Chief Business and Finance Officer

Job Description

Housing & Food Services (HFS) has an outstanding opportunity for a Chief Business and Finance Officer to join their team.

The CBFO provides leadership, vision, and strategic direction for the financial health and resource alignment of Housing & Food Services (HFS). This includes oversight of financial operations, long-range planning, procurement, and the campus ID card program, as well as close partnership with the Chief Information Officer (CIO) to ensure technology, data, and financial resources are aligned in support of departmental priorities. The CBFO fosters a strong, collaborative team culture and serves as a visible leader within HFS and across campus.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Organizational Effectiveness (35%)

• Directs the following functions and ensure compliance with applicable University, state, and federal requirements:

  o Financial accounting and reporting (including debt service and asset management)

  o Internal controls and reconciliation of accounting activities

  o Accounts receivable and payable

  o Payroll

  o Contract administration, purchasing, and procurement

  o Annual budget development and rate approval process

  o Financial reporting and analysis

• Provides strategic and operational oversight for Husky Card Services, including debit card programs and system integration.
• Provides executive sponsorship and partnership with the Chief Information Officer, ensuring financial and technology strategies are jointly developed and aligned to departmental priorities.
• Supports and reinforces the CIO's authority over enterprise architecture, cybersecurity, data governance, and technology standards.
• Coordinates with UW Risk Management on insurance coverage and risk mitigation.
• Develops and maintains fiscal and administrative policies and procedures.
• Maintains accurate data and reporting to support operational and strategic decision-making.
• Develops and maintains business continuity plans.

  Strategic Planning (25%)

• Leads development of long-range financial plans and strategies that align with departmental goals and initiatives.
• Partners with the CIO to advance enterprise digital transformation, data-informed decision making, and modernization of core business systems.
• Integrates financial and IT resource planning to support operational efficiency and innovation.
• Oversees financial forecasting, business modeling, and capital planning.
• Develops pro forma analyses for growth and capital development projects.
• Supports expansion of revenue sources to supplement traditional resources.
• Guides strategic and long-term planning for Husky Card Services.
• Oversees benchmarking reports and development of performance measures.
• Represents HFS in campus-wide financial planning efforts.

  Leadership (20%)

• Builds and sustains a positive, collaborative organizational culture across Finance, IT, and Husky Card teams.
• Serves as a visible leader within HFS and represents the department on University committees and initiatives.
• Champions innovation and continuous improvement in financial and technology practices.
• Ensures the CIO maintains regular, direct engagement with the Executive Director and Senior Leadership Team on enterprise technology strategy and risk.
• Models values and behaviors that support an inclusive, student-focused organizational culture.
• Cultivates and sustains effective relationships with campus and external partners.

  Supervision (15%)

• Provides coaching, mentorship, and professional development for direct reports and their teams.
• Establishes performance standards and evaluates staff performance.
• Supports succession planning and team cohesion.
• Ensures compliance with department and University personnel policies and procedures.

  Performs other duties as assigned (5%)

  IMPACT TO THE UNIVERSITY

  This position contributes to the University by:

• Ensuring the financial health and stability of HFS, a self-supporting auxiliary enterprise with a $150 million budget.
• Aligning financial and technology resources to support student success and operational excellence.
• Strengthening fiscal stewardship and risk management across all departmental operations.
• Enhancing campus services through oversight of Husky Card operations and technology integration.

  POSITION COMPLEXITIES

  This position directs multiple functional areas that interface with all other units within HFS and numerous University entities. It involves direct engagement with students and campus partners. The role oversees complex financial systems and technology resources, requiring strategic integration and collaboration. Compliance with financial, business, and technology policies is paramount. The CBFO and CIO collaborate as senior leaders within the Senior Leadership Team, working closely to align financial stewardship, technology capability, and data governance in support of the HFS mission.

  WORKING CONDITIONS

  Regular daytime office hours, Monday through Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends for special events, student engagement, or emergencies. A hybrid work schedule of one to two days per week may be available, subject to supervisor approval and operational needs.

  SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

  Direct supervision of up to seven full-time professional staff:

  Chief Information Officer

  Assistant Director, Accounting Operations

  Assistant Director, Accounting Services

  Assistant Director, Financial Planning & Analysis

  Manager, Husky Card and ID Center

  Procurement Manager

  Operations Support Specialist

  Indirect supervision of over 40 FTE professional and classified staff in the Business & Finance and Information Technology units.

  REPORTS TO

  Assistant Vice President for Student Life and Executive Director of Housing & Food Services

  MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, finance, economics, or related field and seven years of financial leadership experience.
• Experience supervising professional and technical staff
• Demonstrated success in:

  o Strategic planning, financial forecasting, and analysis

  o Leading cross-functional teams

  o Building strong relationships with internal and external partners

  o Developing positive organizational culture and team cohesion

• Strong communication skills, including public speaking.

  Equivalent combinations of education and experience may substitute for these qualifications.

  DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in business administration, public administration, accounting, or related field
• Ten years of experience in a leadership role
• Active Certified Management Accountant or Certified Public Accountant status
• Experience in higher education, preferably in student life or auxiliary services
• Familiarity with enterprise systems and IT resource planning
• Experience leading through periods of change.
• Experience collaborating with centralized shared services.

  CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

• A satisfactory outcome from the employment reference check processes and education verification.

  Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

  Pay Range Minimum:

  $165,000.00 annual

  Pay Range Maximum:

  $169,320.00 annual

  Other Compensation:

  -

  Benefits:

  For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

  Shift:

  First Shift (United States of America)

  Temporary or Regular?

  This is a regular position

  FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

  100.00%

  Union/Bargaining Unit:

  Not Applicable

  About the UW 

  Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

• UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

  Our Commitment 

  The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

  To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or

  dso@uw.edu

  . 

  Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.