Director, Finance - 997445

We are excited that you are considering joining Nova Southeastern University!

Nova Southeastern University (NSU) was founded in 1964, and is a not-for-profit, independent university with a reputation for academic excellence and innovation. Nova Southeastern University offers competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package including tuition waiver, retirement plan, excellent medical and dental plans and much more. NSU cares about the health and welfare of its students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors and is a tobacco-free university.

We appreciate your support in making NSU the preeminent place to live, work, study and grow. Thank you for your interest in a career with Nova Southeastern University.

Primary Purpose:

Supports assigned University operating units in directing, leading and managing the financial responsibilities of each unit. Performs financial planning and analysis, budgeting and forecasting, accounting and reporting, and operational data analysis. Oversees capital budgets and related controls governing the process. While reporting to the university’s central finance office, collaborates with unit leadership to ensure fiscal responsibility and support of the unit’s mission and goals, aligning its financial strategies with the broader university objectives.

Job Category: Exempt

Hiring Range:  Commensurate with experience

Pay Basis:  Annually

Subject to Grant Funding? No  

Essential Job Functions: 

1. Provides strategic leadership and oversight of a large team, inclusive of budget and accounting analysts.
2. Responsible for preparation and management of university-wide, multi-year capital improvement plan (CIP). Partner with Facilities and IT leadership to coordinate capital planning efforts and ensure alignment with institutional priorities and financial sustainability.
3. Monitors capital projects as they progress and ensure all related expenditures are accurately recorded as capital assets or operating expenses, with effective controls in place for project approvals.
4. Manages finance-related activities for the University’s comprehensive portfolio of leases, both as lessee and lessor. Ensures timely payments/receipts and accurate financial recording. Coordinates with Facilities to monitor lease renewals and expirations. Preparation of annual budgets, periodic forecasts, and other related financial analyses and reporting.
5. Serves as a liaison with assigned university operating unit(s) administrators and staff, and central finance unit as it relates to financial operations.
6. Develops and implements unit specific financial guidelines in alignment with central university policies, processes, and objectives (e.g., allocation methods or protocols, consistent program level reporting, etc.).
7. Reviews transactions and monitors revenue and expense activity to ensure compliance with unit guidelines, university policies, and external regulations, as applicable. Includes monitoring various processes and systems.
8. Manages the utility payment process and works with the Energy consultant to verify the utility database to ascertain that it is reconciled to the University's books.
9. Provides oversight of property tax filings and event billings and receipts.
10. Directs and coordinates, in conjunction with the administrator(s), the daily financial operations of the unit and completes routine tasks such as preparing journal entries and budget transfers, ensuring proper and timely use of restricted funds, conducting reconciliations and investigating account details, etc.
11. Supports administration in developing and managing the unit’s annual budget; collaborates with department heads to develop and manage departmental budgets; monitors expenditures to ensure alignment with the approved budget; identifies cost-saving opportunities and implements efficiency improvements.
12. Performs detailed reviews and analysis to ensure accuracy and integrity of financial information and supports informed and timely decision-making. Includes regular in-depth variance analysis and trend identification for all assigned departments and overall unit levels.
13. Conducts current and long-term financial forecasting and risk analysis in consultation with the unit’s administration; prepares ad hoc financial analysis/reports and reviews standard reports; provides financial insights and recommendations to the administrator(s) and university finance leadership.
14. Participates in strategic planning and advises the administrator(s) on key financial data as it relates to identification of both threats and opportunities; prepares financial proformas/business plans and evaluates financial implications of new initiatives and projects in consultation with the administrator(s).
15. Manages full and part time employee lifecycle activities: hiring, onboarding, mentoring, training, performance evaluations, and professional development.
16. Instructs any unit staff involved in preparing, submitting or reviewing transactions or budget details (e.g., vendor payment requests, purchase requisitions, employee expense reimbursements, budget transfers or journal entries); provides training and development as it relates to financial systems and processes, and fosters effective communication and collaboration across the university.
17. Completes special projects as assigned.
18. Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Job Requirements: 

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: 

1. Advanced knowledge of MS applications, including Excel and Access; proficiency in complex financial information systems.
2. Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial analysis, and budgeting.
3. Detail-oriented with keen analytical, documentation, and technical skills.
4. Proficiency in procedural controls and data validation techniques; ability to work with large data sets to identify, extract, analyze, and present the information in a meaningful manner.
5. Independent worker and strategic thinker with an ability to conduct research, data analysis, and resolve complex problems.
6. Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
7. Strong organization and project management skills; ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
8. Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders; build and sustain strong working relationships across a complex and diverse organization.
9. High level of integrity and ethical standards.

Required Certifications/Licensures: 

Required Education: Bachelor's Degree

Major (if required: Finance or Accounting

Required Experience: Eight (8) to ten (10) years relevant financial management experience, or similar or closely related experience.

Preferred Qualifications: 

1. Higher education experience strongly preferred.
2. CPA or CFA.
3. Masters degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration.

Is this a safety sensitive position? No  

Background Screening Required?  Yes  

Pre-Employment Conditions: 

Sensitivity Disclaimer: Nova Southeastern University is in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and does not discriminate with regard to applicants or employees with disabilities and will make reasonable accommodation when necessary.

NSU considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status or any other legally protected status.