Manager of Budget, Financial Reports, and Cost Analysis

Job Summary:

The Manager of Budget, Financial Reporting, & Cost Analysis serves as a key controller-level contributor responsible for the organization's budgeting, financial reporting, and cost management functions. This position does not carry direct supervisory responsibility but is designed as part of the organization's long-term finance leadership pipeline. An early priority for this role is leading the evaluation, selection, and implementation of a new budgeting, financial reporting, and cost analysis software platform that integrates with the organization's Banner Finance system.

The ideal candidate brings prior leadership experience, deep technical finance expertise, strong business acumen, and the ability to build strong partnerships across campus to guide institutional budgeting priorities.

Key Responsibilities:

Budgeting Lead the annual operating and capital budget process, coordinating submissions across all business units and consolidating into a unified organizational budget. Design and continuously improve budget models, templates, and workflows to increase accuracy and efficiency. Present actual vs. budget results to senior leadership with clear narrative analysis and recommended corrective actions. Financial Reporting Oversee preparation and distribution of monthly, quarterly, and annual management financial statements in accordance with GAAP.

Ensure the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of all internal and external financial reports, including Board packages and lender/investor reporting. Manage the monthly reporting calendar, coordinating with the CFO and Controller to meet all deadlines. Design dashboards, KPIs, and executive-level financial summaries to communicate performance against strategic goals. Support external audit and regulatory compliance processes; serve as a primary liaison for auditors on budget and reporting matters.

Cost Analysis and Management Lead cost accounting and analysis functions, including variance analysis. Partner with departmental leaders and budget managers to identify cost reduction opportunities and track savings initiatives. Analyze departmental profitability and develop cost models to support pricing decisions, academic program, and capital investment decisions. Monitor and report on cost trends, flagging unfavorable variances and recommending corrective measures Software Selection and System Implementation Lead the evaluation and selection of a new budgeting, financial reporting, and cost analysis software platform, including coordinating vendor demonstrations and participation in the final acquisition decision.

Ensure the selected solution integrates effectively with the organization's Banner Finance ERP system; serve as the primary functional liaison with vendors and IT throughout the process. Drive full implementation of the selected platform - including project planning, data migration, user acceptance testing, and go-live - ensuring the project is delivered on time and within budget. Develop and deliver end-user training programs;

create documentation and standard operating procedures for the new system. Serve as the ongoing system administrator and internal subject matter expert post-implementation; manage upgrades, troubleshoot issues, and identify opportunities to expand system utilization. Strategic Partnership and Executive Development Function as a trusted business partner to the CFO and department leaders, translating financial data into clear operational and strategic insights. Shadow and support the CFO across the full spectrum of finance leadership responsibilities, compliance, risk management, and organizational strategy as part of a formal succession development plan.

Become familiar with the various departments that report to the CFO, including Facilities Operations, IT, HR, Student Accounts, and the Pioneer Store. Represent, alongside the CFO, the Finance function in cross-departmental initiatives, Board-level reporting, and stakeholder communications, building executive presence and organizational relationships. Drive the adoption of financial systems, tools, and process improvements (ERP, BI platforms, automation). Support strategic initiatives including capital planning, system implementations, and organizational planning as needed.

Required Qualifications:

* Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.

* 7+ years of progressive finance/accounting experience, including prior experience in a management or supervisory role.

* Demonstrated expertise in budgeting, financial reporting, and cost accounting.

* Strong knowledge of GAAP; experience with month-end close and financial statement preparation.

* Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems such as Banner.

* Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills - able to present complex financial data to non-finance audiences with executive presence.

Preferred Qualifications:

* CPA, CMA, or MBA strongly preferred.

* Experience with Banner Finance…