Director, Capital Projects & Fixed Assets

The Director of Capital Projects and Fixed Assets provides strategic leadership, financial oversight, governance, and compliance management for the University of Memphis's capital project portfolio and fixed asset operations. The position serves as the central point of accountability for the financial administration of all University capital projects, currently exceeding $125 million in active investments, while supporting future State, federal, donor-funded, and institutionally funded capital initiatives.

Reporting directly to the Assistant Vice President of Accounting and Financial Reporting, this position is responsible for the development, implementation, and oversight of financial processes, controls, reporting, and compliance activities related to capital projects and capital assets. The Director ensures alignment with State of Tennessee requirements, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, audit requirements, and University policies.

The Director also oversees the University's fixed asset accounting function and provides strategic leadership for the complete lifecycle management of capital assets, including capitalization, depreciation, amortization, asset inventory, disposals, transfers, and financial reporting. This role works collaboratively with Facilities Management, Campus Planning and Design, Advancement, the University of Memphis Foundation, Finance, Procurement, Internal Audit, and external stakeholders to ensure financial integrity, transparency, and accountability in the management of University capital resources.

Capital Budgeting and Financial Oversight

• Lead the University's capital budgeting lifecycle, including planning, development, review, monitoring, forecasting, and project closeout activities.
• Review and validate financial assumptions, funding availability, matching fund requirements, and budget submissions for capital projects.
• Ensure compliance with State funding requirements, institutional commitments, and senior leadership approvals.
• Develop and maintain long-range financial models and forecasting tools supporting capital construction, renovation, and infrastructure investments.
• Monitor project budgets and funding sources to ensure expenses remain within authorized limits.
• Provide financial guidance on proposed capital investments and funding strategies.
• Identify financial risks and recommend mitigation strategies related to capital project execution.

Capital Project Accounting and Financial Reporting

• Oversee financial tracking and accounting for all capital projects, including expenditures, encumbrances, funding sources, reimbursements, retainage, and project closeout.
• Ensure accurate recording and reporting of construction-in-progress (CIP) activity.
• Coordinate the timely transfer of completed projects from CIP to capital assets.
• Develop and maintain standardized capital project reporting and performance metrics.
• Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual reports for executive leadership, , State agencies, and stakeholders.
• Lead the development and implementation of reporting automation and dashboard solutions to improve transparency and operational efficiency.
• Conduct variance analysis and provide financial forecasts for active capital projects.

Fixed Asset Accounting and Administration

• Direct the University's fixed asset accounting function and ensure the accuracy and completeness of capital asset records.
• Maintain policies and procedures governing capitalization, depreciation, amortization, inventory management, disposals, transfers, impairment reviews, and asset retirements.
• Ensure proper capitalization of buildings, infrastructure, land improvements, equipment, software, and other capital assets in accordance with GAAP, GASB, and University policy.
• Oversee depreciation and amortization calculations and related journal entries.
• Ensure accurate plant fund accounting and capital asset reporting.
• Coordinate physical inventory processes and asset verification activities.

• Evaluate and implement improvements to fixed asset management processes and systems.

   

Compliance, Internal Controls, and Audit Management

• Monitor internal controls supporting capital projects and fixed asset accounting activities.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal regulations, State requirements, accounting standards, and University policies.
• Maintain alignment with commitments established under the University's capital project governance and management structure.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal, external, State, and federal audits involving capital projects and fixed assets.
• Prepare audit schedules, supporting documentation, and management responses.
• Identify compliance risks and recommend corrective actions as necessary.

• Develop and maintain policies, procedures, and training materials supporting capital finance and asset management activities.

   

Cross-Functional Coordination and Strategic Partnerships

• Serve as the University's primary financial liaison for capital project funding and capital asset matters.
• Collaborate with Facilities Management, Campus Planning and Design, Procurement, Advancement, University of Memphis Foundation, Finance, and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate the identification, tracking, and application of matching funds, gifts, grants, bond proceeds, and other restricted resources.
• Ensure plant fund accounting activities are properly coordinated across responsible offices.
• Facilitate communication and alignment among stakeholders to improve project execution and financial accountability.

• Support strategic initiatives related to campus growth, infrastructure renewal, and capital investment planning.

   

Leadership and Staff Management

• Directly supervise the Accountant for Fixed Assets, establishing performance expectations and supporting employee development.
• Provide functional leadership and technical oversight to Capital Projects Accountants assigned within Facilities Management through a dotted-line reporting relationship.
• Establish consistent accounting practices, procedures, workflow standards, and reporting methodologies across capital project accounting functions.
• Mentor and develop staff to strengthen technical expertise and professional growth.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, customer service, and continuous improvement.

Process Improvement and Technology Management

• Evaluate and improve financial processes supporting capital project and fixed asset administration.
• Identify opportunities for automation, standardization, and enhanced internal controls.
• Partner with Information Technology and functional stakeholders to optimize ERP system functionality.
• Develop dashboards, performance measures, and analytical tools to support data-driven decision making.
• Lead initiatives that improve efficiency, reporting accuracy, and operational effectiveness.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in capital project accounting, capital budgeting, fixed asset accounting, governmental accounting, construction finance, or related financial management functions.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing large-scale capital projects and funding portfolios.
• Strong knowledge of capital budgeting, financial controls, internal controls, and compliance frameworks.
• Knowledge of GAAP and capital asset accounting principles.
• Experience developing and analyzing complex financial reports and forecasts.
• Experience working with ERP systems such as Oracle Fusion, Banner, Workday, PeopleSoft, or equivalent enterprise systems.
• Proven leadership experience supervising employees and/or providing financial oversight within a matrixed organizational structure.

• Strong communication, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

  Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM), or comparable professional certification.
• Experience in higher education, government, or other large public-sector or private-sector environments.
• Experience managing construction-in-progress accounting and large-scale capital asset portfolios.
• Knowledge of State of Tennessee capital budgeting, capital funding, and reporting requirements.
• Experience coordinating financial activities involving foundations, advancement organizations, grants, and externally funded capital initiatives.

• Experience leading ERP reporting enhancements or financial process transformation initiatives.

  Key Competencies

  Strategic Leadership: Ability to align financial oversight with institutional priorities and long-term capital planning initiatives.

  Financial Stewardship: Strong understanding of capital finance, fixed asset accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.

  Compliance and Risk Management: Ability to establish effective controls, ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain audit readiness.

  Collaboration and Relationship Building: Skilled at working across departments, building consensus, and managing diverse stakeholder interests.

  Process Improvement: Ability to identify inefficiencies, implement improvements, and leverage technology solutions.

  Analytical Thinking: Ability to evaluate complex financial information and provide actionable recommendations.

  Communication and Influence: Ability to communicate complex financial matters effectively to executive leadership, Board members, auditors, and non-financial stakeholders.

  Organizational Effectiveness: Ability to manage multiple priorities, navigate complex funding structures, and meet critical deadlines.

  Working Conditions: Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment with periodic visits to construction sites and University facilities as needed.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.