Director Financial Affairs I - 530725

Job no: 530725
Work type: Regular Full-time (Benefits eligible)
Location: Tuscaloosa
Categories: Accounting/Bookkeeping, Director/Executive

Pay Grade/Pay Range: Minimum: $93,900 - Midpoint: $126,800 (Salaried E14)

Department/Organization: 502702 - Campus Financial Affairs

Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm

Job Summary: The Director of Financial Affairs I oversees all accounting and budgeting activities for assigned area(s). Ensures application of accounting principles, practices, and techniques in accordance with industry standards, current laws, and University policy. Manages resources of assigned area(s) to accomplish goals and objectives. Supervises accounting and other staff. Provides guidance and direction to staff in assigned area(s).

Additional Department Summary: Provides leadership and oversight for all financial operations within the College of Communication and Information Sciences. Serves as a strategic partner to the Dean and college leadership. Translates strategic priorities into financial and workforce plans, develops budget proposals to support college initiatives, and provides timely analyses and recommendations to inform decision-making, planning, and policy development. Collaborates extensively with senior academic and administrative leaders, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders to advance the college's strategic objectives.

Directs the development, administration, forecasting, and monitoring of the college's operating, summer school, and other financial resources, ensuring responsible stewardship of state, tuition, gift, endowment, and other funding sources. Provides guidance on budget planning, resource allocation, staffing, compensation, and long-term financial strategies, while ensuring compliance with University policies, sound internal controls, and effective operational practices. Leads financial operations personnel, promotes continuous process improvement, and supports data-informed fiscal management across the college.

Serves as the College's primary Human Resources liaison. Relays guidance on HR policies and employee relations. Oversees workforce planning, position management, and performance evaluation processes. Reviews and submits staff position descriptions and salaries for approval. Conducts salary analyses and funding reviews when making employment recommendations to ensure compliance, alignment with salary structures, and adherence to institutional priorities. Coordinates faculty appointments, contract renewals, and employment-related immigration processes while advising leadership on organizational structure, compensation strategies, and workforce needs.

Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree or higher in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related financial field and eight (8) years of accounting experience; OR Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and six (6) years of accounting experience.

Skills and Knowledge: Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Self-motivated and able to multitask, prioritize, and manage time effectively. Ability to work with faculty and staff on various projects and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment. Ability to lead a team to work collaboratively in a dynamic setting and an environment of constant growth and change. Ability to work independently at a rapid pace with numerous interruptions, cope with stressful conditions, and demonstrate tact, versatility, and adaptability. Ability to demonstrate a high degree of self-motivation and directional initiative. Proficient in advanced spreadsheet and database operations. Strong analytical skills, with the ability to analyze and interpret complex data to develop financial models and prepare comprehensive reports.

Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree in accounting or closely related field and/or Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Experience partnering with senior leadership, overseeing financial operations, guiding budget development, and serving in a leadership position with supervisory duties. Some experience in not-for-profit accounting, especially higher education. Familiarity and experience with the University's accounting, financial, and purchasing policies and procedures. Some experience using PageUp, Banner, and Concur.

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

Advertised: 29 Sep 2026 Central Daylight Time
Applications close: 06 Oct 2026 Central Daylight Time