Finance Director

Finance Director

The Finance Director in the Technology Transfer Office (TTO) serves as the primary financial professional for the department. In collaboration with TTO leadership, this position ensures departmental financial integrity, effective resource management, efficient processes, and alignment with organizational goals. The role manages complex activities unique to technology transfer and is a rare opportunity to apply financial leadership skills in an innovative environment that supports university research commercialization, technology licensing, entrepreneurship, and startup development.

Position Information

Position Number - 4C0652

Department - MSU Technology Transfer Office

Division - Office of VP for Administration & Finance

Appointment Type - Professional

Contract Term - Fiscal Year

Semester

FLSA - Exempt

Union Affiliation - Exempt from Collective Bargaining

FTE - 0.75 to 1.0

Benefits Eligible - Eligible

Salary - Salary starting at $90,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications

Contract Type - LOA

Recruitment Type - Open

Position Details

The MSU Technology Transfer Office pursues three primary goals: Establishing collaborations and working relationships between industry and the research and creative areas of MSU. This includes pursuing industry sponsored research and collaborating on commercial opportunities. Licensing the inventions of MSU faculty and researchers to industry and managing the relationship between the University and its licensee partners. Serving the economic development arm of the University and working with Montana companies and entrepreneurs to leverage the resources of MSU to the benefit of Montana's economy.

Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Management, Strategy and Compliance

Serve as the primary financial advisor to leadership, providing strategic financial analysis and recommendations to support operational and financial decision-making.

Develop, implement, and continuously refine financial and operational strategies.

Lead the annual budgeting process, including revenue and expenditure forecasting and alignment of financial resources with departmental priorities.

Monitor financial performance through budget-to-actual analysis, trend evaluation, and variance reporting; recommend adjustments to maintain financial stability.

Manage post-award financial administration of grants.

Ensure effective stewardship and allocation of resources across all departmental accounts.

Identify and implement process improvements and cost efficiencies to strengthen financial operations.

Financial Reporting and Analysis

Design, maintain, and enhance financial reporting tools to provide clear, actionable insights for leadership.

Prepare routine and ad hoc financial reports, forecasts, and analyses to support planning and decision-making.

Analyze financial trends, risks, and performance metrics and communicate findings to leadership.

Royalty and Licensing Administration

Manage financial activities related to intellectual property licensing, royalty revenue, and inventor distributions.

Oversee royalty accounting, revenue tracking, and financial reporting.

Collect and track required reports from licensees.

Prepare and submit federally required iEdison utilization reports.

Startup Incubator Financial Management

Manage financial operations supporting the TTO Catalyst Startup Incubator, including budgeting, tracking, fee structure, and reporting.

Track and manage multiple funding streams supporting incubator activities, ensuring compliance with funding requirements and restrictions.

Accounting and Financial Operations

Oversee accounts payable and accounts receivable processes.

Ensure accurate recording and reconciliation of financial transactions across all departmental accounts.

Maintain strong internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure audit readiness.

Ensure compliance with university policies, sponsor requirements, and applicable regulations.

Serve as the primary liaison with central administrative units, coordinating and facilitating financial, human resources, procurement, and sponsored program activities.

Provide training and guidance to staff on financial systems, as well as MSU policies, processes, and best practices.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Management or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, including budgeting, accounting, and financial analysis.

Demonstrated experience developing and managing complex budgets and long-range financial plans.

Demonstrated experience using enterprise financial systems and Microsoft Office applications, particularly MS Excel and MS Word.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

Experience in higher education, government, or nonprofit financial management.

Experience working with Montana State University processes, policies, and systems including Ellucian Banner.

Experience working with federal grant regulations, including Uniform Guidance (2CFR200).

Experience supporting human resource functions, including hiring and payroll.

Experience with intellectual property, licensing, or royalty management systems such as Minuet.

Experience managing financial operations for a start-up incubator or core research facility.

The Successful Candidate Will

Communicate financial and administrative information clearly and effectively to various audiences.

Exercise sound judgment, initiative, and professionalism in decision-making.

Demonstrate strong analytical skills and attention to detail while maintaining a strategic perspective.

Collaborate effectively in a team environment and build strong working relationships.

Adapt to changing priorities and maintain effectiveness in a dynamic environment.

Analyze, interpret, and communicate financial information to a variety of stakeholders.

Manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently with a high level of accuracy.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

Successful candidate must be able to comply with the federally mandated requirements of U.S. export control laws, which may require proof that candidate is a U.S. person. Continued employment is contingent upon funding availability. This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University's rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Physical Demands

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

This position has supervisory duties? - No

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies - 1

Desired Start Date - Upon completion of a successful search

Position End Date (if temporary)

Open Date

Close Date

Applications will be: Screening of applications will begin on August 28, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

EEO Statement

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law. In compliance with the Montana Veteran's Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran's preference, please complete the veteran's preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents