Division Business and Finance Officer

Hiring Department Division of Research, Innovation & Impact Job Description Purpose and Scope The MU Division of Research, Innovation & Impact is responsible for advancing the university's research enterprise, including the stewardship of financial resources supporting research administration, compliance, and strategic initiatives. The Division Business & Finance Officer (BFO) provides senior-level fiscal leadership and oversight for the Division and its affiliated units. This role ensures financial stewardship, accountability, and compliance consistent with BPPM 2.001 Fiscal Roles and Responsibilities. The BFO serves as a strategic partner to the Vice Chancellor for Research, advising on financial strategy, resource allocation, and risk management. In collaboration with unit leaders and departmental finance professionals, this role supports the effective management of approximately $100 million in annual resources, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and long‑term financial sustainability. Directly lead a team of 9 business, finance and operations staff. Responsibilities Strategic Financial Leadership Serve as the primary financial advisor to the Vice Chancellor for Research and division leadership team. Provide financial insight, modeling, and recommendations to support mission‑aligned decision‑making. Serve as an active member of the Vice Chancellor's leadership team, contributing to strategic planning and organizational direction. Fiscal Stewardship & Accountability Ensure division‑wide adherence to BPPM 2.001 principles, including accountability at the point of decision‑making, stewardship of University resources, and documentation supporting financial decisions and transactions. Oversee how funds are budgeted, managed, and expended, ensuring alignment with approved plans, policies, and regulations. Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Planning Perform budget manager responsibilities, including planning, analysis, and management of financial resources. Lead development and monitoring of annual budgets, forecasts, and financial plans. Analyze financial data, including trend analysis, variance analysis, and multi‑year projections. Identify and evaluate funding opportunities, revenue enhancements, and cost efficiencies. Support long‑term financial sustainability of the Division. Financial Oversight & Operations Provide oversight of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial activities, including transaction review and approvals, financial reconciliations, monitoring of budget execution, and maintaining signature authority. Oversee or review key fiscal processes such as payroll reconciliation, travel authorization, purchasing card reconciliation, procurement and disbursements. Ensure accuracy, timeliness, and integrity of financial data. Establish and maintain robust internal controls, including segregation of duties, transaction oversight, risk identification and mitigation, safeguarding University assets, and managing financial risk. Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and university policies, and that transactions are properly authorized, fully documented, accurately recorded, and stand independently for audit and accountability. Ensure proper classification and tracking of funds (restricted, unrestricted, designated). Financial Reporting & Decision Support Provide regular and ad hoc financial reports to division leadership and campus stakeholders. Communicate financial information in a clear, actionable manner to audiences including Vice Chancellors, Division leadership, and unit leaders. May present financial information to senior leadership, including vice chancellors and campus executives, to support decision‑making. Accounts Receivable & Revenue Oversight Oversee accounts receivable processes, including monitoring collections, allowances, and write‑offs in accordance with policy. Evaluate the financial viability of programs and initiatives, including revenue‑generating activities. Leadership, Training & Support Provide leadership and guidance to department‑level finance staff, including training, professional development, policy interpretation and application, and best practice implementation. Ensure staff understand and fulfill their fiscal responsibilities. Foster a culture of fiscal accountability, ethical behavior, and transparency. Collaboration, Institutional Engagement & Institutional Processes Collaborate with Division of Finance & Business Services, Sponsored Programs Administration, Office of Human Resources, and other campus and system partners. Ensure effective communication of policies, procedures, and expectations. Approve financial access/security for assigned units. Additional Responsibilities: As with all positions, additional duties may be assigned to support the mission and priorities of the University of Missouri. Shift Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm Minimum Qualifications A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 6 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary. Preferred Qualifications Master's degree in a related discipline (MBA, MPA, or similar) Demonstrated experience collaborating with executive leadership on strategic decisions Strong ability to interpret and communicate financial data to non-financial audiences Proven experience in financial oversight, internal controls, and compliance Familiarity with University of Missouri systems, policies, and higher education financial environments Familiarity with funded research Anticipated Hiring Range Salary Range: $95,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year Grade: GGS 013 University Title: Director II Business Administration Benefit Eligibility This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at Equal Employment Opportunity The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at View phone number on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of Missouri-Columbia