Syracuse University

Budget Director - Athletics Finance

Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field with a focus on accounting or finance required; Master's degree or CPA preferred.
  • Minimum 7 years of financial management experience in higher education or complex fiscal operations required.
  • Knowledge of fund accounting principles and GAAP required.
  • Experience in intercollegiate athletics or public accounting preferred.
  • Strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills critical for diverse interactions.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with senior leadership to create fiscal and forecast models and maintain the 10-year strategic budget plan.
  • Ensure Athletics budget aligns with University requirements and NCAA/ACC obligations by working with Budget Office representatives.
  • Coordinate HR activities for Athletics staff and coaches, including sensitive employment issues and contracts.
  • Work alongside Athletics leadership to set revenue projections and cost management strategies for sport programs.
  • Conduct internal financial audits to guarantee compliance with University policies and NCAA regulations.
  • Evaluate and implement internal controls across the department to improve efficiency and reduce risk.
  • Supervise the Athletics financial team including oversight of procurement and budget reconciliation.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
  • Retirement plan options including employer contributions.
  • Generous vacation and paid leave policies.
  • Professional development and continuous learning opportunities.
  • Access to campus facilities and events.
Full Job Description
Posting Details

Posting Details

Job #
042974

Department Code
34200-7030

Department
Athletics

Job Title
Budget Director - Athletics Finance

Location
Syracuse, New York

Campus
Syracuse, NY

Commitment to On-Campus Experience

Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.

Pay Range
$125,000.00

Pay Determination

Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate's education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university's strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.

Staff Level
S6

FLSA Status
Exempt

Hours

Standard University business hours

8:30am - 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am - 4:30pm (summer)

Hours may vary based on operational needs. Evening and weekend hours maybe required.

Job Type
Full-time

Unionized Position Code
Not Applicable

Job Description

The Budget Director oversees the comprehensive stewardship, fiscal integrity, and business operations of the athletic department resource reporting directly to the Deputy AD - Chief Operations Officer.

This position serves as a key member of the department's leadership team, with a primary focus on financial strategy, resource allocation and revenue optimization.

Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration or related field with emphasis in accounting or finance required and Master's Degree in Business Administration or CPA certificate preferred.
  • Minimum 7 years of financial management experience in higher education or a complex fiscal operation required


Skills and Knowledge
  • Knowledge of fund accounting principles, auditing standards, reporting requirements and GAAP required
  • Experience working in intercollegiate athletics, government, or public accounting preferred
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze, design, implement and manage administrative systems and policies that establish clear responsibility, accountability, controls, and reduce liability and risk to the department.
  • Strong analytical, written and verbal communication, presentation and interpersonal skills combined with the ability to successfully interact with diverse individuals from both University and community related constituencies for maximizing University and departmental goals, objectives, relationships and representation
  • Ability to manage, direct and perform confidential detailed work with accuracy under deadline pressure
  • Demonstrated leadership, crisis management and organizational skills and experience
  • Demonstrated strong work ethic with the ability work extended hours including evenings and weekends.


Responsibilities
  • Collaborate with Senior leadership to design of fiscal models, forecast models, and the development and maintenance of the 10-year strategic budget plan.
  • Work collaboratively with Budget Office representatives to ensure the Athletics budget plan is in alignment with University budget requirements, overall philosophy/strategy, and NCAA and ACC financial obligations.
  • Coordinate Human Resource activity for all Athletics staff and coaching personnel.
  • Serve as primary liaison to the University's Human Resource Office. In collaboration with senior leadership oversee complex and confidential issues related to employment, compensation, appointment letters, coaching contracts, and employee relations.
  • Work closely with Athletics leadership to determine revenue projections, sport program allocations, and associated cost management strategies, ensuring that the financial impact of decisions - including scholarship costs, travel budgets, and facility expenditures - is well understood.
  • Perform internal financial and operational audits to ensure compliance with University policies and procedures, NCAA regulations, and ACC requirements, and to inform the department's strategic plan.
  • Collaborate with senior leadership to Evaluate, develop, and implement department-wide internal controls.
  • Investigate opportunities for continuous improvement and streamlining of business processes.
  • Supervise and manage the Athletics financial team including procurement, HR/Payroll, budget reconciliation, and research administration. Serve as authorized signer for all department accounts.
  • Implement expense budgets for sport programs and operational units within the Athletics department using an all-funds approach, incorporating institutional support, revenue generating sports, donor funding, and restricted accounts.
  • Review financial information requests with senior leadership. Including NCAA, ACC, and institutional reporting requirements, including annual statistical report preparation and accreditation-related financial disclosures.
  • Other related duties as assigned.


Physical Requirements

Tools/Equipment

Application Instructions

In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.

Quick Link
https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/114016

Job Posting Date
07/30/2026

Application Deadline

Full Consideration By

Job Category
Staff

Message to Applicants

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private research university located in Syracuse, New York. It was founded in 1870 and has since grown to become one of the largest universities in the United States. Syracuse University offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs in a wide range of fields including business, engineering, law, and the arts. The university is known for its strong programs in communications, architecture, and social sciences. Syracuse University is committed to providing students with a high-quality education that prepares them for success in their chosen careers.
Learn more about Syracuse University
Size
15,000 employees
Industry

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