Division Business and Finance Officer

Division of Research, Innovation & Impact

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
* 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, 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:
o Transaction review and approvals
o Financial reconciliations
o Monitoring of budget execution
o Maintain signature authority and ensure appropriate delegation practices.
o Oversee or review key fiscal processes, including: 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, Safeguard University assets and ensure appropriate management of financial risk.
* Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and university policies.
* Ensure financial transactions are: Properly authorized, Fully documented, Accurately recorded, In compliance with policies and regulations
* Ensure transactions meet the standard that they can stand independently for audit and accountability purposes.
* 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, 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 and professional development, Policy interpretation and application, Best practice implementation
* Ensure staff understand and fulfill their fiscal responsibilities.
* Foster a culture of: Fiscal accountability, Ethical behavior, Transparency

Collaboration, Institutional Engagement & Institutional Processes:
* Collaborate with: Division of Finance & Business Services, Sponsored Programs Administration, Office of Human Resources, 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.

Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm

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.

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

Salary Range: $95,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year

Grade: GGS 013

University Title: Director II Business Administration

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Cover Letter and Resume

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

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 https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

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 573-884-7278.