Job description
Range of $90,000-$104,000
SUMMARY
This position reports to the Vice President for Business Affairs. In conjunction with the Vice President for Business Affairs, the Assistant Vice President for Finance and Business Operations provides executive leadership, financial oversight, strategic budgeting guidance, and policy direction for business operations. This position plays a key role in fiscal planning, budget development, financial analysis, auxiliary operations management, and ensuring sound financial stewardship across the University.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
* Assist the Vice President for Business Affairs with day-to-day task of all reporting departments.
* Oversee University risk-management and liability insurance.
* Administer aspects of contracts with external vendors for bookstores, foodservice, vending, and other revenue-generating activities of Auxiliary Services.
* Assist the Vice President for Business Affairs with institutional budget development, financial forecasting, budget monitoring, variance analysis, and financial reporting.
* Implement administrative procedures and systems to carry out departmental service-oriented objectives and University policies.
* Prepare, analyze, and present financial and operational reports related to auxiliary enterprises, revenue-generating operations, institutional expenditures, and budget performance metrics.
* In conjunction with the Office of the President, assist with the leasing and renting of University space to external constituents.
* Help direct activities of auxiliary services such as bookstores, housing, food services, meeting space, vending machines, ATMs, public printers, and other revenue generating business enterprises University-wide.
* Provide oversight of contracts, vendor agreements, and procurement-related activities to ensure quality service delivery, financial accountability, cost effectiveness, and compliance with University and State policies.
* Market, advertise, and promote the products and services of University auxiliary operations.
* Addresses customer service issues with all the vendors providing auxiliary services to the University community.
* Continually evaluate operational processes, technologies, and business practices to identify opportunities for improved financial controls, operational efficiencies, and cost savings.
* In conjunction with IT, promote utilization of all Business Affairs related software assets and effectively present technical topics to populations with varied levels of technical abilities.
* In conjunction with IT, assist in the development of effective and fiscally responsible implementation mandatory training programs. (Example: Work closely with Human Resources to provide training for faculty, students, and staff).
* Assist with the preparation of reports, which summarize and forecast economic activity and financial position in areas of income, expenses, and earning based on past, present, and expected operations.
* Develop and recommend financial policies, fiscal controls, budget priorities, and economic objectives that support the University’s strategic and operational goals.
* Participate in University and campus community relations by representing department at meetings and serving on committees as needed.
* Monitor departmental and auxiliary budgets to ensure fiscal accountability, compliance with University policies, and effective resource allocation.
* Assist in long-range financial planning, capital budgeting, and development of financial models to support institutional strategic initiatives.
* Perform other duties as assigned.
ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES (FUNCTIONS, DUTIES)
1. Attendance and Dependability: The employee can be depended upon to report to the assigned duty station at the scheduled time. Employee can be depended upon to complete work in a timely, accurate, and thorough manner and is conscientious, about assignments.
2. Communication and Contact: The employee communicates effectively and professionally both verbally and in writing with superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside of the University.
3. Relationships with Others: The employee works effectively and relates well with others including superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside the University. The employee exhibits a professional manner in dealing with others and works to maintain constructive working environment.
4. Safety: Employee works safely, attends safety training offered/required, and follows appropriate safety rules and regulations. In relation to level of NIMs training completed, participates in incident management preparation, and performs incident duties as assigned.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE
* Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, management, or related field required.
* Experience: Demonstrated experience in budgeting, financial analysis, fiscal management, and strategic planning required. Strong analytical, organizational, verbal, and written communication skills required. Experience with financial reporting systems, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and higher education finance operations preferred. Proven ability to manage multiple budgets, auxiliary operations, contracts, and complex financial projects in a collaborative environment preferred.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA), Finance, Accounting, or related field.
- Experience in higher education finance, accounting, budgeting, or business operations.
- Experience managing institutional or departmental budgets exceeding multiple funding sources.
- Knowledge of higher education financial regulations, auxiliary enterprise operations, and state purchasing or procurement guidelines.
- Experience with financial forecasting, financial modeling, and data-driven decision making.
- Familiarity with ERP systems such as Banner or similar higher education financial systems.
- Demonstrated leadership experience supervising professional staff and managing cross-functional operational initiatives.
- Strong understanding of internal controls, risk management, and fiscal compliance practices.
CPA, CMA, or other relevant professional certification preferred but not required.
Founded in 1909 as a teachers’ college, Southeastern Oklahoma State University continues the strong tradition of producing outstanding educators for southeast Oklahoma and north Texas. Student enrollment is approximately 6,000 students and the campus is situated in rural Oklahoma. The main campus is located in Durant, Oklahoma, which is 90 miles north of Dallas, Texas, and 150 miles southeast of Oklahoma City. The community is close to Lake Texoma and the Choctaw Casino Resort. Southeastern Oklahoma State University continues to be among the nation’s most affordable universities according to the U. S. News & World Report’s America’s Best colleges.
Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The preferred start date is July 15, 2026. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until filled.
Southeastern offers a comprehensive benefits package including university paid health, vision, life insurance, long term disability, retirement contributions to Oklahoma Teachers Retirement System, as well as a tuition waiver for employees and spouse/dependents who wish to enroll at Southeastern. Southeastern offers 25 paid holidays per fiscal year and has a generous leave package including annual/vacation leave, sick leave, personal leave, and birthday leave. In addition to the SE paid benefits, there are many voluntary products available to employees such as 403(b), Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account, dental, short term disability, dependent life insurance and a variety of ancillary benefits.
Employment is contingent upon the results of a national criminal and sex offender background check. Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States. SE participates in E-Verify.
SE is an AA/EEO employer committed to multicultural diversity.
Notice to applicants:
If selected, official transcripts from each degree-granting institution will be required upon date of hire.
How to apply
It is Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s policy that all newly hired employees must provide an original social security card during the hiring process. Failure to provide an original social security card will delay the hiring process and ability to begin employment
