Colleague Finance Consultant

Strata Information Group (SIG) is a trusted leader in higher‑education technology consulting, supporting colleges and universities with ERP/SIS modernization, digital transformation, CRM, cybersecurity, and strategic advisory services. As a long‑standing and deeply embedded partner within the higher‑education sector, SIG brings together technical depth, operational insight, and a culture rooted in integrity, collaboration, and exceptional client service. Our heritage is built on hands‑on expertise, genuine relationships, and a commitment to delivering value with humility and excellence—values that continue to define us as we scale.

At SIG, we help colleges and universities work smarter by aligning technology, processes, and people to support student and institutional success. We're looking for an experienced Ellucian Colleague Finance Consultant who understands both the system and the business of higher education finance.

In this role, you'll partner directly with college and university clients to help them maximize the value of their Colleague investment. Whether supporting an implementation, improving financial processes, guiding system optimization, or helping clients navigate change, you'll serve as a trusted advisor who translates business needs into practical solutions.

You'll work closely with finance leaders, business officers, controllers, and end users to solve challenges, identify opportunities for improvement, and create more efficient and effective financial operations. Your expertise in Colleague Finance and higher education business processes will help institutions streamline workflows, improve reporting, strengthen data integrity, and achieve their strategic goals.

If you've spent years working in a college or university finance office, or have consulting experience supporting the Ellucian Colleague Finance module, this is an opportunity to make a broader impact by helping institutions across the country transform the way they work.

SIG employees work remotely within the United States.

What You'll Do

As an Ellucian Colleague Finance Consultant, you will:

• 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, helping them align 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 functions.
• Recommend best practices and creative solutions that increase efficiency, improve data quality, and reduce manual effort.
• Lead client training sessions, workshops, and discovery discussions to ensure 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 that empower client teams.
• Stay current on higher education finance trends, Ellucian product enhancements, and industry best practices, bringing new ideas and recommendations to clients.
• Partner with SIG project teams to deliver high-quality client outcomes while maintaining project timelines and commitments.
• Help institutions leverage Colleague more strategically by identifying opportunities for automation, improved reporting, and process modernization.

What Success Looks Like

• Clients view you as a trusted partner and subject matter expert.
• Finance teams become more efficient through improved processes and effective use of Colleague.
• Projects are delivered on time and with high client satisfaction.
• Institutions gain greater visibility into their financial information through better reporting and data integrity.
• End users feel confident, supported, and equipped to use the system effectively.

What You'll Bring

The most successful consultants in this role combine deep higher education finance expertise with a passion for helping institutions improve the way they work.

• Five or more years of experience working within higher education, with a strong understanding of the unique operational and financial challenges colleges and universities face.
• 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.
• An understanding of modern technology environments, including SaaS applications, cloud-based solutions, and digital transformation initiatives within higher education.
• The 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 your success.
• Strong troubleshooting skills, with the ability to diagnose functional issues, collaborate with technical teams, and communicate effectively with both business and technical audiences.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, paired with a customer-first mindset and a commitment to delivering an outstanding client experience.
• The 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.

Nice to Have

While not required, the following qualifications will help you stand out:

• 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.

What Makes Someone Thrive at SIG

Our best consultants are collaborative, adaptable, and genuinely enjoy solving problems alongside our clients. They bring both expertise and curiosity to every engagement, balancing industry best practices with an understanding that every institution has unique goals, cultures, and challenges. They are trusted advisors who can translate complex systems and processes into practical recommendations that help clients move forward with confidence.

Pay and Benefits

• The salary range is $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

The listed salary range for this position is indicative and subject to adjustment based on the candidate's unique skills and location. Final compensation will be determined through mutual agreement between the successful candidate and SIG.

SIG is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer

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Originally posted on Himalayas