Senior Business Officer, WCNR College

Updated: 19 days ago
Location: Fort Collins, COLORADO
Deadline: 22 Apr 2024

Posting Details
Posting Detail Information


Working Title Senior Business Officer, WCNR College
Position Location Fort Collins, CO
Work Location Position is fully in-office/in-person
Research Professional Position No
Posting Number 202400475AP
Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title Management I
Number of Vacancies 1
Work Hours/Week 40
Proposed Annual Salary Range $140,000 - $170,000
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion , and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
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  • Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in !
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 04/22/2024
Description of Work Unit
Founded in 1870, Colorado State University is among the nation’s leading research universities and enrolls approximately 32,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Located an hour north of the Denver metro area, Fort Collins is a vibrant community of approximately 157,000 residents that offers the convenience of a small town with all the amenities of a large city. Fort Collins is situated on the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains with views of 14,000 foot peaks, and offers access to numerous cultural, recreational, and outdoor opportunities.
The WCNR business office manages all Fiscal and Human Resource operations for the college including 4 academic departments and 2 large research units. This includes all salary, payroll, travel, purchasing, sponsored research pre/post award and account reconciliations for over 800 accounts and approximately 1500 personnel. Staff is comprised of 13 full time employees and 8-10 student workers.
Position Summary
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
Diversity Statement
Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Essential Duties


Job Duty Category Financial Management
Duty/Responsibility
  • Serve as the principal college contact with internal university administrative units related to budgeting, accounting and internal audit
  • Provide for proper accounting internal controls, ensuring control measures are effective and adhered to
  • Coordinate college fiscal and budgetary policy development and implementation.
  • Coordinate the annual budget process for the College of Natural Resources, managing the input, distribution and reconciliation of the annual university budget allocations
  • Complete annual carry forward distributions within the college
  • Design and develop effective financial management reporting systems
  • Manage, oversee and track commitments due to and from the College, including start-up funds, differential tuition, summer and online tuition, tuition sharing programs, course capacity funds, or other commitments as necessary
  • Monitor, reconcile and control the College share of the University central fringe pool, including departmental reporting, monitoring and collecting, as applicable
  • Manage the college indirect cost recovery programs and ensure research related accounts (including cost-share) are being expended according to Federal and State guidelines
  • Coordinate and analyze budget issues for all non-appropriated funds
  • Provide general oversight and monitoring of all college accounts
  • Document processing and reconciliation for CSU Foundation accounts
  • Prepare financial and analytical reports, presentations and guidance to the dean, department heads, and other unit managers, faculty and staff as needed
  • Advise and assist the Dean in strategic planning and budget allocation decisions
Percentage Of Time 75
Job Duty Category Leadership and Operations Management
Duty/Responsibility
  • Provide leadership and oversight for all accounting operations, financial reporting and budget management practices within the College
  • Serve as the subject matter expert for the College on financial, budget, and procurement matters
  • Continuously work to improve operations, streamline work processes, and provide quality support to the College’s faculty, staff and students
  • Provide internal training, both verbally and in writing, to college accounting staff on accounting systems, procedures and practices and coordinate training for faculty and staff in business and financial matters
  • Provide individual support and leadership to department heads and College accounting staff
  • Assist College Senior Human Resources Manager with approval of personnel actions in the University’s HR system, verifying accuracy, completeness and compliance with University provisions and policies
  • In conjunction with the College Senior Human Resources Manager, assist College HR staff with complex payroll transactions in order to expedite and resolve issues in a timely, successful manner
  • In conjunction with the College Senior Human Resources Manager, coordinate the college annual salary raise exercise (SALX) and review all college-level equity/special/promotional salary adjustment requests
  • Serve as an active member on various standing committees and activities, including the WCNR College Executive Committee and the university Campus Administrative Advisory Group (CAAG)
Percentage Of Time 25

Application Details


Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications in the announcement to be considered for hire. Apply no later than April 22, 2024, 11:59pm (MT) for full consideration. Mailed or emailed applications will not be accepted.
Upload each of the items below individually as a Word Document (.doc), PDF (.pdf), or Rich Text Format (.rtf). Please note that incomplete applications cannot be considered. Please remove social security numbers and birth dates from application materials. A complete application consists of:
  • Statement of Qualifications (one-page letter addressing each qualification described in the announcement) uploaded in the ‘Cover Letter’ slot.
  • Resume
  • References – please include within your application contact information for 3 professional references including at least one supervisor. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.

  • CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.

    Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Special Requirements/Other - The ability to work occasional evening, early morning and/or weekend hours dependent on college/university events, University calendar or workload requirements is required.
    Search Contact Sabrina Broderick, [email protected]
    EEO Statement
    Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.
    The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715, [email protected] .
    The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, [email protected] .
    The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, [email protected] .
    Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education .
    Background Check Policy Statement
    Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.


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