and objectives are met. Provide strategic financial expertise for college and system level committees, advocating for the College’s financial interests, and contributing to the development of system-wide policies and procedures.
• Oversight and Payroll Distribution. Oversee, and participate in the accurate labor distribution of the college payroll process. Maintain the role of Compensation Finance Partner within the Workday system and ensure that payroll is posting to the correct college financial areas.
• Other Duties as Needed by the College. Perform other duties as assigned to ensure the smooth functioning of the department and maintain a trusting reputation within the college as well as with external partners. Must be able to maintain a rigorous travel schedule.

Benefits

• Our generous benefits include 11 paid Holidays, Vacation Time, Sick Time, six weeks of Paid Parental Leave, low cost medical and dental insurance with low deductibles ($250 - $1500), a Pension Plan, 457(b) and 403(b) retirement plans and other retirement investment options, pre-tax medical and dental expense (with roll-over option) and dependent care accounts, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, as well as professional development and a tuition waiver program for employees and their dependents, etc.
• We promote the health and well-being of our employees and take work/life balance seriously.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees