Job Details

Great universities inspire the very best in us. They nurture new ideas, fresh perspectives, and creative problem-solving. They challenge students to discover their passions - and to turn those passions into thriving careers that improve our world.

Columbus State University is exactly that kind of place. With exceptional facilities, ideal class sizes, and unique field experiences, our students have room to create. Here, every faculty and staff member is part of the educational process, actively mentoring students and championing each new step in their journey.

Located just 100 miles southwest of Atlanta, CSU is part of the University System of Georgia and offers a variety of benefits to full-time benefits-eligible employees and some of our half-time (or more) employees. Benefits that may be elected could include health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, Teachers Retirement System (or Optional Retirement Plan), as well as earned vacation time, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays (if applicable). Also, our full-time employees who have been employed with us successfully for more than 6 months can be considered for the Tuition Assistance Program. Consider applying with us today!

University Advancement

The Budget Manager is responsible for comprehensive budget management, financial analysis, forecasting, reporting, and financial support for assigned University and Foundation programs. The position serves as a financial resource to academic and administrative leadership and assists departments in effectively managing institutional, state, Foundation, restricted, and other designated funding sources. The Budget Manager ensures the accuracy and integrity of financial records, maintains compliance with GAAP, Foundation policies, donor restrictions, and applicable regulatory requirements, and serves as a key resource to University departments regarding Foundation financial activity.

Funding for the position is currently secured for three (3) years. Continuation beyond the three-year period has not been determined. If not renewed, the position may end before or at the conclusion of that period.

Significant Duties & Responsibilities include: Budget Development and Administration (35%) - Assist with the development, preparation, and maintenance of annual operating budgets for assigned departments, schools, programs, and initiatives. Review historical financial activity, current-year expenditures, known commitments, and anticipated needs when developing budget projections. Monitor budget availability throughout the fiscal year and identify potential funding shortfalls or excess balances. Assist departments with budget amendments, transfers, and other adjustments in accordance with applicable policies and procedures. Maintain accurate budget documentation and supporting records. Assist leadership in evaluating the financial impact of proposed programs, initiatives, and expenditures. Maintain accounting records in accordance with GAAP.; Financial Analysis and Reporting (20%) - Prepare and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports. Perform budget-to-actual analysis and investigate significant variances. Monitor expenditures, encumbrances, commitments, and available balances. Identify unusual or potentially problematic transactions and coordinate resolution with appropriate departments. Develop financial summaries and management reports for academic and administrative leadership. Translate financial information into clear, useful information for individuals who may not have an accounting background. Assist with financial forecasting and long-range budget planning.; Coordination and consolidation of Foundation and University Funding (20%) - The Budget Manager will provide centralized financial analysis and budget support to assigned programs, maximizing the effective use of Foundation and state resources to meet program requirements within established annual budgets and applicable funding restrictions. The position will: 1) Assist departments in understanding and appropriately utilizing Foundation funds, restricted funds, endowment distributions, and other designated resources. 2) Review proposed expenditures and budget requests for available funding and consistency with applicable restrictions. 3) Coordinate with Foundation Accounting regarding fund balances, available resources, transfers, and other financial information. 4) Help departments distinguish between Foundation-funded and University/state-funded expenditures. 5) Support compliance with donor intent, fund restrictions, University policies, and Foundation policies. 6) Assist with documentation and financial reporting associated with Foundation-supported programs. 7) Coordinate with University Finance and other appropriate offices regarding state-funded budgets and transactions. 8) Identify situations where University/state and Foundation funding may overlap and coordinate with the appropriate financial office before commitments are made. 9) Assist departments in navigating funding restrictions and applicable University procedures.; Audit, Compliance, and Administrative Support (20%) - Apply appropriate internal controls to budget management and financial processes. Review transactions and budget requests for compliance with applicable policies and funding restrictions. Identify and communicate potential control issues or inappropriate funding practices. Assist with audit preparation and provide supporting documentation as requested. Maintain organized financial records and documentation. Participate in the development and improvement of financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.; Other Responsibilities (5%) - Participate in special financial projects and analyses as assigned. Provide backup support for other budget and financial functions as appropriate. Maintain confidentiality of financial and personnel information. Perform other duties consistent with the responsibilities of the position.

Required Qualifications include: Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, or a closely related field. Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in budgeting, financial analysis, accounting, or financial administration.

Preferred Qualifications include: Master's Degree, CPA or progress toward CPA certification preferred.

The proposed annualized salary range for this position is $57,000 - 65,000 and includes full benefits.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities include: Experience with nonprofit or higher education foundations, fund accounting, donor-restricted funds, investment accounting, and external audits preferred.; Thorough knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit accounting.; Knowledge of internal controls, cash management, and donor-restricted funds.; Experience with financial systems such as Banner, Blackbaud Financial Edge, or comparable ERP/accounting systems.; Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.; Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.; Ability to prepare financial reports and resolve discrepancies.; Excellent written and verbal communication.; Ability to maintain confidentiality and sound judgment.; Ability to build effective working relationships.; Strong customer service orientation and commitment to continuous improvement.; Experience working with academic leadership, deans, department chairs, or program directors.; Experience supporting accreditation, audit, or compliance activities.

If you have any questions, please contact Sandy Harris, Hiring Manager, via email at harris_sandra1@columbusstate.edu

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

• Excellence: Actively engaging outstanding methods in teaching, academic discovery, creative pursuits, student success, cultural enrichment and the overall campus community.
• Creativity: Pursuing distinction through inquiry and innovation, challenging convention and focusing on solutions.
• Engagement: Dynamic civic involvement and participation of students, faculty, staff and alumni in the university experience.
• Sustainability: Advancing fiscal responsibility, well-being, innovation, lifelong learning and environmental stewardship.
• Inclusion: Cultivating and championing a campus environment that welcomes diverse backgrounds, ideas, perspectives and practices.
• Servant Leadership: Leading through ethical empowerment and service.

All selected candidates are required to submit and successfully pass a background investigation to include reference checks and verification of academic credentials (if applicable). Other additional requirements may be required based upon specific position duties:

• A credit check completed for Positions of Trust and or approved departmental Purchase Card usage;
• Pre-employment drug testing for positions with high-risk responsibilities.
• Motor vehicle reports are required for positions that are required to drive a Columbus State University fleet vehicle or other vehicle designated as a fleet vehicle. A successful drug screening will be required as a condition of employment a randomly thereafter.
  

*Applicants for positions of trust may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment. *

For Faculty Hires: Final candidates will be required to provide proof of completed academic degree(s) as well as post-secondary coursework in the form of original transcript(s). Those candidates trained by a foreign institution will also be required to provide an educational/credential evaluation.

All employees are responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of sensitive information by exercising sound judgment and adhering to cybersecurity and privacy policies during their employment and beyond. Additionally, all members of the USG community must adhere to the USG Statement of Core Values must also be aware of and comply with the Board of Regents policies on Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Columbus State University is proud to be an equal employment, equal access, and equal educational opportunity institution. It is the policy of our institution to recruit, hire, train, promote and educate persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnical origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws.

This is not a supervisory position.
This position has financial responsibilities.
This position will not be required to drive.
This role is considered a position of trust.
This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).
This position will not travel
This position does not require security clearance.

• Position of Trust + Education & Credit

Visit Columbus State University's online Careers portal to drive your career with us! The online applicant system provides you with the ability to review job opportunities and apply to those that you are interested in and feel qualified for. Each job posting has a summary description of the position and required qualifications. All job applications must be submitted through the online portal system.