Senior Director for Finance and Administration

University of Texas at Austin

5d•$170,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Director for Finance and Administration serves as chief business officer for the School of Computing, providing executive-level leadership and oversight of financial management, human resources, faculty affairs, research administration, and business operations. The position leads the school’s core administrative functions, translates school priorities into operational plans, and coordinates effective delivery of administrative services. It represents the school in university-wide business administration forums and serves as a primary liaison with the College of Natural Sciences, the Office of Accounting, and other central university offices. The role advises school leadership, shapes the school’s business and administrative operating model, and oversees the teams responsible for HR, Faculty Affairs, and Research Administration. The Senior Director works with the School Head and Executive Director on financial and human resources goals and priorities, including merit processes, faculty budgets, indirect cost return distributions, and financial commitments. The position is based on campus, generally follows standard business hours, may require additional hours during peak periods, and may involve occasional university-business travel.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, accounting, or a related field.
At least 8 to 10 years of progressively responsible experience in financial and business operations management, including budget development, financial reporting, and internal controls.
At least five years of supervisory experience, including hiring, developing, and managing professional staff.
Demonstrated experience overseeing human resources, faculty affairs, and/or research administration functions within a complex organization.
Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, including the ability to advise senior leadership and build effective relationships across a large institution.
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in business administration, finance, accounting, or a related field.
CPA or equivalent certification.
Experience in higher education business administration, particularly within a college, school, or comparable academic unit.
Familiarity with university budgeting, accounting, and compliance systems and processes, including state and federal grant compliance, indirect cost recovery, and endowment and gift fund management.
Experience overseeing research administration in an academic setting.

Responsibilities

Advise school leadership on financial management, human resources, research operations support, and administrative matters.
Lead development and refinement of the school’s business and administrative operating model, improving coordination, processes, consistency, and service delivery across the school and departments.
Hire, supervise, and develop staff while fostering service orientation and high performance standards.
Serve as a resource to and collaborate with the business officers of the school’s three departments.
Oversee accounting, reporting, fiscal management, controls, and the effective functioning of business operations.
Ensure efficient and effective use of school resources and recommend and implement process improvements and efficiencies.
Provide financial planning and analysis; coordinate annual budget recommendations and five-year budget planning.
Collaborate with the School Head and Executive Director to implement financial and human resources goals and priorities, including merit processes, faculty budgets, indirect cost return distributions, and financial commitments.
Establish and maintain internal accounting controls and ensure compliance with institutional, state, and federal policies and procedures.
Review and approve business-related forms and transactions.
Lead and oversee HR, Faculty Affairs, and Research Administration through supervision of their respective team leads; support establishment of the teams and related school policies.
Coordinate cross-team processes to support ongoing operational effectiveness, consistent practices, coordination with departments and central offices, and continuous service improvement.
Represent the school to university administrative offices and build collaborative relationships across the institution.
Support the business officers and operations of the three school departments.
Perform other related duties as assigned.