Finance Director

Job Overview

In the heart of the nation's capital, with additional programs in Virginia, George Washington University (GW) was created by an Act of Congress in 1821. Today, GW is the largest institution of higher education in Washington, D.C. The University offers comprehensive undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in a wide array of disciplines, including medicine, public health, law, engineering, education, business, and international affairs. As one of the largest private employers in the District of Columbia, GW seeks employees who support the teaching, research, and public service mission of the University.

Responsible for the overall integrity of the university’s financial activities, the Finance Division provides timely and accurate financial information, protects university assets, and ensures compliance with federal, state, and local laws from a financial and fiduciary standpoint. The Finance Division collaborates with all University units, reviews best practices, and maintains a strong financial base for GW while addressing the needs of its stakeholders.

Under the direction of a Managing FD, this position serves as the key day-to-day financial steward for a GW School. This high-level role oversees day-to-day financial operations, including management and analysis of budgets, financial results, and regulatory compliance. The position manages fiscal operations such as budgets, forecasting, accounting, asset management, procurement, and payroll, while measuring achievement of financial goals and supporting strategic planning and long-term modeling for academic programs, research centers, and business units.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Managing FD in acclimating to the unit’s operations and budgeting types (programs, endowments, capital, salaries, financial aid, library operations, fundraising, etc.), and help forecast these budgets by measuring and analyzing key business metrics.
• Oversee the timely processing of procurement requisitions, review expense reports, submit invoices, and manage other payment requests to Accounts Payable.
• Establish finance office processes and guidelines, and provide guidance to faculty, staff, and students on University policies and finance procedures.
• Compile, analyze, and interpret financial information from all unit components using advanced spreadsheets and database applications; prepare reports and presentations ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Recommend revenues/expenses and projections to the Managing FD by analyzing results, monitoring variances, identifying trends, and making comparative analyses; collaborate with unit directors/ managers on annual budgets and forecasts; assist with year-end closing information, projections, and reports.
• Review sponsored research budget proposals and collaborate with University offices overseeing research and award management.
• Address requests from University offices for financial information on behalf of the unit and investigate unresolved issues related to funds, budgets, and expenditures.
• Supervise the biweekly payroll approval process for non-exempt employees in the department and serve as backup timekeeper.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field plus 7 years of relevant professional experience, or a Master’s degree or higher in a relevant area plus 5 years of relevant professional experience. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience are acceptable.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in accounting, budget planning, and budget administration.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Microsoft Excel. Experience with Oracle, Banner, Tableau, PowerBI, and PeopleAdmin.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills with the ability to set priorities and goals. Team player with conflict resolution experience.
• Experience in higher education and familiarity with sponsored research and working with faculty.

Hiring Range

$105,123.50 – $176,607.48

Healthcare Benefits

GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being, and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit

Job Details

• Campus Location: Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.
• College/School/Department: Finance
• Family: Finance and Business
• Sub-Family: Division/School Financial Management
• Stream: Individual Contributor
• Level: Level 4
• Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
• Hours Per Week: 40
• Work Schedule: Monday‑Friday, 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
• Onsite Requirement: Yes (Hybrid model)
• Telework: Yes
• Required Background Check: Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search
• Special Instructions: Employer will not sponsor employment Visa status
• Internal Applicants Only: No
• Posting Number: S
• Job Open Date: 03/13/2026

EEO Statement

The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

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