Associate Vice President for Financial Operations (AVPFO)

Finance, Planning, and Budgeting (FPB) has an outstanding opportunity for an Associate Vice President for Financial Operations (AVPFO) to join their team.  

About this Opportunity  

Reporting to the Senior Vice President (SVP) for Finance, Planning & Budgeting/Chief Financial Officer (SVP/CFO), the Associate Vice President for Financial Operations (AVPFO) is responsible for a diverse array of operations and services within Finance, Planning & Budgeting (FPB) that provide University-wide business services: 

• University Controller’s Office 

• Research Compliance & Operations (sponsored programs post-award management) 

• Management Accounting & Analysis 

The AVPFO is a senior leadership position that is responsible for the effectiveness, integrity, and continuous improvement of the University’s core financial operations. This role partners closely with the SVP/CFO to shape and execute the broader organizational financial strategy, ensuring operational readiness and disciplined execution across the enterprise. 

The AVPFO is responsible for managing the University’s accounting and control environment, sponsored programs, and risk management function as they pertain to those financial disciplines, working closely with the Vice President for Compliance and Risk Services and the Executive Director of Internal Audit to effectuate program objectives in a constantly changing compliance and regulatory environment. 

As core financial service functions exist to serve and support the University’s community, the AVPFO is responsible for implementing and operationalizing a customer feedback and operational improvement program across the position’s portfolio, in collaboration with other members of the FPB senior leadership team. 

Given the University’s integrated academic–clinical mission, the AVPFO partners with the UW Medicine finance team to drive alignment on enterprise financial frameworks, shared controls, and operating efficiencies, and to identify economies of scale through common processes, platforms, and shared services. 

The position is also responsible for managing and/or collaborating with other FPB leaders to execute financial analysis, planning, and guidance to support the university's strategic goals and initiatives. 

Key Responsibilities 

Program Operations and Administration (60%) 

• Advise the SVP in the development of financial plans, analyzing data, and making informed decisions based on market trends and economic forecasts 

• Oversee the development and implementation of the fiscal control environment to safeguard the University’s assets 

• Oversee the preparation of annual financial statements and provide regular financial reports and forecasts to the University’s executive leadership. 

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, as well as accreditation standards and best practices, related to financial management and reporting 

• Provide financial analysis, modeling, and advice to inform decision-making and resource allocation across the University 

• Represent the university in external forums and committees and maintain positive relationships with financial institutions, auditors, regulators, and other relevant parties 

Strategy Development (40%) 

• Advises the SVP to manage risk effectively by detecting possible threats to the financial or business outcomes; develops strategies to mitigate risks or losses 

• Develop, provide, or interpret reports, analyses, or forecasts that enable the SVP and university senior leadership to make data-based decisions 

• Develop and implement financial strategies and initiatives to support the university's mission and align with the strategic plan and priorities 

• Develop, or recommend, policies and procedures that safeguard university assets and compliance in collaboration with the SVP 

• Provide strategic leadership and coordination across the university and FPB, effectively navigating complex systems, integrating priorities, resolving conflicts, advancing projects, and building trusted relationships with internal and external partners. 

Required Qualifications 

To be considered for this opportunity, your application must demonstrate that you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration. 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or related field AND 10 years of progressive experience in finance, budgeting, enterprise operations, state operations, or related field 

• OR Master’s Degree AND 8 years of progressive experience in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills have been acquired may substitute for a degree 

• 5 years of progressively responsible leadership/management experience; demonstrated commitment to developing others to become leaders. Create a culture of inclusion and equity throughout the team while supporting the overall culture of FPB 

Additional Qualifications 

• Collaborative, inclusive, and service-oriented leadership style and the ability to foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and teamwork. Demonstrated experience in working on diverse groups and teams; respects, values, and contributes to FPB and UW’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity 

• Strategic vision, innovation, creativity, and the ability to align financial operations and strategy to meet the University's mission 

• Expert knowledge of financial regulations and compliance requirements in higher education 

• Deep analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, and the ability to present complex financial information clearly and concisely 

• Excellent analytical, strategic planning, and communication skills 

• Excellent communication, presentation, interpersonal, and negotiation skills, and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders and audiences 

• High ethical standards, integrity, professionalism, and the ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information 

• Commitment to the values and vision of the university, and the ability to foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Advanced knowledge of the University of Washington's operations, finance process, organizational structure, data sets, and activities 

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) 

About the Team 

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

• Financial Stewardship & Operations   

• Institutional Analytics & Decision Support   

• Budget, Policy & Strategy   

• University Business Service 

To be considered for this role, please submit a cover letter highlighting your relevant experience, qualifications, and interest in the position.