Banner Finance Functional Consultant

Overview

This is a flexible, project-based independent contractor opportunity for experienced higher education finance professionals and business analysts with expertise in Ellucian Banner ERP. The role involves providing strategic oversight and direction in key finance areas such as Accrual Accounting, Budgeting, Grants/Contracts, Fixed Assets, Tax Reporting, and related specialties. Assignments typically require 10-30 hours per week and can last from a few weeks to several months. Work is primarily remote with potential for occasional campus visits.

Responsibilities

• Provide interim leadership in general accounting, grants, purchasing, fixed assets, and disbursements
• Partner with campus leaders and external auditors to assess financial processes and recommend improvements
• Prepare and review reconciliations, interim reports, and financial statements
• Support compliance with state and federal grant requirements and institutional policies
• Strengthen internal controls, improve reporting, and align operations with strategic goals
• Collaborate with functional and technical teams to evaluate current processes and design future-state optimal processes
• Assist in architecting, developing, testing, training, and rolling out process and technical solutions

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of experience leading, managing, or directing finance functional areas at a college or university
• Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change and full adoption of Ellucian Banner technology
• Experience configuring Ellucian Banner ERP for one or multiple finance functional areas
• Professional experience as a finance business analyst working with Ellucian Banner ERP within higher education
• Strong leadership skills including facilitating diverse groups, consensus building, and preparing organizations for change
• Experience conducting business process reviews and recommending policy changes
• Excellent communication skills with a consultative approach to clients
• Ability to map current and desired processes in detail, including process steps and responsible parties
• Experience overseeing banking and cash management, project contract billing, pre-award grants, and research preferred
• College degree required; Master’s degree or higher preferred
• Previous consulting experience is a plus but not required

Engagement Details

• Independent contractor (1099) role with flexible hours and project durations based on client needs
• Remote work with potential limited on-site engagements
• Assignments vary; no guarantee of consecutive projects or consistent hours
• Flexibility to accept or decline projects based on availability and interest

Compensation & Benefits

• Flexible, project-based consulting opportunities
• Ability to expand experience and impact across multiple higher education institutions
• Opportunities to collaborate with other professionals on diverse and challenging projects
• Work-from-home options and selective work periods to suit individual needs

Location

Remote with potential for occasional campus visits depending on client requirements