Department: Financial Operations

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Negotiable based on qualifications, with a range starting around $160,000/yr

Work Schedule: General administrative/business hours

Export Compliance Requirement: No export control requirement.

Job Story

This is a rare opportunity for a strategic and forward-thinking financial leader to make a lasting impact on a dynamic university. This is more than a numbers-driven position—it’s about shaping the institution’s financial landscape, guiding leadership through complex fiscal planning, and ensuring financial stewardship that supports long-term institutional success.

In this role, you will provide oversight of the university’s financial operations. You will lead the development of comprehensive operating and capital budgets across a broad portfolio, ensuring alignment with the university’s strategic initiatives. Your ability to formulate and implement financial policies, coupled with your expertise in institutional financial planning, will be instrumental in driving efficiency, transparency, and sustainability.

We’re looking for a leader who can articulate a vision and execute it with precision—someone who can translate complex financial concepts in a way that resonates with stakeholders at every level. Success in this role requires a blend of critical thinking, adaptability, and strategic foresight, along with the ability to navigate the nuances of higher education finance. Whether you come from within academia or bring a fresh perspective from outside the industry, your ability to think flexibly within parameters and offer creative solutions will be key.

Most importantly, this position is about leadership—leading a team, guiding institutional financial strategy, and communicating with clarity and professionalism to ensure financial decisions are well-informed and forward-focused. If you are a results-driven financial professional with the ability to balance big-picture strategy with day-to-day execution, we invite you to bring your expertise to our team and help shape the financial future of the university. Apply today and be part of an institution that values innovation, collaboration, and financial excellence!

Job Summary

Provides strategic direction and leadership in the planning, development, management, control and reporting of financial management plans and activities of the University.

Essential Functions

Provides oversight and stewardship for the fiscal management, financial accounting and reporting of the University. Plans and develops comprehensive capital and operating budgets for a wide-ranging portfolio of accounts. Oversees institutional financial planning to include budget forecasting, investments and risk management. Formulates, implements and administers policies and procedures, as well as short-term and long-range strategic goals. Advises University leaders on finance-related issues.

Job Duties

Includes but is not limited to:

• Provides timely analysis and interpretation of the financial condition of the college for presentation to senior management.
• Oversees the implementation of the state and other budgets, maintains the tracking and reporting of those budgets.
• Analyzes and resolves complex problems, and monitors auxiliary services operations, whether contracted services or in-house operations.
• Directs the preparation of internal and external financial reports and statements for the university involving a variety of complex fund types and appropriations.

Required Education and Experience:

• Master's degree in accounting, finance, business or related field
• Nine (9) years of experience in accounting, finance, business or related field, with five (5) years of experience in a leadership role

Required License/Certifications/Training:

None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Deep understanding of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), government regulations, and industry best practices.
• Ability to manage large complex budgets and systems for a large complex organization.
• Knowledge of bonds and debt servicing.
• Proficient with complex accounting systems and an understanding of the role of technology in financial management.
• Strong supervisory skills and the ability to achieve a productive and harmonious work unit.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with/in institutions of higher education.
• Experience with multi-million-dollar budgets and cash flow management.
• Supervisory skills and the ability to achieve a productive and harmonious work unit.

Preferred License/Certifications/Training:

CPA

Additional Information:

Physical Requirements:

Ability to remain in a stationary position. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators. Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchange information.

Additional Physical Requirement: