Assistant Director of Finance & Business Operations

Job Summary:

The Assistant Director of Finance & Business Operations serves as the senior operational finance leader for the School of Medicine (SOM) Dean's Office and is responsible for translating strategic priorities into operational execution. Reporting to the Business Affairs Director, this position provides executive-level leadership for the daily management of finance operations, financial planning and analysis (FP&A), budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, resource planning, commitments, and operational business services.

This position serves as the operational counterpart to the Business Affairs Director by ensuring that financial priorities are executed consistently, teams are effectively led, and operational objectives are achieved. The Assistant Director develops leaders, establishes accountability, improves operational effectiveness, and creates a culture focused on execution, continuous improvement, and exceptional customer service.

The incumbent is expected to be both a highly credible finance professional and an experienced people leader capable of leading managers, mentoring emerging leaders, making complex operational decisions, and ensuring outstanding service delivery across the organization.

Position Purpose:

This position exists to:

• Lead day-to-day Finance, FP&A and Commitments operations.

• Build and develop a high-performing finance leadership team.

• Ensure operational excellence and accountability.

• Improve customer service across Business Affairs.

• Translate strategic priorities into operational execution.

• Strengthen financial stewardship across the organization.

• Develop scalable financial processes and internal controls.

• Serve as the operational leader for Business Affairs in the absence of the Business Affairs Director.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Finance Operations Leadership (30%)

  • Direct all daily financial operations.

  • Oversee annual budgeting and forecasting.

  • Lead labor planning and position budgeting.

  • Oversee monthly and annual financial reporting.

  • Review complex financial analyses.

  • Monitor financial performance and emerging risks.

  • Ensure compliance with University and School financial policies.

  • Establish service standards and performance expectations.

  • Resolve complex financial and operational issues.

  • Ensure timely completion of operational deliverables.

• Leadership & Organizational Development (25%)

  • Directly supervise finance leadership staff.

  • Coach managers and supervisors.

  • Build leadership capability throughout the organization.

  • Establish accountability measures.

  • Conduct performance management.

  • Develop succession plans.

  • Lead hiring and onboarding.

  • Improve employee engagement.

  • Develop training and mentoring programs.

  • Foster a culture of ownership and accountability.

  • Ensure managers effectively delegate work and develop staff rather than functioning as individual contributors.

• Financial Planning & Analysis (20%)

  • Lead long-range financial planning.

  • Develop financial forecasting models.

  • Perform scenario planning.

  • Evaluate financial performance trends.

  • Recommend resource allocation strategies.

  • Guide executive decision-making through sound financial analysis.

  • Improve forecasting accuracy.

  • Lead financial performance reviews with leadership.

• Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement (15%)

  • Standardize financial processes.

  • Improve internal controls.

  • Eliminate inefficiencies.

  • Reduce turnaround times.

  • Improve customer experience.

  • Develop operational metrics.

  • Lead process improvement initiatives.

  • Improve communication between Finance, Procurement, HR, and other Dean's Office functions.

• Executive Partnership (10%)

  • Translate strategic initiatives into implementation plans.

  • Lead implementation of executive priorities.

  • Represent Business Affairs on committees.

  • Present financial recommendations to executive leadership.

  • Coordinate cross-functional initiatives.

  • Serve as acting leader during the Director's absence.

  • Escalate strategic issues requiring executive attention while independently resolving operational matters.

Work Location:

Hybrid – this role is eligible for a hybrid schedule of four (4) days per week on campus and as needed for in-person meetings.

Why Join Us:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is a public education, clinical and research facility serving 4,500 students and a world-class medical destination at the forefront of life-changing science, medicine, and healthcare. CU Anschutz offers more than 42 highly rated degree programs through 6 schools and colleges and receives over $500 million in research awards each year. We are the single largest health professions education provider in Colorado, awarding nearly 1,450 degrees annually. Powered by our award-winning faculty, renowned researchers, and a reputation for academic excellence, the CU Anschutz Medical Campus drives innovation from the classroom to the laboratory to the delivery of unparalleled patient care. Read CU Anschutz Quick Facts here.

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation, and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package, including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options

• Dental: Multiple plan options