The Senior Associate Athletic Director and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a senior leadership position within the university's athletic department, responsible for providing strategic oversight of financial operations, budgetary planning, and fiscal management to support the mission and goals of the athletics program. This role requires a seasoned financial executive with expertise in athletics administration, financial management, financial reporting, and compliance, as well as strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.
Responsibilities:
1. Financial Management:
• Develop and implement financial policies, procedures, and controls to ensure the integrity and transparency of financial operations within the athletic department.
• Oversee the preparation, monitoring, and management of annual operating budgets, revenue forecasts, and expenditure projections for all athletic programs and departments.
• Monitor financial performance, analyze variances, and provide recommendations for optimizing resource allocation and maximizing revenue generation opportunities.
• Manage athletic contracts, competitive procurement, capital project planning, debt requirements, fixed asset accounting, and inventory systems.
• Direct oversight of athletics business operations staff.
2. Budget Planning and Analysis:
• Lead the development of comprehensive budgetary plans and financial strategies for all sports and administrative units to support the short-term and long-term needs of the athletic department.
• Collaborate with departmental leaders, coaches, and staff to establish budget targets, prioritize funding priorities, and align expenditures with strategic objectives.
• Provide monthly budget reports, financial analysis, and forecasting support to inform decision-making processes and identify opportunities for cost savings and revenue enhancement.
3. Financial Reporting and Compliance:
• Ensure compliance with institutional policies, NCAA regulations, and other governing bodies' requirements related to financial reporting, accounting standards, and fiscal management.
• Prepare and submit financial reports, audits, and compliance certifications to university administration, Arkansas Department of Higher Education, Federal Department of Education, NCAA, Southeastern Conference, and other external stakeholders as required.
• Monitor the compliance and reporting requirements for unrelated business income tax (UBIT), taxable fringe benefits, and other excise tax obligations.
• Develop and maintain internal controls, audit procedures, and risk management practices to safeguard assets and mitigate financial risks within the athletic department.
• Advise the Director of Athletics and Senior Associate Vice Chancellor for Campus Services on all matters related to the budget and financial planning, contracts, and capital projects.
4. Strategic Planning and Leadership:
• Provide strategic leadership and direction to departmental staff, fostering a culture of accountability, transparency, and excellence in financial management and operations.
• Collaborate with senior athletic department leadership, university administration, and external stakeholders to develop and implement strategic plans, goals, and initiatives that advance the mission and objectives of the athletics program.
• Represent the athletic department in meetings, committees, and forums, advocating for financial priorities, resource needs, and strategic initiatives.
• Serve as a member of the Director of Athletics Executive Cabinet and Senior Staff.
• Serve as liaison to Campus, System Office, Razorback Foundation, and other internal and external partners on all financial matters for the Department of Athletics.
The Senior Associate Athletic Director and Chief Financial Officer plays a critical role in ensuring the financial health, compliance, and self-supporting status of the athletic department, supporting the success and well-being of student-athletes, coaches, and staff, and advancing the mission and values of the university's athletics program.
Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration
- At least seven years of progressive leadership experience in financial management, budget planning, and fiscal oversight
- Strong understanding of NCAA rules and regulations governing financial aid, scholarships, revenue distribution, and other financial aspects of intercollegiate athletics
- Demonstrated expertise in financial analysis, budget development, and strategic planning, with a track record of driving financial sustainability and operational excellence within a complex organization
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills, with the ability to build consensus, foster collaboration, and inspire teams to achieve shared goals
- Knowledge and experience with relevant accounting principles, tax regulations, and industry best practices in financial management and reporting
Preferred Qualifications:
- Graduate degree in accounting, finance, or business administration.
- At least five years of experience working in Division I intercollegiate athletics administration.
- CPA certification
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Knowledge of laws and regulations specific to college athletics and higher education
- Knowledge and the ability to manage construction planning and activities
- Knowledge of and ability to manage contracts
- Accounting, finance, & dept management knowledge
- Human resources and payroll knowledge
- Excellent Project management skills
- Organization skills
- Management & Leadership skills
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
