New

Finance Director

George Washington University

United States, D.C., Washington

Mar 14, 2026

I. JOB OVERVIEW

Job Description Summary:	In the heart of the nation's capital, with additional programs in Virginia, the George Washington University (GW) was created by an Act of Congress in 1821. Today, GW is the largest institution of higher education in the District of Columbia. The University offers comprehensive programs of undergraduate and graduate liberal arts study, as well as degree programs in medicine, public health, law, engineering, education, business, and international affairs. Each year, GW enrolls a diverse population of undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. As one of the largest private employers in the District of Columbia, the University seeks employees who support the teaching, research, and public service mission of the University. Responsible for the overall integrity of the university's financial activities, the Finance Division provides timely and accurate financial information, protects university assets, and ensures compliance with federal, state, and local laws from a financial and fiduciary vantage point. Functioning as one multi-dimensional team dedicated to excellence in operational performance and customer service, the Finance Division collaborates with all University units and regularly reviews best practices in an effort to maintain a strong financial base for GW while addressing the needs of its stakeholders. Financial Reporting is dedicated to providing timely and accurate financial information for external reporting and analysis to support decision-making within the university. Continuing to focus on proper business principles and operations, with an emphasis on accuracy, integrity, and insight, the Finance Division strives to ensure that activities proposed and resources requested reflect sound business judgment and support the overall mission of the university as a distinguished and preeminent research university. Under the direction of a Managing FD, this position serves as the key day-to-day financial steward for a GW School. This high-level role oversees the day-to-day financial operations, including management and analysis of budgets, financial results, and other regulatory compliance. Serving as the key contact for faculty and staff, this position manages fiscal operations, including budget calls, quarterly updates, forecasts, accounting, asset management, procurement, and payroll, including ongoing measurement of achievement of financial goals and objectives. The position plays a leadership role in the strategic planning processes, including short- and long-term business and financial modeling for academic programs, research centers, and business units. Among some of the position's responsibilities are: Working under the direction of the Managing FD in acclimating to the unit's operations and various types of budgets (e.g., programs, endowments, capital, faculty and staff salaries, financial aid, library operations, development/fundraising, etc.); assisting in the development and/or forecasting of these budgets by measuring and analyzing key business metrics; and identifying areas of potential operational improvement. Overseeing the timely processing of Procurement requisitions, review of expense reports, submission of invoices, and other types of payment requests to Accounts Payable. Establishing finance office processes and guidelines and providing guidance to faculty, staff, and students about University policies and finance office processes and procedures. Compiling, analyzing, and interpreting financial information from all components of the unit, utilizing complex spreadsheet and database applications; preparing the financial information in reports and/or presentations; ensuring information is accurate and completed in a timely manner Making recommendations to the Managing FD regarding revenues/expenses, projections, etc., by analyzing results, monitoring and explaining variances, identifying trends, and making comparative analyses; reviewing the School's financial and enrollment data and developing a model for projecting tuition and other revenue; assisting the Managing FD in working with the unit directors/managers in preparing annual budgets and forecasts; assisting with year-end closing information, projections, reports, etc. Reviewing Sponsored Research budget proposals and collaborating with the various University offices overseeing research and award management Addressing requests from various University offices to provide financial information on behalf of the unit and investigate unresolved problems related to funds, budgets, expenditures, etc. Supervising the biweekly payroll approval process for the non-exempt employees of the department and acting as a backup timekeeper for the department Performing other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.
Minimum Qualifications:	Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization plus 7 years of relevant professional experience, or, a Master's degree or higher in a relevant area of study plus 5 years of relevant professional experience. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Additional Required Licenses/Certifications/Posting Specific Minimum Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:	Experience in accounting, budget planning, and budget administration. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, most importantly Microsoft Excel. Experience in Oracle, Banner, Tableau, PowerBI, and PeopleAdmin. Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills with the ability to set priorities and goals. Strong team player with experience in conflict resolution. Experience in higher education with familiarity in sponsored research and experience working with faculty.
Hiring Range	$105,123.50 - $176,607.48
GW Staff Approach to Pay	How is pay for new employees determined at GW?

Healthcare Benefits

GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit https://hr.gwu.edu/benefits-programs.

II. JOB DETAILS

Campus Location:	Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.
College/School/Department:	Finance
Family	Finance and Business
Sub-Family	Division/School Financial Management
Stream	Individual Contributor
Level	Level 4
Full-Time/Part-Time:	Full-Time
Hours Per Week:	40
Work Schedule:	Monday-Friday, 8:30am - 5:30pm
Will this job require the employee to work on site?	Yes
Employee Onsite Status	Hybrid
Telework:	Yes
Required Background Check:	Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search
Special Instructions to Applicants:	Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status
Internal Applicants Only?	No
Posting Number:	S014090
Job Open Date:	03/13/2026
Job Close Date:
If temporary, grant funded, Sponsored Project funded or limited term appointment, position funded until:
Background Screening	Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.
EEO Statement:	The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.