Leading Forward: Jeff Hoskins  

Ensures financial operations run smoothly and efficiently  

Title: Senior Director of Business Affairs and Business Officer 
Works closely with: Budget and finance teams, departmental business managers, accounting and compliance staff, and university financial systems partners  
Years at UT: 15.5
Hometown: Detroit, Texas (the little motor city), but I grew up in the country on 60 acres that my grandparents obtained by trading a cow and calf for during the Great Depression 
Education: MAcc ’02, Missouri State University 
First job: Staff accountant, Elliott, Robinson & Co. CPAs 

What does ‘smooth and efficient financial operations’ look like in practice, and how do you ensure that happens across such a complex organization? 

My role is to make sure school leadership has timely, accurate financial information that’s easy to understand and useful for decisionmaking. Over the past ‑fiveplus‑ years, we’ve invested a lot of effort in building tools that allow stakeholders to access near realtime‑ financial information — drawing from a financial system that’s more than 40 years old — so they don’t have to wait for reports to make informed choices.Just as important, I spend time meeting regularly with department leaders throughout the year. Those conversations help us not only review what’s already happened but also understand what’s coming next and how my team can best support their goals and help drive positive outcomes. What is your role in ensuring McCombs’ financial operations and business processes run efficiently and in compliance with university policies? 

I oversee the full range of financial operations for the school — from budgeting, accounting, and reporting to procurement, travel reimbursements, endowment management, and compliance. A big part of my job is making sure those processes work smoothly behind the scenes so faculty and staff can stay focused on their core work. I also place a strong emphasis on consistency, transparency, and accountability. By establishing clear processes and strong internal controls that align with university policies, we’re able to manage resources responsibly while keeping things efficient and user‑friendly. When financial operations are working well, most people never have to think about them — and that’s usually a good sign.  We’ve cut back as much burnt orange tape as we can to stay compliant with policies and procedures. 

How do you work with academic and administrative leaders across the school to support their goals while maintaining strong financial stewardship? 

Partnership is at the heart of my role. I work closely with department chairs, program leaders, and administrative teams to understand their priorities and help them plan and manage their resources effectively. That collaboration allows us to align departmental goals with the school’s broader strategy while staying mindful of long‑term financial health. I also lead and support our administrative operations managers across the school, focusing on building a culture of service, stewardship, and continuous improvement. When our teams feel supported and empowered, we’re better able to deliver consistent, high‑quality financial, and administrative support that helps the entire school succeed. 

• Hidden campus gem: Probably not super hidden, but you can’t beat the turtle pond by the Tower. It’s a tranquil and relaxing spot to visit when the day-to-day grind gets to you. 

• Favorite Austin hangout: Crown & Anchor Pub. I could listen to the bartender Derven go on for hours. 

• Burnt orange gear: Pretty much everything I own is burnt orange or Longhorn branded. Love my Texas McCombs branded gear though! 

Photo Credit for Crown & Anchor Pub photo: Charlie Partheymuller for The Daily Texan