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Samuel Merritt University · 18 hours ago

University Budget Director

Oakland, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

$161K/yr - $170K/yr

8+ years exp

Samuel Merritt University is seeking a University Budget Director to oversee the development of the annual operating budgets and manage the Student Accounts Office. This role involves creating financial models, maintaining long-range financial planning, and ensuring the university operates within its approved budgets.

Higher Education

Responsibilities

Manages the development of the University’s annual operating budgets

Manages the university’s monthly financial operating forecast and all components within (revenues and expenses)

Manages and oversight of the development of the annual revenue budgets and the associated reconciliations between budgets and actuals on a monthly basis to ensure proper revenue recognition

Manages position control for all benefitted positions, including the dynamic funding allocations for those positions

Manages and maintains the University’s budgeting system – Adaptive Planning

Manages annual forecasts to ensure variances are identified and actions taken, where appropriate, to ensure the university operates within the approved annual operating budgets, or variances are authorized by central administration

Creates, reviews and distributes monthly financial reports and recommends corrective actions, where appropriate

Partners with the Deans of each College to formulate, present and report on College level budget and expenditures

Develops and maintains complex financial reports for forecasting, trending, and results analysis

Identifies financial trends and cost saving opportunities/measures. Implements solutions to identified problems

Provides accounting detail and reporting requirement information, as needed

Directs and monitors internal and control audits and external reporting activities

Creates and maintains effective working relationships with all levels of employees

Assists in the development and submission of external grant budgets

Undertakes special projects and/or general management assignments within the scope of finance and budget as requested

Other tasks as assigned by the CFO & Controller

Qualification

Budget planningFinancial modelingAdaptive PlanningAccounts receivableMicrosoft ExcelAnalytical skillsInterpersonal skillsCommunication skillsAttention to detail

Required

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field from an accredited college or university strongly preferred

A combination of relevant education, experience, and training will be considered in lieu of a degree

Minimum 8–10 years of progressive experience in accounting, fiscal management, budget planning, or related financial functions—preferably in higher education, public sector, or similarly complex environments

At least 3–5 years of supervisory experience, including leading, coaching, and developing teams (minimum of 5 direct reports)

Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities while ensuring day-to-day operations stay on track

Comfortable making informed, timely decisions under pressure and navigating high-stakes situations

Demonstrated knowledge of accounts receivable, cashiering functions, and general accounting principles

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and familiarity with financial report writers and data reconciliation tools

Experience with enterprise systems and Microsoft Office Suite; ability to quickly learn and adapt to new software platforms

Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to draw meaningful conclusions from complex data

High level of attention to detail and commitment to accuracy

Strong interpersonal and communication skills; capable of working across teams and departments

Ability to adapt to changing priorities, work under tight deadlines, and remain flexible during peak periods (occasional evenings/weekends may be required during audits)