Director - Finance & Administrative Services

The Director of Finance and Administrative Services leads administrative finance operations for the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS) at Eastern Washington University. The role provides leadership, planning, and advisory support across budgeting, financial analysis, purchasing, payroll and travel, and personnel and Human Resources functions, with college-wide responsibility for fiscal oversight and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement internal controls and procedures to support compliance with university policies and procedures, in consultation with the Dean.
• Partner with the Dean, Associate Deans, Department Chairs, and Program Directors to develop and implement financial policies, procedures, and management reports.
• Provide guidance and advice to CAHSS administrative staff on administrative policies, procedures, and financial management.
• Oversee the processing of required funding changes for CAHSS faculty and staff.
• Build and develop the yearly budget using fixed costs and the approved spending plan.
• Advise the Dean and support the implementation, coordination, and control of college budget and fiscal services, including grant and contracts, endowments, and scholarship oversight.
• Coordinate with the university’s immigration specialist in HR on procedures and documentation related to obtaining work visas and/or establishing residency for international faculty and/or staff hires.
• Lead strategic budget planning and manage annual budget preparation to respond to reforecast changes, including analysis of expenditures, high-level financial review, qualitative assessment of results, and financial projections.
• Provide leadership and direction for the annual budget development and execution for the college.
• Analyze budget operating options and assist college leadership with budget development and strategies aligned to goals and objectives.
• Monitor CAHSS fiscal performance to ensure compliance and effective internal controls.
• Analyze operational costs and recommend actions to support appropriate income and cash flow.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for budget and purchasing questions related to process and policy compliance.
• Advance a culture of integrity and ethics across programs and practices, ensuring the team adheres to college standards.
• Collaborate with institutional finance leadership to drive strategic financial initiatives, strengthen communication, and align with institutional goals and objectives.
• Participate in planning and development of CAHSS strategic priorities as assigned by the Dean and University Goals.
• Represent the college on strategic initiatives that affect CAHSS financial operations.
• Implement and maintain a records retention strategy in compliance with the University Retention Schedule for Administrative and fiscal records.
• Serve as the college representative on various committees and groups.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Dean.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.
• 5 years of related work experience.
• Experience in budgeting, financial analysis, and long-range planning.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel.
• Knowledge of GAAP accounting principles.
• Experience working with financial management reports, including ability to summarize complex information and communicate results to leadership as evidenced in application materials.
• Excellent management and organizational skills with high accuracy and attention to detail.
• Effective, professional verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with a diverse constituency.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using financial and reporting systems to analyze and report data to support informed decisions.
• Experience with Banner.
• Knowledge of budget planning systems and database applications.
• Experience in a large, complex organizational setting.
• Overall perspective and understanding of funding policies, priorities, and funding requirements.
• Previous experience working in higher education.

Technology and Tools

• Microsoft Excel
• GAAP

Compensation and Appointment

• Salary: USD 89,237 - 107,084 per year
• Location: Cheney, WA (onsite)
• Term of Appointment: 12 months

Work Schedule

Typically Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm, with potential requirements to work evenings and/or weekends to support special projects such as end-of-year budget activities, receptions, graduation, and other college needs.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Disability insurance
• Retirement
• Generous vacation and sick leave accruals
• 12 paid holidays per year
• Tuition waiver for employees and eligible family members
• Discounted EWU sports tickets
• Full access to campus workout facilities at a minimum fee
• Free transportation through STA buses

Employment Conditions

• During employment, the position involves receipt of, or accountability for, university funds or other items of value, and unsupervised access with developmentally disabled individuals, vulnerable adults, or children under the age of 16.
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion and passing of a background check prior to beginning work.
• Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.; the university is unable to sponsor or assume sponsorship of an employment visa for this position at this time.
• All new employees must comply with EWU Immunization Policy 602-02 and provide proof of immunity or vaccination to MMR before starting work. Waivers are available for medical reasons or sincerely held religious beliefs.
• This is an Administrative Exempt position and is covered by EWU Policy 406-01, Exempt Employment.

Additional Information

• Interview format: Interviews might be conducted via Zoom, with camera enabled. Candidates must demonstrate competence using Zoom and other technologies.
• Physical demands: Contact Human Resources at [email protected] to obtain a copy of the Essential Functions Analysis, which describes conditions of employment, including physical demands.
• Protective equipment: University, local, regional, and state mandates for public and personal protection should be followed as needed.

Required Application Materials

• Detailed cover letter explaining how the applicant meets each required qualification (and preferred qualifications, if applicable). Applicants are preferred to provide this in a bulleted list or within a table in the cover letter.
• Chronological resume including work history and major duties, education, and specialized training or skills related to the position.
• At least 3 professional references, including names, titles, organization name, phone numbers, email addresses, and relationship to the applicant (these can match the application references).
• Completed online application form and responses to online questions, if applicable.
• Mission Statement Response: EWU’s mission emphasizes an inclusive, equitable, and transformative learning experience, affordable academic excellence, and serving first-generation, Pell-eligible students. Applicants should describe how they would contribute to this mission.

Applications and Screening

• Applications are open and accepted until recruitment is closed.
• Screening will begin on October 12, 2026 and continue until recruitment is closed.
• All materials will be held in strictest confidence; references will not be contacted until candidates have been notified.
• The position is open until further notice; screening will begin on September 1st.