Senior Associate Athletic Director, Finance & Business Operations

Texas A&M University System•Stephenville, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Tarleton State University, a distinguished Doctoral National Comprehensive University, invites applications for the position of Senior Associate Athletic Director for Finance and Business Operations in the Division of Athletics. As part of a vibrant academic community dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service, this role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a university that values innovation, collaboration, and inclusive growth. Join us in advancing knowledge and transforming lives—on campus and beyond. Tarleton State University continues to grow its impact across Texas, with four distinct campuses located in Stephenville, Fort Worth, RELLIS-Bryan and Waco, along with a robust online community that extends our reach even further. At the heart of it all is Stephenville, where Tarleton State offers a dynamic environment for faculty and staff. From a lively live music scene and numerous local festivals to rich traditions rooted in the surrounding community, Stephenville provides a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. No matter where you're located—on campus or online—you are part of a mission that transforms lives and makes a difference across the state of Texas and beyond.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or related field, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in athletics business operations, higher education finance, governmental fund accounting, or related accounting, finance, or budgeting functions, including experience working with a broad range of budget and fiscal management processes and implementing revenue enhancement, cost-savings, and process improvement strategies.
Advanced knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, internal controls, fiscal reporting, and data-informed decision support.
Demonstrated competence in the development, analysis, and execution of complex budgets and long-range financial management plans.
Strong knowledge of NCAA-related policies and financial reporting requirements.
Proficiency in spreadsheet, database query, word processing, and financial modeling software.
Ability to interpret, analyze, and translate complex financial and budget data into clear, concise verbal and written communications for diverse stakeholders.
Excellent written, oral, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
Strong leadership, supervisory, and team development skills.
Demonstrated sound judgment, decision-making ability, and initiative.
Ability to identify and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency, compliance, and scalability of business practices.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain accuracy and attention to detail in work products.
Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with a broad range of constituencies, including students, coaches, staff, faculty, administrators, and external partners.
Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and ability to handle sensitive or confidential information appropriately.
Ability to manage challenging situations with composure and maintain a positive, solution-oriented approach.
Ability to manage challenging situations with composure and maintain a positive, solution-oriented approach.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in business administration, accounting, finance, sport administration, higher education administration, or a related field.
CPA, CMA, or other relevant financial certification.
Experience in NCAA Division I athletics business operations.
Experience with Banner, Tarleton Budget, or similar enterprise financial systems.
Experience preparing NCAA, EADA, or other athletics financial reports.
Experience with governmental fund accounting, foundation accounting, and restricted-gift accounting.

Responsibilities

Serves as the department’s chief financial leader, providing fiscal strategy, oversight, and business operations leadership.
Supervises and develops athletics business operations staff.
Leads the development and administration of the annual athletics operating budget in collaboration with department leadership and coaches, including salary projections, position budgeting, and coordination with the University Budget Office.
Supports the annual budget setup process, ensures data accuracy, and resolves issues as needed.
Provides budget training and guidance to coaches and staff.
Serves as Campus Security Authority (CSA).
Serves as a strategic advisor to the Vice President & Director of Athletics on resource allocation, revenue optimization, expense management, and financial risk.
Establishes and enhances business processes, internal controls, and reporting frameworks to improve accuracy, accountability, and operational efficiency.
Ensures alignment of financial practices with departmental goals and compliance requirements.
Oversees the development, implementation, and monitoring of departmental operating budgets, including forecasting and variance analysis.
Manages budget allocations, reconciliations, expenditure tracking, and financial reporting, including NCAA and EADA requirements.
Monitors financial activity across funding sources, including athletics budgets, restricted funds, and foundation accounts, identifying issues and recommending solutions.
Advises coaches and staff on budget performance and compliance with University and TAMUS Board of Regents policies.
Provides financial analysis and reporting to support strategic planning, program evaluation, and operational decision-making.
Develops and maintains standard and ad hoc reports, dashboards, and data visualizations for internal stakeholders.
Evaluates financial trends, identifies issues, and recommends data-driven solutions to improve performance and efficiency.
Oversees financial aspects of business operations, including procurement, payroll coordination, personnel funding, and HR-related financial processes.
Serves as the primary liaison with University offices and external partners (e.g., auditors, legal counsel, service providers, and foundation representatives).
Provides training and communication on financial processes, policies, and budget-related topics.
Ensures compliance with University, TAMUS, NCAA, and applicable federal, state, and donor-related requirements.
Identifies gaps in processes or controls and implements improvements to strengthen consistency, compliance, and operational effectiveness.