Colleague Finance Consultant

Overview

This role supports colleges and universities with ERP/SIS modernization and related higher-education technology initiatives. The organization is seeking an experienced Ellucian Colleague Finance Consultant who understands both the Ellucian Colleague Finance system and the business of higher education finance.

This position is remote within the United States and partners directly with higher-education clients to maximize the value of their Colleague investment—through implementations, process improvements, system optimization, training, and change support.

Responsibilities

• Partner with colleges and universities to implement, optimize, and support the Ellucian Colleague Finance module.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to finance leaders and staff, aligning system capabilities with institutional goals and business needs.
• Analyze and improve business processes across general ledger, budgeting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, purchasing, and financial reporting.
• Recommend best practices and solutions that increase efficiency, improve data quality, and reduce manual effort.
• Lead client training sessions, workshops, and discovery discussions to support successful adoption of processes and technology.
• Collaborate with client stakeholders to understand operational challenges and develop practical, sustainable solutions.
• Support software implementations, upgrades, testing activities, and system enhancements.
• Troubleshoot functional and system issues, identify root causes, and guide clients toward resolution.
• Develop user documentation, process guides, and training materials to empower client teams.
• Stay current on higher education finance trends, Ellucian product enhancements, and industry best practices; bring ideas and recommendations to clients.
• Collaborate with project teams to deliver high-quality outcomes while maintaining project timelines and commitments.
• Help institutions leverage Colleague more strategically by identifying opportunities for automation, improved reporting, and process modernization.

Requirements

• Five or more years of experience working within higher education, with strong understanding of operational and financial challenges for colleges and universities.
• Five or more years of hands-on experience with Ellucian Colleague, including advanced knowledge of the Finance module and its application across institutional finance operations.
• Experience supporting or leading Colleague Finance implementations, upgrades, or optimization initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of higher education financial operations, including general ledger, budgeting, purchasing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and financial reporting.
• Experience developing and leveraging reporting solutions to support financial decision-making, budget management, reconciliation activities, and operational analysis.
• Understanding of modern technology environments, including SaaS applications, cloud-based solutions, and digital transformation initiatives within higher education.
• Ability to analyze complex business processes, identify opportunities for improvement, and deliver practical solutions that create meaningful efficiencies.
• Experience in a consulting, advisory, or client-facing role where building relationships and guiding stakeholders through change was a key part of success.
• Strong troubleshooting skills, including diagnosing functional issues, collaborating with technical teams, and communicating effectively with both business and technical audiences.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a customer-first mindset and commitment to delivering an outstanding client experience.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and approach challenges with curiosity, initiative, and strong problem-solving skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel periodically to support client engagements and project needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading or managing project-based work across multiple stakeholders and timelines.
• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or a related field.
• Experience helping institutions modernize finance operations through process improvement, automation, or technology transformation initiatives.
• Previous experience working as a consultant serving higher education clients.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $100,000 - $115,000 plus bonus
• Health, Vision, Dental & Life Insurance
• Short & Long Term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• 3 Weeks Vacation, Sick Leave & Paid Holidays
• 401(K) with a 5% Employer Contribution
• Pet Insurance

Location

• Remote within the United States.