Director of Fiscal and Business Operations

Arizona State University

. Provide financial and HR leadership and day-to-day operational management for the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication .

Posted 10/5/2026full-timePhoenix • Arizona • United StatesLead💰 $115,000 - $135,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates strong financial and HR leadership with extensive experience in budget management, strategic planning, and compliance within higher education. Proven ability to lead teams, implement effective HR practices, and enhance operational efficiency.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Financial ManagementHuman Resource LeadershipBudget Planning and ForecastingRegulatory Compliance KnowledgeEnterprise Systems Experience

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Budget ManagementFinancial ReportingQuantitative AnalysisComplex Financial ModelingHR Principles and Practices

Soft Skills

Leadership SkillsInterpersonal SkillsCustomer Service MindsetAnalytical ThinkingProblem-Solving Skills

Tools & Technologies

PeopleSoftWorkdayAdaptive PlanningMicrosoft ExcelConcur

Industry Keywords

Higher EducationFLSAFMLAADAFERPA

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide financial and HR leadership and day-to-day operational management for the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Report to the Dean and serve on the senior leadership team
Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate finance, human resource, and operational activities
Lead annual planning and budgeting, salary planning, quarterly forecasting, monthly reporting, and revenue forecasting
Manage the School's all-funds budget, expenditures, personnel actions, budget changes, and commitments
Track financial status, provide variance explanations, and coordinate corrective action with leadership
Oversee accounts payable, reimbursements, purchasing, and financial transactions
Lead fiscal year-end close, including balancing multiple fund types and internal accounts
Respond to internal audit requests concerning travel, PCard, and payroll reconciliations
Monitor ASU Foundation accounts and report on philanthropic fund use and balances
Review Dean-approval documents for policy and regulatory compliance
Coordinate College- and University-wide budget and personnel actions
Troubleshoot staffing and budget issues, communicate policy changes, and provide training
Perform quantitative analysis for strategic planning and special projects; prepare reports for management
Assess HR operations and implement procedures to improve effectiveness and efficiency
Advise college management and staff on HR, payroll, benefits, university policies, and applicable regulations
Contribute to strategic and operational leadership of university HR service delivery
Resolve sensitive employee-relations issues, complaints, and grievances with central HR
Manage academic appointments and faculty hiring; serve as primary contact for the Provost's Office on faculty operational matters
Represent the School on internal and external committees and teams
Coach, mentor, train, supervise, and provide feedback to financial and administrative staff
Perform additional duties supporting department and university goals

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree and nine (9) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field, including five (5) years managerial experience; OR any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved
Strong leadership, interpersonal, and team-management skills
Exceptional customer service mindset and commitment to a positive employee experience
Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field preferred as a desired qualification
Ten (10) or more years of professional experience, including at least five (5) years managing an FP&A or comparable finance/budget function preferred
Experience managing Budget, Finance, Business and HR functions in higher education or a large private-sector environment
Knowledge of HR principles, practices, and applicable federal, state, and regulatory requirements, including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, and FERPA
Experience with enterprise systems such as PeopleSoft, Workday, Adaptive Planning, Analytics, Concur, Kuali, Adobe, Alteryx, BI Desktop, or Amazon Workspaces
Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel, and ability to build and maintain complex financial models
Knowledge of university and college policies and procedures, including financial controls, personnel, purchasing, and facilities
Analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills
Experience preparing and presenting reports and presentations for strategic planning and management decision-making
Demonstrated leadership experience, business acumen, and judgment when influencing senior/executive management
Ability to manage changing priorities and resolve conflicts under pressure
Entrepreneurial, self-directed mindset with ability to prioritize multiple tasks
Ability to work in an environmentally controlled office setting with extended sitting, keyboarding, and computer mouse use
Ability to travel between ASU campuses as needed
Cover letter and resume/CV required
Employment is contingent upon successful criminal background and fingerprint checks

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive benefits package
Relocation assistance/resources
Tobacco-free university
Pre-employment screening and background check
Fingerprint check for safety/security-sensitive position