Capital Projects Finance & Compliance Lead

The Analyst works cross-divisionally to ensure that all capital project financial activities align with State requirements, Board of Trustees expectations, audit standards, and the University’s long term financial strategy. This position is responsible for establishing consistent processes, strengthening internal controls, and delivering accurate, timely, and comprehensive reporting for all capital projects.

Capital Budgeting & Financial Oversight

• Monitor the full capital budgeting lifecycle, including planning, development, validation, monitoring, and closeout.
• Review and validate financial assumptions, match requirements, and funding sources for all capital budget submissions to the Board of Trustees and State government.
• Ensure compliance with State match requirements and prevent over‑commitment of institutional funds.
• Maintain a comprehensive financial framework for all capital projects, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and alignment with University priorities.

Compliance, Controls & Audit Readiness

• Maintain financial controls, approval queues, and workflows that ensure compliance with State regulations and audit standards.
• Ensure alignment with commitments made in the FY18 Capital Project Management transition plan submitted to the State.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external audits related to capital projects.
• Develop and enforce policies and procedures governing capital project financial management.

Financial Tracking & Reporting

• Oversee the financial tracking of all capital projects, ensuring accurate and timely recording of expenditures, encumbrances, and funding sources.
• Develop and/or activate standardized, automated reporting tools and dashboards for leadership, Board of Trustees, and State agencies.
• Eliminate manual, ad‑hoc reporting by implementing consistent, repeatable reporting processes.
• Provide monthly, quarterly, and annual capital project financial reports, including variance analysis and forecasting.

Cross‑Functional Coordination

• Serve as the central liaison among the units involved in capital project funding and execution (Facilities Services, Campus Planner, Real Estate, Finance, Advancement, and the University Foundation).
• Coordinate the identification, tracking, and application of match funds, gift funds, and other restricted resources.
• Ensure plant fund entries are accurate, timely, and coordinated across all responsible offices.
• Facilitate communication and alignment across departments to reduce duplication, delays, and unclear approvals.

Leadership & Staff Oversight

• Provide dotted‑line guidance, support, and technical direction to Capital Projects Accountants.
• Establish consistent accounting practices, workflows, and reporting standards across all capital project financial staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 5–10 years of progressively responsible experience in capital project financial management, grant‑funded capital spending, public sector finance, or large‑scale infrastructure financial oversight.
• Demonstrated experience with capital budgeting, financial controls, and compliance frameworks.
• Strong understanding of State capital funding requirements, match rules, and reporting obligations.
• Experience working with ERP systems such as Oracle Fusion or comparable platforms.
• Proven ability to develop/utilize financial reports, dashboards, and automated reporting tools.
• Exceptional analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Experience supporting or providing oversight to accounting or financial staff in a matrixed environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, or related field.
  CPA, CGFM, or other relevant professional certifications.
• Experience in higher education, government, or public infrastructure environments.
• Familiarity with State of Tennessee capital budgeting processes and reporting requirements.
• Experience coordinating with foundations, advancement offices, and external funding entities.

Key Competencies

• Compliance and audit readiness
• Cross‑functional collaboration
• Process improvement and workflow design
• Data‑driven decision‑making
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement
• Ability to manage complexity and competing priorities