Senior Assistant Vice Chancellor of Finance and Budget

University of Colorado • Colorado Springs, CO

50d • $147,292 - $210,417 • Hybrid

About The Position

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is a premier educational institution that prides itself on academic excellence, research, and community engagement and is actively seeking a Senior Assistant Vice Chancellor for Finance and Budget to join our team! UCCS is committed to academic excellence, professional development, and fostering an environment that supports innovation and student success.

At the base of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is captivated by its stunning landscapes, making it a paradise for nature lovers. This city is more than its scenery-a mosaic of history, arts, and a vibrant tech scene. We invite you to join a community that cherishes outdoor adventure as much as forward-thinking growth, an exceptional setting for both career and lifestyle.

The Senior Assistant Vice Chancellor for Finance & Budget provides senior leadership and strategic direction for the university's financial management enterprise. Serving as a senior leader within the Division of Administration and Finance and as the principal strategic partner to the Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance (CFO), this role ensures the integration of accounting, budgeting, and financial planning functions into a unified, data-informed fiscal strategy. This position assists in stewarding the university's financial health and sustainability by aligning institutional resources with mission priorities and long-range goals. Acting with delegated authority, this role provides senior oversight of campus financial operations, represents the CFO in systemwide and state-level forums as needed, and advances a culture of fiscal accountability, innovation, and transparency.

Requirements

• A Master's degree preferred; a minimum of Bachelor's degree required in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field is required.
• Substitution: Year-for-year professional experience in strategic financial management or higher education administration will be considered in lieu of the degree.
• Proven record of executive leadership overseeing complex financial operations that include both accounting and budgeting functions.
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing integrated financial strategies, policies, and systems that advance institutional priorities.
• Advanced knowledge of higher education or government fund accounting, state fiscal rules, and governmental accounting standards (GAAP, GASB, and related regulations).
• Experience advising executive leadership and governing boards on fiscal policy, long-range planning, and institutional financial sustainability.

Nice To Haves

• Senior level experience of 15 years or more within higher education, public administration, or government finance.
• Success demonstrates leading financial modernization, system integration, or large-scale organizational transformation initiatives.
• Exceptional judgment, diplomacy, and the ability to represent institutional interests with credibility and influence in external fiscal forums.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and coordination across the campus's financial enterprise, including Accounting, Budget, and related fiscal operations.
• Align and integrate financial reporting, forecasting, and budget planning to ensure transparency and consistency across all institutional levels.
• Lead campuswide fiscal strategy, ensuring that resources are allocated in alignment with strategic priorities and the university's long-range financial plan.
• Act on behalf of the CFO with delegated authority to ensure continuity of financial leadership, operational execution, and policy compliance.
• Strengthening collaboration and alignment among fiscal units, creating a cohesive approach to financial management that supports institutional agility and responsiveness.
• Serve as chief advisor to the CFO with special advisement to the Chancellor, and executive leadership on fiscal strategy, long-range planning, and institutional financial health.
• Assist the CFO in leading, in coordination with the Director of Campus Budget Operations, the development of multi-year budget frameworks, enrollment-based revenue models, tuition scenarios, and financial forecasts to guide executive and Board-level decisions.
• Oversee the creation of financial policies and practices that promote accountability, transparency, and sustainable growth.
• Ensure the financial resilience of the university through proactive risk assessment, scenario modeling, and policy innovation.
• Represent the CFO occasionally in systemwide, Regent, and state fiscal policy discussions, providing data-driven advocacy for institutional priorities.
• Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and university fiscal policies, GAAP, GASB, and state fiscal rules.
• Partner with the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Accounting to maintain the integrity of financial systems, audit readiness, and accurate institutional reporting.
• Partner with the Director of Campus Budget Operations to maintain the integrity of campus and system budget reporting, and the development of budget and financial information to the University Budget Advisory Committee (UBAC).
• Oversee the preparation and submission of required financial statements, legislative fiscal notes, and Board of Regents for budget materials.
• Serve as a liaison to auditors, system controllers, and state oversight bodies, ensuring timely and accurate communication and documentation.
• Promote consistent fiscal governance practices that safeguard institutional assets and reinforce ethical standards of stewardship.
• Lead and mentor senior financial leaders and professional staff, fostering a culture of excellence, trust, and shared accountability.
• Champion professional growth, collaboration, and innovation across financial units.
• Partner with Human Resources and other executive divisions to align fiscal policies with compensation strategy, workforce planning, and operational efficiency initiatives.
• Drive modernization of financial systems, data reporting, and process automation to enhance accuracy and decision-making capacity.
• Represent the CFO and the Division of Administration and Finance in executive-level meetings, committees, and systemwide forums.
• Lead or support special initiatives that require cross-campus financial coordination, such as budget reform, system modernization, or strategic investments.
• Provide executive-level briefings and analysis to the Chancellor, Cabinet, shared governance bodies, and the Board of Regents as needed.
• Serve as a trusted institutional steward, ensuring that all financial decisions reflect the university's mission, vision, and values.

Benefits

• Generous Time Off: Enjoy 22 vacation days, 10 sick days, paid parental leave, 13 recognized holidays, and provisions for bereavement, jury duty, and FAMLI Leave.
• Robust Health Coverage: Our comprehensive medical plans cover preventative care at no cost, including a yearly mental health visit. Plus, benefit from affordable dental, vision plans, and competitive prescription drug prices.
• Financial & Retirement Benefits: Take advantage of our health savings, flexible spending accounts, and life and disability insurance. Plan for your future with our retirement options.
• Further Your Education: Avail twelve (12) waived credits per academic year for courses at any CU campus. We invest in your educational and professional growth.
• Wellness & More: From wellness programs aimed at achieving your best self to various additional benefits through CU Advantage, we prioritize well-being and holistic development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Industry: Educational Services
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees