Budget and Accounting Director

Budget and Accounting Director Print Apply  Budget and Accounting Director Location Georgetown, Texas 78626 Job Type Staff - Full Time, Exempt, Regular Job Number 202600042 Division Finance & Administration Department Finance and Administration Opening Date 04/08/2026 Description Benefits

ABOUT US

Located in Georgetown, Texas, Southwestern University is an independent, four-year undergraduate institution offers a top-ranked integrated arts and sciences curriculum that incorporates the humanities, fine arts, social sciences, and natural sciences. At Southwestern University, we are committed to fostering an environment where every individual feels respected, valued, and empowered. We believe that a thriving community is built on the strength of varying perspectives and experiences, and we strive to create an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding. Our actions are guided by a commitment to fairness, openness, and the belief that our differences are what make us stronger as a whole.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Reporting directly to the Associate Vice President for Budget, Planning, and Reporting, and secondarily to the AVP of Finance and Accounting, and partnering with the Controller, the Budget and Accounting helps to develop, implement, and improve processes and systems that enable effective budget development, oversight, and overall financial management. This role bridges budgeting and accounting functions by ensuring accurate flow of financial information, researching financial activity, interpreting results, overseeing the accuracy of data, establishing checks and balances and translating complex financial data into clear, actionable insights for institutional leaders. The position partners closely with leadership to support strategic decision-making, ensure financial stewardship, and maintain alignment between budget planning and actual financial performance. DUTIES Budget Development & Oversight Lead the development, coordination, and ongoing management of the University's annual operating and capital budgets. Monitor budget-to-actual performance, identify variances, and provide clear analysis and recommendations to leadership. Partner with departments to develop, review, and refine budget assumptions, forecasts, and long-range financial plans. Support tuition revenue modeling, enrollment-driven projections, and expense planning. Supervise budget and accounting staff, provides training and leads workshops. Financial Analysis & Strategic Support Analyze financial data across departments and programs to identify trends, risks, and opportunities. Conduct research and provide guidance on financial impacts of strategic initiatives, staffing changes, and program development. Translate complex accounting and financial data into meaningful insights for non-financial leaders. Prepare presentations, dashboards, and reports for senior leadership to support decision-making. Accounting Integration & Technical Expertise Apply strong understanding of accounting principles to ensure alignment between budget, general ledger activity, and financial reporting. Research and resolve discrepancies between budget and actuals, including revenue recognition, expense classification, and fund accounting. Collaborate with Accounting and Business Office on month-end and year-end processes to ensure accurate financial data for reporting and planning. Lead management of restricted funds, grants, endowments, and designated funds. Collaboration & Leadership Partnership Serve as a primary financial partner to department leaders, providing guidance, training, and support on budget management. Facilitate regular budget meetings with leadership to review performance, explain variances, and recommend actions. Build strong cross-functional relationships to ensure alignment between financial planning and institutional priorities. Process Improvement & Compliance Develop and enhance budgeting processes, tools, and reporting to improve efficiency and transparency. Ensure compliance with institutional policies, financial controls, and applicable regulations. Support audit requests and provide documentation related to financial data.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

Assist with special financial and accounting projects, scenario modeling, and institutional initiatives. Provide support to the Controller and/or AVP for Finance & Accounting. Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum education, experience, licenses, certifications, and competencies (knowledge, skills, and behaviors) which are necessary for performing the listed duties. List first those which can be objectively measured. (Human Resources may determine when other education or experience is required.) Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in budgeting, financial analysis, and/or accounting. Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, and fund accounting. Demonstrated experience in developing, monitoring, and analyzing operating and capital budgets. Proven ability to translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insights for leadership. Experience supervising and mentoring staff, including conducting training and leading workshops. Proficiency in financial systems, spreadsheet modeling, and data analysis tools. Experience managing restricted funds, grants, endowments, or designated funds. Track record of process improvement and implementing financial reporting tools or dashboards. Ability to collaborate across multiple departments and build strong partnerships with institutional leaders. Experience supporting strategic planning and long-range financial forecasting. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with non-financial leaders. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Knowledge of compliance standards, internal controls, and audit processes. Further preferred qualifications which are also desirable for performing the listed duties. Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field. CPA, CMA, or equivalent professional certification. Experience in higher education finance, including tuition modeling and enrollment-driven projections. Familiarity with financial management systems used in universities.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Starting annual salary: $121,000. The final offer for the successful candidate will be commensurate with experience and may exceed the starting annual salary. Southwestern University is an E-Verify employer. Southwestern University is an equal-opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at hr@southwestern.edu.

Jeanne Clery Statement:

Notice of Availability of Annual Security and Fire Safety Report— Southwestern University Annual Safety and Fire Report is available online at https://www.southwestern.edu/life-at-southwestern/safety-security/annual-security-reports/ containing mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, required statistics, and other related information for the past three calendar years. To obtain a paper copy of the report, please call 512-863-1435. Southwestern University offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health and welfare insurance (medical, dental, and vision), life and AD&D insurance, long-term disability coverage, generous contributions to a 403(b) retirement account, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), various paid time-off programs (for staff positions), undergraduate tuition assistance for you and your dependents, access to athletic facilities, free parking, and discounted meal rates, along with other benefits designed to support your well-being and work-life balance. Employer Southwestern University Address 1001 E University Ave Georgetown, Texas, 78626 Phone 5128631435 Apply