Director Financial Affairs I - Campus Only - 530522

Job no: 530522
Work type: Regular Full-time (Benefits eligible)
Location: Tuscaloosa
Categories: Internal only

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

Note to Applicants: This is a campus only search. You must be a current UA employee to be considered.

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 financial leadership and oversight for the Research institutes. Manages budget planning, financial analysis, forecasting, compliance, and strategic resource management to support research and operational priorities. Partners with institute leadership and University stakeholders to ensure effective administration of sponsored projects, contracts, and funding resources, while maintaining compliance with University and sponsor requirements. Supervises financial staff. Manages personnel tracking and workforce planning. Promotes consistent financial practices and operational effectiveness across the Research Institutes.

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. Ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage time effectively. Ability to work with leadership on various projects and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment. Ability to lead a team and work collaboratively in a dynamic setting. Ability to work independently, demonstrating tact, versatility, and adaptability. Ability to demonstrate a high degree of self-motivation and directional initiative. Proficient in Excel. Strong analytical skills. Ability to analyze and interpret complex data to develop financial models and prepare comprehensive reports.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience partnering with senior leadership. Experience with overseeing and guiding financial operations, contract and grant accounting, and budget development. Experience in a leadership position with supervisory duties. Experience in higher education. Experience with University's accounting, financial, and purchasing policies and procedures.

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: 08 Sep 2026 Central Daylight Time
Applications close: 15 Sep 2026 Central Daylight Time