Finance Director

Position Details

Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 27059

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Tricia Cook

patricia.cook

Classification Title Finance Professional

Working Title Finance Director

Brief Position Overview

The Finance Director in the Technology Transfer Office (TTO) serves as the primary financial professional for the department. In collaboration with TTO leadership, this position ensures departmental financial integrity, effective resource management, efficient processes, and alignment with organizational goals. The role manages complex activities unique to technology transfer and is a rare opportunity to apply financial leadership skills in an innovative environment that supports university research commercialization, technology licensing, entrepreneurship and startup development.

Position Number 4C0652 Department MSU Technology Transfer Office Division Office of VP for Administration & Finance Appointment Type Professional Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date FLSA Exempt Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining FTE 0.75 to 1.0 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary Salary starting at $90,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications Contract Type LOA If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open

The MSU Technology Transfer Office Pursues Three Primary Goals

• Establishing collaborations and working relationships between industry and the research and creative areas of MSU. This includes pursuing industry sponsored research and collaborating on commercial opportunities.
• Licensing the inventions of MSU faculty and researchers to industry and managing the relationship between the University and its licensee partners.
• Serving the economic development arm of the University and working with Montana companies and entrepreneurs to leverage the resources of MSU to the benefit of Montana’s economy.

• Serve as the primary financial advisor to leadership, providing strategic financial analysis and recommendations to support operational and financial decision-making.
• Develop, implement, and continuously refine financial and operational strategies.
• Lead the annual budgeting process, including revenue and expenditure forecasting and alignment of financial resources with departmental priorities.
• Monitor financial performance through budget-to-actual analysis, trend evaluation, and variance reporting; recommend adjustments to maintain financial stability.
• Manage post-award financial administration of grants.
• Ensure effective stewardship and allocation of resources across all departmental accounts.
• Identify and implement process improvements and cost efficiencies to strengthen financial operations.

• Design, maintain, and enhance financial reporting tools to provide clear, actionable insights for leadership.
• Prepare routine and ad hoc financial reports, forecasts, and analyses to support planning and decision-making.
• Analyze financial trends, risks, and performance metrics and communicate findings to leadership.

• Manage financial activities related to intellectual property licensing, royalty revenue, and inventor distributions.
• Oversee royalty accounting, revenue tracking, and financial reporting.
• Collect and track required reports from licensees.
• Prepare and submit federally required iEdison utilization reports.

• Manage financial operations supporting the TTO Catalyst Startup Incubator, including budgeting, tracking, fee structure and reporting.
• Track and manage multiple funding streams supporting incubator activities, ensuring compliance with funding requirements and restrictions.

• Oversee accounts payable and accounts receivable processes.
• Ensure accurate recording and reconciliation of financial transactions across all departmental accounts.
• Maintain strong internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure audit readiness.
• Ensure compliance with university policies, sponsor requirements, and applicable regulations.
• Serve as the primary liaison with central administrative units, coordinating and facilitating financial, human resources, procurement, and sponsored program activities.
• Provide training and guidance to staff on financial systems, as well as MSU policies, processes, and best practices.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Management or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, including budgeting, accounting, and financial analysis.
• Demonstrated experience developing and managing complex budgets and long-range financial plans.
• Demonstrated experience using enterprise financial systems and Microsoft Office applications,…