Assistant Director, Budget & Fiscal Operations

About This Role

This position is essential to maintaining the financial integrity and operational effectiveness of the College of Agriculture and K-State Research and Extension (KSRE). It plays a pivotal role in managing the college's budget and supporting daily business operations. The individual in this role will work closely with the Assistant Director of Accounting & Reporting, serving as a key partner and acting as a backup to ensure continuity and stability in financial oversight and to support the accounting system.

In collaboration with the Executive Director, this position contributes to the development of the annual budget and is responsible for monitoring all base budget commitments made by the Deans. It also provides critical support to the Executive Director and departmental Business Managers by assisting with daily operations by addressing special projects and emerging issues, and filling gaps during staff vacancies. Furthermore, this role is instrumental in onboarding and training new employees, ensuring consistency and excellence in business services across the college. The strategic and operational contributions of this position are vital to sustaining the college's mission and long-term success.

• Collaborates with the Executive Director, Admin & Finance to prepare the annual college budget, projecting revenue and operating costs at the fund level.
• Maintains current base budget adjustments to all departmental budgets as well as the Dean's central base reserve accounts.
• Facilitates merit raises, promotions, and other salary programs process each fiscal year.
• Provides detailed salary information to departments, collects their feedback, and reviews it to ensure alignment with current salary policies and enters data into appropriate systems as required.
• Assists the CoNKSRE HR Manager with development and preparation of annual unclassified contracts.
• Collaborates with the Executive Director, Admin & Finance in analyzing departmental budget projections, trends, and forecasts, assisting department heads and departmental business managers with their budget needs, and ensuring their budget plans are in alignment with department and college strategic plans and goals.
• Provide analysis, information, and recommendations to inform strategic financial, budget, and spending decisions for the college and subagency.
• Collaborates regularly with the Assistant Director, Accounting and Reporting to ensure financial support of all departments and units.
• Assists the Executive Director, Admin & Finance in addressing special issues, resolving intricate and complex financial matters, and launching new initiatives. This includes helping to develop a plan, taking full responsibility for its implementation, and monitoring progress to ensure a successful outcome.
• Oversees all financial training for all financial business services employees, ensuring every new hire receives the proper and adequate support to be successful in their new position and that current employees remain up to date with their skill set and knowledge.
• Maintains, balances, and develops projections for all Dean's base reserve accounts.
• Works closely on a daily basis, as a team, with the Asst Dir, Accounting & Reporting to provide overall financial support to the college/KSRE.
• Serves as a backup for the Asst. Dir, Accounting & Reporting, especially for accounting system related issues.
• Reconciles and balances all department base budgets.
• Oversees all base budget commitments including all position commitments.
• Provides assistance in interpretation, communication and execution of all budget related policies and procedures that affect the CoNKSRE and recommends and implements changes to these policies and procedures as appropriate.
• Anticipates potential problems and opportunities, then recommends solutions with little or no precedence.
• Provides recommendations and oversees implementation of improvement of procedures, policies and methods used in providing business services to ensure effective business management.

About Us

We’re proud to be recognized as one of the nation’s top agriculture schools. The mission of the College of Agriculture is to advance agriculture, protect natural resources, increase economic activity, and improve the lives and livelihoods of all Kansas through education, research, and outreach. Visit our website to learn more, https://www.ag.k-state.edu/.

Worksite Option

This position is required to be performed on-site. Work is performed on employer premises or designated assignment location.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a bachelor's degree and three years to five years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or other related field
• Master's degree in business or accounting
• 5 or more years of relevant experience
• Knowledge and sound understanding of generally accepted accounting and budgeting principles
• Strong knowledge of MSExcel and demonstrated ability to compile, analyze, and interpret financial reports
• Demonstrated ability to be a detailed oriented and independent worker with a high degree of accuracy in work
• Inquisitive and comfortable performing in-depth research
• Ability to be proactive and productive in a fast-paced, client-oriented environment while meeting tight deadlines
• Ability to respond to wide range of clients in a friendly and efficient manner
• Commitment to team work an a team atmosphere
• Knowledge of KSU's accounting and human resource systems (FIS & HRIS)
• Experience with departmental budgets/accounts
• Experience with training, especially on financial items or new systems

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

• Letter of interest
• Resume
• Names, phone numbers, and emails of three professional references.

Screening of Applications Begins

Immediately and continues until position is filled.  For best consideration, apply by May 23th, 2025.

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$80,000-$100,000