Chief Business and Finance Officer

Job Description

Housing & Food Services has an outstanding opportunity for a Chief Business & Finance Officer to join their team.

About this Opportunity

Housing & Food Services seeks a strategic, collaborative Chief Business & Finance Officer to provide leadership, vision and direction for the financial health and resource alignment of HFS. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Student Life and Executive Director of HFS, the CBFO is a member of the Senior Leadership Team and serves as the senior executive for Finance, Procurement and Husky Card Services, while partnering closely with the Chief Information Officer to align technology, data and financial investments with departmental priorities.

HFS is an integral partner in the UW’s commitment to vibrant student life and educational opportunity. Its mission-driven work supports housing, dining, community, academic success, leadership development, campus engagement and the daily services that help students thrive. HFS describes care as an essential ingredient of its business and holistic learning as the passion that drives its work. 

The successful candidate will be an accomplished financial leader who can move comfortably between enterprise strategy and operational detail, build trust across complex stakeholder groups, and lead through influence and partnership. Strong candidates will demonstrate success in strategic planning, forecasting and analysis, cross-functional leadership, relationship building, communication and organizational culture. 

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Effectiveness -35%

Provide executive oversight for HFS financial and administrative operations, including accounting, budgeting, payroll, procurement, contracts, financial reporting, internal controls, risk management, business continuity, and Husky Card Services. Partner with the Chief Information Officer to align financial and technology resources with departmental priorities while supporting strong governance, compliance, data integrity, cybersecurity, and operational effectiveness.

Strategic Planning – 25%

Lead long-range financial planning, forecasting, capital planning, business modeling, and development of strategies that support HFS priorities and financial sustainability. Partner with senior leaders to integrate financial, technology, and data planning, advance modernization and innovation, evaluate growth and revenue opportunities, and represent HFS in broader University planning efforts

Leadership – 20%

Serve as a collaborative member of the HFS Senior Leadership Team and provide visible leadership across Finance, Information Technology, Husky Card Services, and the broader department. Build strong partnerships, champion continuous improvement, and foster an inclusive, accountable, student-focused culture while ensuring financial and technology strategies remain aligned with organizational priorities.

Supervision – 15%

Lead and develop a high-performing team through clear expectations, coaching, performance management, professional development, and succession planning. Promote collaboration and team cohesion while ensuring supervisory practices align with HFS and University policies and standards.

Performs other duties as assigned -5%

Assistant Vice President for Student Life and Executive Director of Housing & Food Services

Learn more about the role here: https://hfs.uw.edu/about-hfs/jobs/hfs-chief-business-and-finance-officer/

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate 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

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, finance, economics, or related field and seven years of financial leadership experience.
• Experience supervising professional and technical staff
• Demonstrated success in:
  • Strategic planning, financial forecasting, and analysis
  • Leading cross-functional teams
  • Building strong relationships with internal and external partners
  • Developing positive organizational culture and team cohesion
• Strong communication skills, including public speaking

Additional Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree in business administration, public administration, accounting, or related field
• Ten years of experience in a leadership role
• Active Certified Management Accountant or Certified Public Accountant status
• Experience in higher education, preferably in student life or auxiliary services
• Familiarity with enterprise systems and IT resource planning

Working Conditions

Regular daytime office hours, Monday through Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends for special events, student engagement, or emergencies. A hybrid work schedule of one to two days per week may be available, subject to supervisor approval and operational needs.

About the Team

"Working together to enhance student life" is the Housing & Food Services mission statement. Housing & Food Services is a large and complex organization with a unified commitment to supporting student learning, growth, and success.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$165,000.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$182,868.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected]. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.