Description:
 

Job Description Summary:
 

Under the direct supervision of the Associate Vice President and Controller, the Executive Director, University Budgets and Student Accounts manages the development of the University’s annual operating budgets, the University’s budgeting system – Adaptive Planning, and position control for all benefitted positions. Additionally, this role manages and oversees the University’s Student Accounts Office, with direct supervision over the Director/Manager of Student Accounts.

The Executive Director creates financial models for a wide range of University programs and activities and maintains and enhances the University’s long-range financial planning models. This role brings analytical rigor, creativity, and transparency to setting University priorities and making investments to maximize the College's financial, intellectual, cultural, and physical assets.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manages the development of the University’s annual operating budgets
• Manages the university’s monthly financial operating forecast and all components within (revenues and expenses)
• Manages and oversight of the development of the annual revenue budgets and the associated reconciliations between budgets and actuals on a monthly basis to ensure proper revenue recognition
• Manages position control for all benefitted positions, including the dynamic funding allocations for those positions
• Manages and maintains the University’s budgeting system – Adaptive Planning
• Manages annual forecasts to ensure variances are identified and actions taken, where appropriate, to ensure the university operates within the approved annual operating budgets, or variances are authorized by central administration.
• Creates, reviews and distributes monthly financial reports  and recommends corrective actions, where appropriate
• Partners with the Deans of each College to formulate, present and report on College level budget and expenditures
• Develops and maintains complex financial reports for forecasting, trending, and results analysis
• Identifies financial trends and cost saving opportunities/measures. Implements solutions to identified problems
• Provides accounting detail and reporting requirement information, as needed
• Directs and monitors internal and control audits and external reporting activities
• Creates and maintains effective working relationships with all levels of employees
• Assists in the development and submission of external grant budgets
• Undertakes special projects and/or general management assignments within the scope of finance and budget as requested
• Other tasks as assigned by the CFO & Controller. 

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field from an accredited college or university strongly preferred.
• A combination of relevant education, experience, and training will be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Prior experience in college or university settings is preferred but not required.

 

Leadership & Supervisory Experience:

• Minimum 8–10 years of progressive experience in accounting, fiscal management, budget planning, or related financial functions—preferably in higher education, public sector, or similarly complex environments.
• At least 3–5 years of supervisory experience, including leading, coaching, and developing teams (minimum of 5 direct reports).
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities while ensuring day-to-day operations stay on track.
• Comfortable making informed, timely decisions under pressure and navigating high-stakes situations.

 

Technical Expertise:

• Demonstrated knowledge of accounts receivable, cashiering functions, and general accounting principles.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and familiarity with financial report writers and data reconciliation tools.
• Experience with enterprise systems and Microsoft Office Suite; ability to quickly learn and adapt to new software platforms.

Skills & Attributes:

• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to draw meaningful conclusions from complex data.
• High level of attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; capable of working across teams and departments.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, work under tight deadlines, and remain flexible during peak periods (occasional evenings/weekends may be required during audits).

 

Employee Status:

Regular

Exemption Status:

United States of America (Exempt)

Time Type:

Full time

Job Shift:

Pay Range:

The compensation range: $124,000 to $170,000 annually based on experience

Samuel Merritt University currently provides base salary ranges for all positions-on job advertisements-in the United States based on local requirements. Individual compensation will ultimately be determined based on a variety of relevant factors including but-not limited to qualifications, geographic location, and other relevant skills.