Senior Director, Finance & Operations

University of Denver•Denver, CO

13d•$115,000 - $130,000

About The Position

The Business Solutions & Analysis Team is comprised of a team of business officers who are highly trained and efficient in University business functions. This office sits in the Business and Financial Affairs Division. We strive to be a trusted and innovative partner delivering exemplary business services in support of the DU community. Position Summary The Senior Director of Finance and Operations reports to the Business Solutions and Analysis team and provides leadership and oversight for financial management, human resources, and operational functions across the assigned units, managing an annual portfolio budget exceeding $65 million. This role is responsible for leading a team that serves academic and administrative units and includes a manager and multiple business officers, ensuring all financial and HR transactions are processed accurately and in a timely manner. The Senior Director is the primary knowledge expert for their units’ budgets and holds full responsibility for tuition and discount administration (when applicable) and financial forecasting/budgeting. The Senior Director partners closely with University Leadership throughout the budget development process to ensure budgets are accurate, aligned with institutional priorities, and effectively managed. Essential Functions Team Leadership & Operations Management Lead and manage a team responsible for executing all financial, payroll, and HR transactions for the assigned units. Ensure operational excellence by maintaining high standards for transaction accuracy, timeliness, and compliance. Collaborate closely with leadership to foster a high-performing team environment and cultivate a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement Financial Oversight & Forecasting Responsible for tuition and discount management for academic units, ensuring proper application and documentation. Develop, maintain, and monitor financial budgets and forecasts for assigned units. Act as the subject matter expert for unit budgets, providing detailed knowledge and management of financial status with leadership. Budget Development & Partnership Collaborate closely with University Leadership during the annual budget development process. Provide detailed financial analysis, data, and insights to support effective budget planning and resource allocation. Ensure budgets are realistic, compliant, and properly maintained throughout the fiscal year and support the University's strategic goals. Ensure all transactions comply with university policies, regulatory standards, and audit requirements. Prepare and organize documentation for audits and internal reviews. Address operational or compliance issues promptly to maintain process integrity.

Requirements

Financial management expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and analysis for large, complex budgets
Knowledge of HR and payroll processes, policies, and compliance standards
Proficiency with ERP and financial systems (e.g., Banner, Salesforce, PeopleSoft) and reporting tools
Leadership and team management skills for multi-layered operational teams
Advanced data analysis and reporting skills using Microsoft Excel and Microsoft 365
Skill in developing realistic, compliant budgets aligned with institutional priorities
Strong communication and collaboration skills for partnering with leadership and cross-functional teams
Ability to quickly resolve operational and compliance issues and make sound decisions in complex environments
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or related field
Minimum 8–10 years of progressively responsible experience in financial and administrative roles.
Demonstrated experience managing large budgets ($30M+) and supervising multi-layered teams.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (MBA, MPA, or similar).
Experience in higher education or similarly complex organizations.
Proficiency with ERP systems (Banner, Salesforce, PeopleSoft), and financial reporting tools

Responsibilities

Lead and manage a team responsible for executing all financial, payroll, and HR transactions for the assigned units.
Ensure operational excellence by maintaining high standards for transaction accuracy, timeliness, and compliance.
Collaborate closely with leadership to foster a high-performing team environment and cultivate a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement
Responsible for tuition and discount management for academic units, ensuring proper application and documentation.
Develop, maintain, and monitor financial budgets and forecasts for assigned units.
Act as the subject matter expert for unit budgets, providing detailed knowledge and management of financial status with leadership.
Collaborate closely with University Leadership during the annual budget development process.
Provide detailed financial analysis, data, and insights to support effective budget planning and resource allocation.
Ensure budgets are realistic, compliant, and properly maintained throughout the fiscal year and support the University's strategic goals.
Ensure all transactions comply with university policies, regulatory standards, and audit requirements.
Prepare and organize documentation for audits and internal reviews.
Address operational or compliance issues promptly to maintain process integrity.