Executive Director, Finance Shared Services

Job Description

Position Purpose:

Finance Planning and Budgeting (FPB) encompasses the major central financial planning analytical and budgeting functions for the University of Washington including:

• Finance & Budget Strategy

• Institutional Analytics & Decision Support

• Policy Planning & State Operations

• University Business Services

TheExecutive Director Finance Shared Servicesserves as the senior executive responsible for planning directing and controlling the Universitys enterprise finance shared services function. The role provides strategic leadership for a multisite operation that delivers consistent compliant and customer focused financial services to academic administrative and campus units across the institution.

The Executive Director of Finance Shared Services provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the University of Washingtonsconsolidatedfinance hub model (Husky Hubs). This position directs the transformation and ongoing management of the centralized finance hubs serving the universitys schools colleges and administrative units ensuring consistent service delivery Workday Finance system optimization and adherence to university policies and compliance requirements. The Executive Director serves as the primary liaison betweenFPBadministration and distributed finance operations driving standardization while respecting unit specific needs.

Building on this foundation the Executive Director sets the long range strategy and operating model for Finance Shared Services; oversees multiple budgetary units; and ensures service quality operational efficiency and strong stewardship of institutional resources. The roleleadsthe standardization of financial processes governance structures performance metrics internal controls and ERP enabled operations to advance institutional alignment and improve financial service delivery at scale.

As a key partner to FPB leadership UWIT and unit level administrators the Executive Director drives enterprise transformationoptimizessystem usage and data driven decision making and ensures operational excellence across a complex decentralized environment. Decisions made in this role carry significant cross unit impact and shape the financial service experience for the University community.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Enterprise Leadership Strategy & Governance

• Define the enterprise strategy and longrange operating model for Finance Shared Services aligning the consolidated Husky Hubs with institutional priorities

• Lead enterprise governance by establishing service standards SLAs KPIs and performance frameworks that drive transparency accountability and crosscampus alignment

Organizational Design Operations & Service Delivery

• Oversee daytoday operations of the consolidated finance hub model ensuring timely accurate compliant and customerfocused service delivery across the enterprise

• Design and optimize organizational structures staffing models and standardized processes to support efficient workloads capacity planning and continuous operational improvement

Technology Systems Optimization & Data Enablement

• Provide executive oversight of Workday Finance utilization ensuring consistent configuration strong data integrity and adoption of system best practices across all hubs

• Champion automation digital workflows and data-driven analytics to enhance service performance operational reliability and institutional decisionmaking

Financial Stewardship Compliance & People Leadership

• Oversee financial planning budgeting and resource allocation for multiple units while maintaining strong internal controls audit readiness and regulatory compliance

• Lead and develop a large distributed workforce fostering a culture of inclusion accountability service excellence and continuous improvement

Requirements:

• Bachelors degree in Accounting Finance Business Administration Public Administration or related fieldandten(10)years of progressive leadership experience in finance administrationto include five or more years of senior leadership and people management experience in complex matrixed organizations including demonstrated talent development coaching and succession planning

• Experience leading enterprise-wide organizational transformation including operational centralization and implementation of shared services models

• Experience with enterprise financial systems preferably Workday Finance including configuration concepts operational best practices and system optimization

• Knowledge of higher education finance including fund accounting structures regulatory obligations internal controls and compliance frameworks

• Ability to lead through influencewithin decentralized or distributed organizational structures aligning diverse stakeholders around shared goals

• Exceptional communication and relationship management skills with the ability to navigate sensitive political dynamics articulate complex financial concepts and build consensus across executive academic and administrative leaders

• Strategic and analytical thinking skillswith the ability to balance enterprise standardization with unit-specific operational needs using data to drive decisions and performance improvements

• Proficiencyin audit response compliance oversight and control remediation ensuring organizational accountability and institutional risk mitigation

• Ability to lead and manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously in a fast-moving service-driven environment

Desired:

• Masters degree inarelated field (MBA MPAMAcc)

• Direct experience with Workday Finance implementation or post-implementation stabilization

• Familiarity withtheUniversity of Washington organizational structure and governance

• Experience with NACUBO principles and state agency accounting requirements (SAAM)

• Background in policy interpretation and development

• Track recordof successful change management in academic institutions

We will begin screening completed application materials upon receipt through the close date.

Compensation Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

Pay Range Maximum:

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

Temporary or Regular

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

Union/Bargaining Unit:

About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier return they enjoy outstanding benefits opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity intellectual excitement artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race color creed religion national origin citizenship sex pregnancy age marital status sexual orientation gender identity or expression genetic information disability or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process contact the Disability Services Office at or .

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.