Financial Officer

Date Revised: 09/15/2017

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job title: Financial Officer

Job Category: Exempt

PCLS: 30482

Salary Grade: H

Summary

Incumbents in the Financial Officer position serve as the key financial person for and manage the financial, human resources, and general business operations of a college or administrative area. Incumbents provide strategic direction and leadership in the planning, development, management, control, and reporting of the integrated financial operations and activities for the assigned organization.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Financial Officer is distinguished from the Financial Officer Senior in that incumbents in the Financial Officer level perform duties in a small college or administrative area.

Reporting and Supervisory Responsibilities

The Financial Officer reports to both the Executive Director of Budget and Planning and to the Vice-President or Dean. This classification hires, trains and supervises assigned staff.

Typical Functions

1. Coordinates the development, preparation, and submission of all capital, revenue, and expense budgets and all financial reports for the organization.

2. Plans and develops comprehensive capital and operating budgets for a wide ranging portfolio of varying accounts relating to multiple components; reviews, analyzes, and verifies budgets; ensures balance of revenues, expenses, and transfers; and prepares integrated budget documents for submission.

3. Recommends and participates in the development of University policies and procedures; may serve on University planning and policy-making committees.

4. Oversees the approval and processing of revenue, expenditure, and position control documents; mass salary updates; and ledger and account maintenance and data entry.

5. Ensures compliance with University, state, and federal policies and regulations, while maintaining appropriate internal control safeguards.

6. Coordinates and analyzes fiscal and budget systems for controls, policies, and procedures; expedites audits; reviews changing state and federal laws, procedures and accounting practices, and makes recommendations for or implements changes in accordance with institutional policy.

7. Advises units on improvement of current fiscal procedures, implementation of new fiscal policies, and training of accounting and administrative personnel.

1

Financial Officer

Date Revised: 09/15/2017

JOB DESCRIPTION

8. Ensures records systems are maintained in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.

9. Provides leadership, administrative management, and operational coordination to various technical, professional, and/or administrative personnel engaged in specified project activities, as appropriate to the position.

10. Approves designated financial documents and transactions for the unit, including human resources, payroll, and expenditures (including purchasing card and travel).

11. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Ability to monitor completed work of others to ensure soundness of approach, effectiveness in meeting requirements, the feasibility of recommendations, and adherences to requirements.

2. Ability to evaluate and enhance practices that promote a strong commitment to inclusionary practices, which support diversity, safety, and environmental consciousness.

3. Skilled at diplomacy, able to persuade and influence others to achieve results, resolve problems, and demonstrate sound judgement.

4. Ability to set clear expectations and practice accountability.5. Ability to provide technical guidance and leadership to professional personnel.6. Knowledge of federal and state financial regulations, and University financial policies and

procedures.7. Advanced knowledge of public sector financial, accounting, and budgeting principles and

procedures.8. Skilled in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and

developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.9. Ability to execute and integrate complex financial analyses and prepare comprehensive

capital/operating budget summaries and projections.10. Ability to plan, implement, and administer financial information and control systems.11. Knowledge of a range of automated financial systems and applications software.12. Knowledge of computerized information systems used in financial and/or accounting

applications.13. Advanced financial analysis and mathematical skills.14. Knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, and cost control procedures.15. Knowledge of University and/or public auditing policies, standards, and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a business field plus four years of experience or an equivalent combination of education plus experience is required.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

2

Financial Officer

Date Revised: 09/15/2017

JOB DESCRIPTION

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.

Fundamental Abilities

Within the scope and complexity of each position’s responsibilities, each incumbent is expected to possess and demonstrate the following abilities:

1. Communicating : Communicates effectively both verbally and in writing. 2. Problem solving : Analyzes information and evaluates results to select the best solution and solve

problems. 3. Monitoring : Measures performance of self; makes improvements and takes appropriate

corrective action.4. Critical Thinking : Comes to well-reasoned conclusions, solutions, and approaches to problems.5. Team Building : Works to create a team-based environment. Consistently demonstrates

cooperative behavior with colleagues, supervisors, and customers.6. Active Listening : Gives full attention when others are speaking; listens to understand, asks

questions as appropriate, and does not interrupt.7. Service Orientation : Actively seeks opportunities to help others.8. Conflict Resolution : Acts professionally when encountering customers who, at times, may be

frustrated or threatening.

Core Characteristics

As representatives of Utah State University and primary contributors to its mission, all employees are expected to demonstrate the following characteristics:

1.

2. Take initiative3. Maintain confidentiality.4. Be accountable.5. Behave ethically.6. Be honest and trustworthy.7. Demonstrate a strong work ethic.

8. Be inquisitive.9. Be detail oriented.10. Be self-motivated.11. Efficiently manage multiple tasks.12. Be a team player.13. Be committed to improving USU.

Disclaimer This position description indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to the position.

3

Financial Officer

Date Revised: 09/15/2017

JOB DESCRIPTION

4

Financial Officer

Date Revised: 09/15/2017

JOB DESCRIPTION

5