Senior Director for Finance and Administration

Job Posting Title: Senior Director for Finance and Administration ---- Hiring Department: School of Computing ---- Position Open To: All Applicants ---- Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40 ---- FLSA Status: Exempt from FLSA ---- Earliest Start Date: Immediately ---- Position Duration: Expected to Continue ---- Location: UT MAIN CAMPUS ---- Job Details: General Notes This position will support the university’s new School of Computing, which includes 3 strong departments—Computer Science, Information, and Statistics and Data Science—and more than 9,000 students across all programs. The School of Computing has a close relationship with Austin’s thriving tech culture and works at the forefront of fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum computing, and cybersecurity. The School of Computing is seeking an experienced Senior Director for Finance and Administration to serve as the school’s chief business officer, providing executive-level leadership across finance, human resources, and administrative operations. Purpose The Senior Director for Finance and Administration serves as the chief business officer for the School of Computing, providing executive-level leadership and oversight of the school’s financial, human resources, faculty affairs, research administration, and business operations. Reporting to the Executive Director, this position leads the school's core administrative functions, translates school priorities into operational plans, and ensures effective and coordinated delivery of administrative services. The Senior Director represents the school in university-wide business administration forums and serves as a primary liaison with the College of Natural Sciences, Office of Accounting, and other central university offices. Responsibilities Business Affairs Leadership Serve as the school leadership’s principal advisor on financial management, human resources, research operations support, and administrative matters. Lead the development and refinement of the school's business and administrative operating model, identifying opportunities to improve coordination, streamline processes, establish consistent practices, and strengthen service delivery across the school and its departments. Hire, supervise, and develop staff, fostering a strong service orientation and high standards of performance. Serve as a resource to and collaborate with the school’s three department business officers. Financial Management and Oversight Oversee the school’s business functions including accounting and reporting, ensuring sound fiscal management and controls and the effective functioning of business operations. Ensure the efficient and effective use of school resources and recommend and implement process improvements and efficiencies. Budget Planning and Development Provide comprehensive financial planning and analysis for the school. Coordinate the preparation of annual budget recommendations and the school’s five-year budget planning. Work collaboratively with the School Head and Executive Director to implement financial and human resources goals and priorities, including school merit processes, faculty budgets, indirect cost return distributions, and financial commitments. Internal Controls and Compliance Establish and maintain a strong system of internal accounting controls and ensure compliance with institutional, state, and federal policies and procedures. Review and approve business-related forms and transactions. HR, Faculty Affairs, and Research Administration Oversight Provide leadership and oversight of the school's HR, Faculty Affairs, and Research Administration functions through the supervision of their respective team leads. Support the establishment of these teams and related school policies. Coordinate and lead cross-team processes for ongoing operational effectiveness. Promote consistent practices, effective coordination with departments and central university offices, and continuous improvement in service delivery. School Representation and Liaison Serve as the school’s representative to university administrative offices. Build and maintain trust and collaborative relationships for the school across the institution. Serve as a resource to and support the business officers and operations of the three school departments. Perform other related duties as assigned. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, accounting, or a related field. A minimum of eight to ten years of progressively responsible experience in financial and business operations management, including budget development, financial reporting, and internal controls. At least five years of supervisory experience, including hiring, developing, and managing professional staff. Demonstrated experience overseeing human resources, faculty affairs, and/or research administration functions within a complex organization. Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to advise senior leadership and build effective relationships across a large institution. Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree in business administration, finance, accounting, or a related field; CPA or equivalent certification. Experience in higher education business administration, particularly within a college, school, or comparable academic unit. Familiarity with university budgeting, accounting, and compliance systems and processes (e.g., state and federal grant compliance, indirect cost recovery, endowment and gift fund management). Experience overseeing research administration in an academic setting. Salary Range $170,000 + depending on qualifications Working Conditions This position is based on campus and generally works standard business hours, with additional hours required during peak periods. May require occasional travel for university business. Requir