Director, Finance and Operations

Job no: 499091
Work type: Staff Full-Time
Location: Denver, CO
Categories: Accounting / Finance, Business Operations / Services
Division: Financial Affairs

The Director of Finance and Operations reports to the Business Operations and Analysis leadership team and provides leadership and oversight for financial management, human resources, and operational finance functions across the assigned units. This role is responsible for leading a team that serves academic and administrative units, including a manager(s) and multiple business officers, ensuring all financial and HR transactions are processed accurately and in a timely manner.

The Director is the primary knowledge expert for their unit’s budgets and financial forecasting/budgeting.

• Lead and manage a cross-functional team responsible for executing financial, payroll, and HR transactions, ensuring high performance, accountability, and a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Ensure operational accuracy and compliance by maintaining high standards for transaction timeliness, financial integrity, and adherence to university policies, regulatory requirements, and audit standards.
• Oversee financial planning and performance by developing, monitoring, and adjusting budgets and forecasts for assigned units to support informed decision-making and fiscal responsibility.
• Serve as the subject matter expert on financial operations, providing leadership with detailed insights into budget status, tuition and discount management (as applicable), and overall financial health.
• Partner with leadership on budget development and resource allocation, delivering data-driven analysis and ensure budgets align with institutional strategy and remain compliant throughout the fiscal year.
• Maintain audit readiness and operational integrity by preparing documentation, supporting audits and reviews, and proactively resolving financial or compliance issues.
• Collaborate closely with leadership to foster a high-performing team environment and cultivate a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement

• Expertise in financial management and budgeting, forecasting, and analysis for large, complex budgets to align with institutional priorities.
• Knowledge of HR and payroll processes, policies, and compliance standards
• Proficiency with ERP and financial systems (e.g., Banner, Salesforce, People Soft) and reporting tools
• Leadership and team management skills for multi-layered and cross-functional operational teams
• Advanced data analysis and reporting skills using Microsoft Excel and Microsoft 365
• Strong communication and collaboration skills for partnering with leadership and cross-functional teams
• Ability to quickly resolve operational and compliance issues and make sound decisions in complex environments

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or related field
• Ability to work on campus 4 days a week (one remote) in an open office concept
• Minimum 4-7 years of progressively responsible experience in financial and administrative leadership roles.
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets and supervising multi-layered teams.

• Advanced degree/certification (MBA, MPA, CPA or similar).
• Over 8 years of progressive financial leadership with increasing responsibility for team management
• Experience in higher education or similarly complex organizations.
• Familiarity with Banner, Salesforce, People Soft, or similar ERP systems.
• Standard office environment.
• Unexpected interruptions occur often and stress level is moderate to high.
• Noise level is quiet to moderate.

• Ability to work in front of a computer for extended periods of time.
• Occasional…