Open Positions

Colorado State University
Division of Continuing Education
Director of Finance

The Director of Finance has leadership and primary responsibilities for all aspects of finance and budget for the Division of Continuing Education (DCE) at Colorado State University. The Director of Finance is responsible for providing leadership, administration, and vision in the planning and management of all financial resources of DCE. This individual will report to the Associate Provost of Continuing Education and serve as a member on the Leadership Team of DCE.

The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) at Colorado State University is a self-supporting unit that develops and delivers quality programs and educational opportunities in support of the University's land grant mission. DCE offer degrees, several online, credit and noncredit courses, certificate programs, and custom training for businesses and industry. DCE offer educational programs throughout Northern Colorado, in Denver, at business sites, and via distance education using a variety of delivery methods.

The Colorado State University campus is located in the city of Fort Collins, the county seat of Larimer County. Fort Collins is a progressive community of approximately 142,000 situated 65 miles north of Denver on Interstate 25. Located at an elevation of 5,000 feet, Fort Collins has a clear, dry climate and generally pleasant temperature throughout the year. To learn more about Colorado State University Division of Continuing Education, visit www.learn.colostate.edu. The job location for this position is on the Colorado State University campus in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Responsibilities:

  • Financial Management and Budgeting:
    • Supervise and manage one Accounting Tech staff and one student hourly employee.
    • Coordinate and prepare annual operating budget and conduct mid-year and year-end budget processing for all operations, administrative services, and facilities managed by DCE.
    • Design, implement, and maintain internal budgeting procedures and reporting for academic programs and services offered by DCE. Provide training and guidance to staff on budgeting, financial analysis, and policy compliance.
    • Uphold fiscal and budget authority over all Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), expenses, and projects.
    • Provide financial and budget oversight for the Vice Provost Office for Outreach and Strategic Partnerships (VPOSP) as needed.
    • Act as liaison and maintain strong communication with University administration and business officers. Member of the University Campus Administrative Advisory Group (CAAG) and appropriate subcommittees to represent DCE on University system enhancements or implementation of new systems.
  • Accounting Operations:
    • Oversee and approve authority over all accounting functions including: payables; receivables; purchasing; and internal transfers to ensure integrity of accounting operations.
    • Oversee and manage the distribution of revenues to CSU entities and external vendors in conformity with University financial policies, procedures, and accounting principles.
    • Advise the Associate Provost of fiscal operations and make recommendations to improve fiscal planning, reporting, management, budgeting, and strategy.
    • Reconcile and review fund activities on a monthly basis to conduct appropriate budget oversight and expense management.
    • Analyze and review systems of internal control over the processing of financial transactions; implement solutions when systems or processes are determined to be noncompliant and/or inadequate.
  • Fiscal Sustainability and Compliance:
    • Primarily accountable and responsible for the fiscal sustainability of DCE as an enterprise-funded Division of the university by aligning investment and allocation of financial resources to DCE and University strategy.
    • Proactively prepare accurate and timely financial reports and analyses of revenues, expenditures, and status of fiscal position as required for internal and external units.
    • Negotiate contracts with the Procurement and Contracting Services office to properly procure services and equipment.
    • Collaborate with DCE staff and units to ensure sound financial management and sustainability is met through operations, programming, business development, enrollment, recruitment, communications, and policy improvements.
  • Perform other duties as appropriate or necessary for performance of the job.

Salary: $80,000- $90,000 range and is commensurate with experience.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in accounting, finance, or business administration;
    - or -
    Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and an advanced degree in accounting, finance, or business administration.
  • At least seven (7) years of professional experience in accounting/finance, including at least one year of direct supervision of accounting staff.
  • Demonstrated skill working with people as individuals, groups and staff, and ability to forge equitable partnerships with other professionals and organizations to accomplish team goals as indicated by experience and references.
  • Evidence of drive and initiative as demonstrated by personal experience and previous employment (must be a self-starter).
  • Leadership ability as demonstrated by past professional experience and references.
  • Extensive understanding of one or more financial software packages.
  • Understanding of different ethnic and socioeconomic audiences, and a commitment to include diverse voices in program prioritization and planning, as demonstrated by persistent effort, active planning, and allocation of resources.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration.
  • Certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
  • Experience in cost accounting and financial reporting, standards, and business practices related to Higher Education institutions.
  • Experience with software packages used at Colorado State University including: Kuali (Information Systems); eThority (Financial Reporting System); and ORACLE (human resource application).

Application Procedure: Applications will be considered until the position is filled; however, for full consideration, complete information must be received by October 21, 2009. Please submit a cover letter (no longer than one page) addressing the qualifications in the position; resume; and one copy of unofficial transcripts from each degree awarding institution. References will be requested at the time of interviews. Send applications electronically to: Nicole.Olsen@learn.colostate.edu.

Colorado State University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final candidates being considered for employment. Background checks may include, but are not limited to, criminal history, national sex offender search and motor vehicle history.

 

Colorado State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution and complies with all federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding affirmative action requirements in all programs. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity is located in 101 Student Services Building. In order to assist Colorado State University in meeting its affirmative action responsibilities, ethnic minorities, women, and other protected class members are encouraged to apply and to so identify themselves.