Head of Management Finance

Montana State University Student Wellness is seeking a Director of Budget and Finance to provide strategic leadership in financial planning and budget management for Student Wellness units including Campus Recreation, Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Health Services, and the broader SW enterprise. They will serve as the financial expert within Student Wellness, advising unit leads on the availability of funding for personnel and operational changes. The position will be physically located in the new Student Wellness Center, a 165,000 square foot facility that opened in August 2024. The new facility enhances the integrated and holistic model of student health and wellbeing at MSU . The Director of Budget and Finance is an important part of the SW team and critical to supporting the vision of building a thriving campus culture of health and wellbeing.

Contract Term
Contract Term Fiscal Year

Union Affiliation
Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining

Salary $37.00 per hour $76,960.00 per year, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications

Contract Type
Student Wellness provides support and services for student and community health and wellbeing at MSU and is comprised of three departments (Campus Recreation, Counseling and Psychological Services, and Student Health Services) as well as a core Student Wellness office that includes administration, health education and promotion programming staff, and shared service staff. The Director of Budget and Finance is an important team member who works with leadership in all SW areas and reports directly to the AVP of Student Wellness. The Director works closely with the University Budget Office and Fiscal Shared Services partners on campus. In collaboration with leaders, it sets the strategic financial direction of units through long-range budget planning and business strategy development. The Director of Budget and Finance collaborates closely with the Associate Vice President for Wellness, unit directors, Fiscal Shared Service ( FSS ) partners, and Human Resources business partners to manage and execute financial operations across Student Wellness. Using data-driven analysis, this individual will provide financial insights that inform strategic decision-making and optimize the use of multiple funding sources.

As a key advisor in the budgetary process, the Director will play a critical role in shaping decisions that directly influence the unit’s financial health and long-term goals of Student Wellness. In addition, the position will provide ongoing training and support to SW Business Operations Managers to ensure SW alignment with broader university budget and fiscal processes. Strategic financial leadership for SW, managing and advising on all funding sources.

Work with unit Directors to ensure compliance with the budget plan set forth at the start of the fiscal year and communicate variances for timely action.

Analyze financial trends and service usage - particularly in fee-based units - to evaluate fiscal impacts and support data-informed decision-making.

Assist with capital planning and project budgeting, including financial analysis, funding strategy, cost projections, and ongoing fiscal monitoring.

Collaborate with SW leadership, Fiscal Shared Services ( FSS ) and Human Resources (HR) partners to ensure alignment between staffing needs and financial resources, including oversight of position budgeting.

Deliver timely financial reporting and insights to department leaders to support operational activities, strategic planning and accountability.

Serve as a key liaison for Student Wellness in central budget activities, including university budget submissions.

Provide financial training and support to the unit business operations managers as needed.

Ensure compliance with MSU and Board of Regents ( BOR ) financial policies and procedures while continually improving financial processes.

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, finance or a related field, OR an equivalent combination of relevant education and professional experience.

A record of at least three years of progressively responsible financial work experience.

Demonstrated competence and experience in development, analysis, and execution of complex budgets and long-range business/fiscal management plans for a large organization.

Successful experience in interpreting, explaining, and presenting detailed budget and fiscal data, both verbally and in writing, to a diverse group of constituents.

Demonstrated proficiency utilizing financial systems and tools, including spreadsheets, databases, and various reporting systems. Experience using Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook are preferred.

Experience working in financial based roles at a higher education institution.

Demonstrated knowledge in interpreting and applying institutional policies and procedures.

Ability to initiate, coordinate, oversee and complete various projects on own initiative.

Strong organizational techniques with the ability to manage multiple tasks and remain flexible.

Experience leveraging data from an ERP system.

Present complex financial and administrative information in ways that build clarity, transparency, and informed decision-making across varying levels of financial expertise. Position End Date (if temporary)
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.

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