Job Description:

The University of Oklahoma Outreach/College of Continuing Education is seeking a dedicated and dynamic Director of Finance and Operations to lead our fiscal and operational initiatives. This pivotal role demands a strategic thinker with a strong background in finance and accounting, coupled with proven managerial experience. As the Director, you will oversee daily financial operations, manage departmental budgets, and provide guidance to financial staff, all while ensuring compliance with university policies and regulations. Your ability to analyze complex financial data and develop efficient processes will be essential in enhancing our operational effectiveness. If you are passionate about fostering a collaborative work environment and driving financial excellence within an academic setting, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

Essential Duties

• Plans, develops, implements, and manages all fiscal and operational activities.


• Manages daily financial operations, including but not limited to, payroll review and approval, financial transactions approval, preparation and/or review of monthly reconciliation of the financial accounts, and billing and financial reports. Make recommendations to enhance operations.


• Prepares and monitors department budgets. Maintains financial records, reviews and approves all financial budgets, reports, and associated documents.


• Supervises department financial staff. Responsible for delegating tasks, reviewing work, providing guidance, training, and serving as a mentor for staff.


• Responsible for special projects where a thorough knowledge of the department, University, state, and federal regulations and accounting principles are required. Performs comprehensive analyses of changes to financial activity. Provides ongoing fiscal monitoring, forecasts of operations, and other long-range planning.


• Prepare reports including conclusions and recommendations for solutions to complex financial or related problems.


• Oversee the grant and contract proposal process within the department. Prepares and/or reviews budgets, coordinates requirements with principal investigators, and ensures compliance with deadlines for all grant proposals.


• Assists in the development, documentation, and implementation of policies and procedures for financial processes within the department. Monitors and ensures compliance with established policies and procedures, University policies, and state statutes. Responsible for modifying policies and procedures as needed.


• Provides financial policy and procedure training to principal investigators, faculty, and staff to ensure compliance. Meets with principal investigators and department chairs to review financial activity and budget status.


• Performs various duties as assigned by the supervisor to successfully fulfill the function.

Required Education: Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or a closely related field, AND: 

• 36 months experience in Finance, Accounting, or a closely related field including 12 months of managerial or supervisory experience.

Equivalency/Substitution: Experience or a combination of education & related experience can be considered in lieu of degree. A one-to-one ratio is used to determine the number of years of experience required in place of a degree. 

Skills: 

• Accounting Skills: understanding accounting concepts, internal controls, and possession of strong analytical skills.


• Computer Skills: Experience with PeopleSoft and Microsoft Office.


• Communication Skills: ability to communicate verbally and in writing.


• Supervisor Skills: ability to direct the work of subordinate staff.


• Initiative Skills: the ability to make recommendations to enhance operations. Self-starter.


• Organizational Skills: ability to prioritize workload and organize workflow within the department including delegating tasks when appropriate.

Required Working Conditions: 

• Sit for prolonged periods of time.


• Use of a computer and calculator.


• Manual dexterity.


• Communicate effectively and listen.


• Office Environment.

Department Preferences

• Master’s Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or a closely related field. 


• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)


• 60 months experience in Finance, Accounting, or a closely related field, including 24 months of managerial or supervisory experience.


• Grant and Contract administration experience.


• University Experience, including all university systems.


• Experience with change management.

Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy.  To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing.

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma fosters an inclusive culture of respect and civility, belonging, and access, which are essential to our collective pursuit of excellence and our determination to change lives. The unique talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community enrich the learning, and working environment at OU, inspiring us to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.

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