Posting Detail Information
Working TitleManager of Financial Operations
Position LocationFort Collins, CO
Work LocationPosition qualifies for hybrid/in-office work
Research Professional PositionNo
Posting Number202501382AP
Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification TitleManagement I
Number of Vacancies
Work Hours/Week40
Proposed Annual Salary Range$80,000-$85,000
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it's a thriving community that's transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
Review our detailed benefits information here. (https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf)
Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator (https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/) .
Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/) !
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on10/19/2025
Description of Work Unit
Founded in 1870, Colorado State University is among the nation's leading research universities and enrolls approximately 32,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Located an hour north of the Denver metro area, Fort Collins is a vibrant community of approximately 157,000 residents that offers the convenience of a small town with all the amenities of a large city. Fort Collins is situated on the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains with views of 14,000 foot peaks, and offers access to numerous cultural, recreational, and outdoor opportunities.
The Department of Chemistry has an international reputation for excellence in research across a broad array of disciplines, including analytical, biological, inorganic, organic, materials and physical chemistry. Ph.D. graduates receive world-class training, participate in cutting-edge (and often interdisciplinary) research projects, and are employed at all levels of academia and industry around the globe. The faculty also enjoy an award-winning reputation for teaching excellence. Undergraduate students benefit both from access to this classroom expertise and from a long tradition of substantive undergraduate participation in research. The Department's research efforts are supported by a state-of-the-art Analytical Resources Core that provides 24/7 student access to shared instrumentation.
Position Summary
The Manager of Financial Operations ( MFO ) for the Department of Chemistry is responsible for the oversight and management of the department's fiscal and budget operations. This position develops and manages all department budgets, totaling over $49 million and funded from multiple sources, including state-appropriated, start-up, retention, grant, recharge, and self-funded accounts. The MFO provides financial guidance for the department, and advises department members on State and University financial policies and procedures. The MFO develops and oversees the departmental accounting and purchasing processes with the Department Chair, and is responsible for monitoring transactions and ensuring appropriate internal controls are maintained.
The MFO acts as the Department's expert on fiscal matters, and will consistently stay informed through consistent professional training of the ongoing changes in best practices, policies and laws within the University to ensure the Department is functioning in a proper, legal, and fiscally responsible manner. The MFO serves as the manager for the department's accounting and grant proposal submission staff, and is responsible for staff development, performance management, employee relations, and recruitment and selection within the Accounting unit. The MFO provides critical budget forecasting by generating a five-year department operating budget. This forecasting tool enables the Chair to make informed decisions on financial issues such as hiring new employees, initiating renovation projects, and managing proposed university budget cuts.
A signing bonus of up to $2,500 may be considered for successful candidates. Please note, internal applicants are not eligible for signing bonuses.
This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement after a period of onboarding and training.
Required Job Qualifications
Bachelor's degree
Minimum three years of professional and/or technical financial accounting experience.
Minimum of three years demonstrated success working in a complex academic or business office.
Minimum two years of supervisory experience.
Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite including significant experience in Word, Outlook, and Excel.
Demonstration of strong, effective verbal and written communication skills.
Preferred Job Qualifications
Master's degree in business, management, finance, accounting, or related field.
Experience working with CSU financial accounting systems and processes, such as Kuali, Workday HCM , and ARIESWeb.
Experience working with various CSU fund sources and knowledge of related University, State and Federal regulations.
Strong experience using various financial databases (e.g. PowerBI, WebFocus) to compile detailed financial reports.
Demonstrated ability to provide front-line support and assistance to a population of faculty, students, and staff while disseminating program policy / procedural information.
Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with constituents in order to see initiatives/events reach successful outcomes.
Demonstrated independent decision making, attention to detail, prioritization and organizational skills.
Essential Duties
Job Duty CategoryFiscal and HR financial management
Duty/Responsibility
Manage overall business operations and fiscal policies for Chemistry Department
Ensure accounting operations are documented, and develops procedures and processes in accordance with generally accepted account principles, Federal and State regulations and University policies
Provide financial oversight for departmental operations and programs
Approve expenditures, oversee preparation and input of budget transfers, monitor departmental accounts
Supervise, review and approve all payroll and hiring actions
Track departmental commitments to faculty and special programs from University resources;
Serve as primary financial liaison to the Office of the Dean, Department of Business and Financial Services, and Human Resources Department; provide communications both written and oral that are professional and representative of departmental leadership.
Percentage Of Time40
Job Duty CategorySupervision and Personnel Management
Duty/Responsibility
Provide positive leadership for accounting and research proposal coordinator staff in support of the department's missions in teaching and research
Inspire teamwork, service and a productive work environment
Manage and allocate employee job responsibilities to streamline workload and meet goals of department
Prioritize workload to meet critical deadlines for grant proposals, payroll actions and financial reporting; provide opportunities for staff training and professional development
Manage staff performance by establishing standards/goals, addressing performance problems, and conducting performance evaluations
Approve leave requests; interview and hire staff when needed.
This position currently supervises three accounting tech positions and two research proposal coordinator positions.
Percentage Of Time25
Job Duty CategoryBudgeting
Duty/Responsibility
Coordinate departmental annual planning and budgeting
Prepare quarterly budget submission and allocation
Prepare annual departmental operating budget
Analyze account data for all fund @types to assist with budget forecasting and meet objectives of the department
Develop management reports from data extracted from the university financial system and human resource system.
Percentage Of Time20
Job Duty CategoryGrant Management
Duty/Responsibility
Provide overall coordination of grant management including pre- and post- awards
Serve as primary liaison with Office of Sponsored programs
Approve all PASS and SP-1 documents
Provide financial oversight for all managed accounts representing over $12 million in research expenditures
Ensure compliance with University, State and Federal guidelines.
Percentage Of Time15
Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
Complete applications must include a cover letter which clearly addresses how professional experiences align with identified required and preferred qualifications of this position, a current resume, and names and contact information of three professional references. This posting will remain open until filled, but for full consideration, all materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. (MT) on October 19, 2025. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.
CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you need assistance or an accommodation with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.
Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
Search ContactKristen Felten - kristen.felten@colostate.edu
EEO
Colorado State University ( CSU ) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any @type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The @type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
References Requested
References Requested
Minimum Requested3
Maximum Requested3
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Cover Letter
Resume
Optional Documents
