University Budget Director - University of Puget Sound

Another Source•Tacoma, WA

9h•$115,000 - $130,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Another Source is partnering with the University of Puget Sound to find a University Budget Director. This role is a leadership opportunity for a finance professional to manage institutional financial leadership. The position oversees long-range financial modeling, annual budget development, forecasting, and strategic analysis for a $94.6M operating budget. The University Budget Director will collaborate with senior leadership, Cabinet members, and Board committees to influence institutional decisions. This role offers high visibility, autonomy, executive leadership exposure, and the chance to modernize budgeting and forecasting processes at a financially stable, mission-driven university.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, economics, or a related field
Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in financial planning, budgeting, accounting, or related functions, preferably within a private, not-for-profit higher education environment
Demonstrated expertise in multi-year financial modeling within a tuition- and enrollment-driven operating model, including scenario and sensitivity analysis
Working knowledge of endowment accounting, draw policies, and investment unitization, or the ability to quickly develop this expertise
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously
Proven ability to collaborate effectively with academic, administrative, and governance stakeholders
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting complex financial information to senior leadership and boards
Advanced proficiency with Excel and related tools for financial modeling, analysis, and presentation
Experience working with enterprise systems (ERP, budgeting, or student information systems) and relational databases
Familiarity with business intelligence and data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau) and core economic and financial concepts relevant to higher education

Nice To Haves

CPA license
Experience in a higher education or similarly complex non-profit organization.

Responsibilities

Lead maintenance and enhancement of the University's long-range financial planning model.
Develop multi-year forecasts and scenario analyses supporting institutional strategy and financial sustainability.
Evaluate financial implications of enrollment trends, compensation changes, endowment performance, and other institutional priorities.
Identify emerging risks, opportunities, and financial trends impacting the University.
Develop executive summaries and planning materials for senior leadership.
Coordinate the University's annual budget development process.
Partner with budget managers across campus to develop budgets, projections, and forecasts.
Maintain budget data within PeopleSoft and support ongoing process improvements.
Manage Budget Variance Reporting (BVR) and provide meaningful analysis of financial performance.
Partner with Human Resources to manage staffing, compensation, and contingency budgets.
Develop a deep understanding of university operations to support effective resource planning and allocation.
Develop and maintain endowment-related financial models and payout projections.
Support financial planning related to endowment draw strategies and institutional sustainability.
Collaborate with Finance leadership to analyze investment-related impacts on long-range planning.
Maintain assumptions used to support deficit planning and long-term financial forecasts.
Provide financial planning and analysis support to the CFO, Cabinet, Budget Task Force, and other institutional leaders.
Prepare financial projections, analyses, and planning materials for Finance & Facilities Committee meetings and Board presentations.
Conduct special financial studies and strategic analyses as needed.
Support university-wide financial decision-making through clear and actionable recommendations.
Support implementation of a new budgeting and forecasting platform.
Identify opportunities to improve reporting, automation, and financial planning processes.
Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance access to financial data and reporting tools.
Deliver budget-related training and support to campus partners as needed.