Lead Budget and Fiscal Manager
Montana State University
Position Details Position Information Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 25412 For questions regarding this position, please contact: MacKenzie Seeley
(406) 994-2990
mackenzie.seeley@montana.edu Classification Title Financial Mgr Working Title Lead Budget and Fiscal Manager Brief Position Overview The University Budget Office at Montana State University (MSU) is seeking two Lead Budget & Fiscal Managers to provide strategic leadership in financial planning and budget management to multiple departments and colleges on campus. They will serve as the financial expert within the units, advising unit leadership on the availability of funding for personnel and operational changes. The Lead Budget & Fiscal Managers will also directly supervise a team of strategic fiscal partners, who support units across campus in financial resource management. Position Number 4M0492; 4M0798 Department Budget Office Division Administration Appointment Type Classified Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date FLSA Exempt Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining FTE 1.0 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary Starting at $85,000 per year, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications. Contract Type Classified Salary If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open Position Details General Statement The Lead Budget & Fiscal Manager is a member of the University Budget Office and reports to the University Budget Director. This role oversees and is responsible for the finances for multiple units on campus, on both the academic and non-academic side. In collaboration with leaders, it sets the strategic financial direction of colleges and divisions, through long-range budget planning and business strategy development. The Lead Budget & Fiscal Manager collaborates closely with unit leaders, Fiscal Shared Service (FSS) partners, and Human Resources Business Partners to manage and execute financial operations across the division. Using data-driven analysis, this position will provide financial insights that inform strategic decision-making and optimize the use of multiple finding sources. As a key advisor in the budgetary process, the Lead Budget & Fiscal Manager will play a critical role in shaping decisions that directly influence the unit’s financial health and long-term goals. In addition, the position will lead and provide ongoing training to unit Business Operations Managers, strategic fiscal partners (SFP) and budget analyst roles. This position requires strong organizational, analytical, and technical skills, along with a collaborative and solution-oriented approach. Duties and Responsibilities Deliver strategic financial leadership across colleges and divisions, overseeing and advising on the management of multi-million dollars resources from diverse funding sources. Forecast, plan, and oversee the development of annual and long-range budgets, including internal budget models, revenue projections, and expenditure plans. Work with unit heads to ensure compliance with the budget plan set forth at the start of the fiscal year and communicate variances for timely action. Analyze financial trends and service usage and/or enrollment to evaluate fiscal impacts and support data-informed decision-making. Advise leadership on opportunities for revenue generation, when appropriate, while ensuring priority remains on service to students. Collaborate with department heads/directors, FSS, and HR partners to ensure alignment between staffing needs and financial resources, including oversight of position budgeting. Deliver timely financial reporting and insights to department leaders to support operational activities, strategic planning and accountability. Serve as a key liaison for assigned units in central budget activities, including coordination of university budget submissions. Supervise and support the SFP team by providing ongoing training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities while cultivating a collaborative team environment that promotes shared knowledge and consistent financial practices. Provide financial training and support to the unit business operations managers as needed. Ensure compliance with MSU and Board of Regents (BOR) financial policies and procedures while continually improving financial processes. Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, finance or a related field, OR an equivalent combination of relevant education and professional experience. A record of three years of progressively responsible financial work experience. Demonstrated competence and experience in development, analysis, and execution of complex budgets and long-range business/fiscal management plans for a large organization. Successful experience in interpreting, explaining, and presenting detailed budget and fiscal data, both verbally and in writing, to a broad group of constituents. Successful experience supervising a team. Demonstrated proficiency utilizing financial systems and tools proficiently, including spreadsheets, databases, and various reporting systems. Experience using Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook are preferred. Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills Experience working in financial based roles at a higher education institution. Demonstrated knowledge in interpreting and applying institutional policies and procedures. Ability to initiate, coordinate, oversee and complete various projects on own initiative. Strong organizational techniques with the ability to manage multiple tasks and remain flexible. Experience leveraging data from an ERP system. The Successful Candidate Will Exercise sound judgement and initiative in decision-making, while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality. Lead and collaborate effectively with a broad range of teams and stakeholders, demonstrating strong interpersonal and conflict solution skills. Present complex financial and administrative information in ways that build clarity, transparency, and informed decision-making across varying levels of financial expertise. Communicate clearly and effectively in both written and verbal formats, including presentations. Manage and adapt to multiple priorities with attention to detail, accuracy, flexibility and adherence to deadlines in a dynamic work environment. Display strong attention to detail while maintaining a strategic, big-picture perspective. Position Special Requirements/Additional Information To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Physical Demands This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This position has supervisory duties? No Posting Detail Information Number of Vacancies 2 Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search. Position End Date (if temporary) Open Date Close Date Applications will be: Screening of applications will begin on July 7, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions EEO Statement Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile. Applicant Documents Required Documents Resume Cover Letter Optional Documents Supplemental Questions
(406) 994-2990
mackenzie.seeley@montana.edu Classification Title Financial Mgr Working Title Lead Budget and Fiscal Manager Brief Position Overview The University Budget Office at Montana State University (MSU) is seeking two Lead Budget & Fiscal Managers to provide strategic leadership in financial planning and budget management to multiple departments and colleges on campus. They will serve as the financial expert within the units, advising unit leadership on the availability of funding for personnel and operational changes. The Lead Budget & Fiscal Managers will also directly supervise a team of strategic fiscal partners, who support units across campus in financial resource management. Position Number 4M0492; 4M0798 Department Budget Office Division Administration Appointment Type Classified Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date FLSA Exempt Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining FTE 1.0 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary Starting at $85,000 per year, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications. Contract Type Classified Salary If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open Position Details General Statement The Lead Budget & Fiscal Manager is a member of the University Budget Office and reports to the University Budget Director. This role oversees and is responsible for the finances for multiple units on campus, on both the academic and non-academic side. In collaboration with leaders, it sets the strategic financial direction of colleges and divisions, through long-range budget planning and business strategy development. The Lead Budget & Fiscal Manager collaborates closely with unit leaders, Fiscal Shared Service (FSS) partners, and Human Resources Business Partners to manage and execute financial operations across the division. Using data-driven analysis, this position will provide financial insights that inform strategic decision-making and optimize the use of multiple finding sources. As a key advisor in the budgetary process, the Lead Budget & Fiscal Manager will play a critical role in shaping decisions that directly influence the unit’s financial health and long-term goals. In addition, the position will lead and provide ongoing training to unit Business Operations Managers, strategic fiscal partners (SFP) and budget analyst roles. This position requires strong organizational, analytical, and technical skills, along with a collaborative and solution-oriented approach. Duties and Responsibilities Deliver strategic financial leadership across colleges and divisions, overseeing and advising on the management of multi-million dollars resources from diverse funding sources. Forecast, plan, and oversee the development of annual and long-range budgets, including internal budget models, revenue projections, and expenditure plans. Work with unit heads to ensure compliance with the budget plan set forth at the start of the fiscal year and communicate variances for timely action. Analyze financial trends and service usage and/or enrollment to evaluate fiscal impacts and support data-informed decision-making. Advise leadership on opportunities for revenue generation, when appropriate, while ensuring priority remains on service to students. Collaborate with department heads/directors, FSS, and HR partners to ensure alignment between staffing needs and financial resources, including oversight of position budgeting. Deliver timely financial reporting and insights to department leaders to support operational activities, strategic planning and accountability. Serve as a key liaison for assigned units in central budget activities, including coordination of university budget submissions. Supervise and support the SFP team by providing ongoing training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities while cultivating a collaborative team environment that promotes shared knowledge and consistent financial practices. Provide financial training and support to the unit business operations managers as needed. Ensure compliance with MSU and Board of Regents (BOR) financial policies and procedures while continually improving financial processes. Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, finance or a related field, OR an equivalent combination of relevant education and professional experience. A record of three years of progressively responsible financial work experience. Demonstrated competence and experience in development, analysis, and execution of complex budgets and long-range business/fiscal management plans for a large organization. Successful experience in interpreting, explaining, and presenting detailed budget and fiscal data, both verbally and in writing, to a broad group of constituents. Successful experience supervising a team. Demonstrated proficiency utilizing financial systems and tools proficiently, including spreadsheets, databases, and various reporting systems. Experience using Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook are preferred. Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills Experience working in financial based roles at a higher education institution. Demonstrated knowledge in interpreting and applying institutional policies and procedures. Ability to initiate, coordinate, oversee and complete various projects on own initiative. Strong organizational techniques with the ability to manage multiple tasks and remain flexible. Experience leveraging data from an ERP system. The Successful Candidate Will Exercise sound judgement and initiative in decision-making, while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality. Lead and collaborate effectively with a broad range of teams and stakeholders, demonstrating strong interpersonal and conflict solution skills. Present complex financial and administrative information in ways that build clarity, transparency, and informed decision-making across varying levels of financial expertise. Communicate clearly and effectively in both written and verbal formats, including presentations. Manage and adapt to multiple priorities with attention to detail, accuracy, flexibility and adherence to deadlines in a dynamic work environment. Display strong attention to detail while maintaining a strategic, big-picture perspective. Position Special Requirements/Additional Information To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Physical Demands This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This position has supervisory duties? No Posting Detail Information Number of Vacancies 2 Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search. Position End Date (if temporary) Open Date Close Date Applications will be: Screening of applications will begin on July 7, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions EEO Statement Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile. Applicant Documents Required Documents Resume Cover Letter Optional Documents Supplemental Questions
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