Senior Business Officer

The College Senior Business Officer in the College of Natural Resources (WCNR) at Colorado State University is the key leader for finance, serving as the chief financial officer for the college, assisting the Dean in managing financial resources to advance the mission of the college. The position is responsible for the leadership, management, and coordination of the financial operations of the college, providing guidance on all financial matters within the college.

Reporting to the Dean of the college, the Senior Business Officer serves as their strategic adviser on financial matters. The role works closely with the college’s executive leadership team to plan and manage strategic initiatives, develop short and long-term financial, capital and operational plans, and maintains a high degree of financial accountability and transparency.

This position is responsible for the financial infrastructure that facilitates the college’s work in a high-volume complex environment, across all departments and units within the college, and provides exceptional customer service in accounting, financial reporting and budgeting activities. Provides oversight and leadership for the college’s accounting operations and team, financial reporting, and budget management, while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and university statutes, regulations, policies and rules using prudent fiscal controls.

Required Job Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field
• Eight years of senior level experience in accounting, finance, financial management or related field, which must include at least three years of progressive budget planning experience.
• Three years of supervisory experience including responsibility of completing performance evaluations of permanent staff
• Three years of experience working within a complex organizational structure including functional management of, and/or facilitation with, primary administrative functions including budgets, accounting, information technology, and human resources
• Strong, comprehensive understanding of internal controls and the ability to analyze, develop and implement effective systems of internal controls
• Understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Experience and working knowledge with Microsoft Office suite and the use of data mining tools
• Demonstrated evidence of professional written and oral communication skills

Preferred Job Qualifications:  

• Masters or MBA with a concentration in finance, accounting or other related advanced degree
• CPA or CMA Professional certification
• Understanding of Fund Accounting and Governmental Accounting Standards (GASB)
• Understanding of Federal Uniform Guidance and monitoring research-account activity for allowability according to grant guidelines and federal research requirements
• Analytical abilities, including the use of statistical techniques, financial modeling and data management
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel and data mining tools
• Strong organizational and complex problem-solving skills, follow-through and attention to detail
• Experience in an institution of higher education or government
• Ability to work effectively in a multi-layered team environment, as well as autonomously
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to foster and work within culturally diverse communities