Academic Finance & HR Director

Description
The University of Montana invites applications for the

Description
The University of Montana invites applications for the Director of Fiscal and Personnel Services for the Phyllis J Washington College of Education (PJWCoE). The Director of Fiscal and Personnel Services serves as the chief Academic Finance Officer (AFO) for the unit and, as such, has fiduciary responsibilities for all funds allocated to the College and oversees all human resource functions. This position reports directly to the Assistant Vice Provost for Finance and Personnel, with a dotted-line reporting relationship to the Dean of the College of Education.
Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

• Serves as the primary liaison between the Dean’s Office and College administrative and budget personnel, department chairs and directors, and central offices including Human Resource Services, the Office of the Provost, Planning, Budget & Analysis, the University of Montana Foundation, and other UM units as needed.
• Independently develops and manages budgets for all PJWCoE financial accounts, including planning, forecasting, analysis, consultation, and financial reporting.
• Assists the Dean in analyzing instructional staffing efficiency and other financial planning priorities within the College.
• Supports the development and feasibility analysis of new academic programs, including market analysis, budgeting, and revenue forecasting.
• Works closely with the Dean and Associate Dean to support fiscal planning needs and strategic financial goals.
• Oversees and, in some cases, directly supervises administrative and budget personnel responsible for fiscal and personnel matters across the College of Education.
• Ensures compliance with University of Montana and Montana University System fiscal and personnel policies and collaborates with Academic Finance Officers across Academic Affairs to improve financial and administrative processes.
  

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree and five years of related work experience including a strong background in accounting; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in financial and human resource management systems, preferably in an academic setting.
• Advanced knowledge of financial planning and forecasting, reconciliation, budgeting, and the principles and practices of accounting, including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Demonstrated ability to analyze financial statements to identify anomalies, trends and irregular transactions.
• Proven experience managing a diverse portfolio of funds and accounts, including transaction processing and reconciliation.
• Strong ability to assess financial data, predict outcomes and develop strategic responses.
• Results-oriented with a commitment to meeting deadlines and executing well-structured work plans.
• Exceptional planning and organizational abilities with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively and respectfully across diverse teams.
• Ability to provide clear, constructive feedback and guidance to colleagues and leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to remain calm, professional and solution-oriented in all situations.
• Consistent exercise of sound judgement and discretion.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information appropriately.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Business Administration or Accounting (or equivalent education and work experience), including accounting coursework, and at least three years of job-related experience in office management in a supervisory capacity, with experience in performing accounting functions in a financial management system.
• Experience with supervising staff or successfully leading a team.
• Experience in higher education and working knowledge of UM.
  

Additional Information
Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, MUS Contract and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.
Screening of applications will begin after the closing date ; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established. Complete applications received by the closing date will be guaranteed consideration.
To Apply, Please Upload The Following Materials

• Letter of Interest – addressing the stated required skills for the position
• Detailed resume listing education and describing work experience
• Three (3) professional references - Names and contact information
  

The University of Montana is interested in receiving applications from people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action : Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.
The Affiliation of the University of Montana (UM Affiliation) is an equal opportunity employer. UM Affiliation does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM’s non-discrimination policy and any applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.
Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.
References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. UM partners with SkillSurvey for reference checking. Applicants may receive emails from SkillSurvey to submit reference information.
Testing: Individual hiring departments within the UM Affiliation may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.
Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM and all affiliated campuses, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9). The University of Montana will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring. Due to the September 19, 2025 Presidential Proclamation and related guidance from USCIS and the Department of State, the University may be limited in its ability to offer H-1B sponsorship. At this time, we are unable to sponsor new H-1B visas that require payment of the additional fee introduced by the Proclamation.
The University of Montana offers a wide variety of benefits. Please visit the Montana University System Benefits website for full information or contact our office if you have additional questions.

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