Description:

Job Description Summary:

Under the direct supervision of the Associate Vice President and Controller, the Executive Director, University Budgets and Student Accounts manages the development of the University’s annual operating budgets, the University’s budgeting system – Adaptive Planning, and position control for all benefitted positions. Additionally, this role manages and oversees the University’s Student Accounts Office, with direct supervision over the Director/Manager of Student Accounts.

The Executive Director creates financial models for a wide range of University programs and activities and maintains and enhances the University’s long-range financial planning models. This role brings analytical rigor, creativity, and transparency to setting University priorities and making investments to maximize the College's financial, intellectual, cultural, and physical assets. Duties and Responsibilities:

Manages the development of the University’s annual operating budgets Manages the university’s monthly financial operating forecast and all components within (revenues and expenses) Manages and oversight of the development of the annual revenue budgets and the associated reconciliations between budgets and actuals on a monthly basis to ensure proper revenue recognition Manages position control for all benefitted positions, including the dynamic funding allocations for those positions Manages and maintains the University’s budgeting system – Adaptive Planning Manages annual forecasts to ensure variances are identified and actions taken, where appropriate, to ensure the university operates within the approved annual operating budgets, or variances are authorized by central administration. Creates, reviews and distributes monthly financial reportsand recommends corrective actions, where appropriate Partners with the Deans of each College to formulate, present and report on College level budget and expenditures Develops and maintains complex financial reports for forecasting, trending, and results analysis Identifies financial trends and cost saving opportunities/measures. Implements solutions to identified problems Provides accounting detail and reporting requirement information, as needed Directs and monitors internal and control audits and external reporting activities Creates and maintains effective working relationships with all levels of employees Assists in the development and submission of external grant budgets Undertakes special projects and/or general management assignments within the scope of finance and budget as requested Other tasks as assigned by the CFO & Controller. Minimum Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field from an accredited college or university strongly preferred. A combination of relevant education, experience, and training will be considered in lieu of a degree. Prior experience in college or university settings is preferred but not required. Leadership & Supervisory Experience: Minimum 8–10 years of progressive experience in accounting, fiscal management, budget planning, or related financial functions—preferably in higher education, public sector, or similarly complex environments. At least 3–5 years of supervisory experience, including leading, coaching, and developing teams (minimum of 5 direct reports). Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities while ensuring day-to-day operations stay on track. Comfortable making informed, timely decisions under pressure and navigating high-stakes situations. Technical Expertise: Demonstrated knowledge of accounts receivable, cashiering functions, and general accounting principles. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and familiarity with financial report writers and data reconciliation tools. Experience with enterprise systems and Microsoft Office Suite; ability to quickly learn and adapt to new software platforms. Skills & Attributes: Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to draw meaningful conclusions from complex data. High level of attention to detail and commitment to accuracy. Strong interpersonal and communication skills; capable of working across teams and departments. Ability to adapt to changing priorities, work under tight deadlines, and remain flexible during peak periods (occasional evenings/weekends may be required during audits). Benefits of Working at SMU

Health, Dental, Vision Care

SMU offers a broad range of employee benefits including health, vision, and dental care; sick leave, vacation and holiday leave, 403(b) retirement plan, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, voluntary tax-deferred annuities, educational leaves, sabbatical leaves, tuition reimbursement, tuition remission on SMU courses, disability insurance, and more. SMU offers HMO, EPO and PPO health insurance plans, Delta Dental coverage, and VSP vision coverage. Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

A Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is a pre-tax benefit account used to pay for eligible medical, dental, and vision care expenses that aren’t covered by your insurance plan or elsewhere. It’s a smart, simple way to save money while keeping you and your family healthy and protected. Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

A Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA) is a pre-tax benefit account used to pay for dependent care services, such as preschool, summer day camp, before or after school programs, and child or elder daycare. A DCFSA is a smart, simple way to save money while taking care of your loved ones so that you can continue to work. Life Insurance

As a means of financial protection, basic life insurance is provided for employees. Insurance may be purchased to benefit-eligible employees in order to supplement additional basic life insurance coverage. Employees that purchase supplemental life insurance may also purchase coverage for dependents. Retirement 403(b)

A retirement plan that includes investment alternative and a matching contribution plan is available to all benefit-eligible employees. The retirement plan rewards special contributions of the long-service employee by providing a measure of financial security during retirement. You Are Welcome Here

SMU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, pregnancy, ethnicity, national origin (including ancestry), citizenship status, familial status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, veteran or military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, or any other protected category under applicable local, state, or federal law—including protections for those opposing discrimination or participating in any resolution process within the University or within the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or other human rights agencies. Nondiscrimination is consistent with the principles and practice of the University and is in compliance with Title VII of The Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Title IX of The Education Amendments of 1972, and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.