myBama
Division of Finance and Operations

Finance Organizational Realignment

This page provides updates, resources and supporting materials related to the Finance realignment within the Division of Finance and Operations. The initiative aims to strengthen coordination, consistency and service across the University's financial functions. Information will be updated regularly as the assessment and integration process progresses.

Overview

The realignment of financial management services brings together Finance professionals from across the University into a unified structure within the Division of Finance and Operations. This effort will enhance consistency, efficiency, and collaboration while maintaining strong partnerships with academic and administrative units.

Goals

  • Strengthen coordination and consistency in financial operations
  • Streamline processes to improve efficiency and reduce duplication
  • Support the University’s evolving priorities with a more agile and strategic finance organization
  • Maintain strong partnerships between Finance and college/division leadership through established dotted reporting relationships

What is not changing

  • Ongoing support for academic and administrative partners
  • Dotted reporting connections to college or division leadership where applicable

Campuswide Announcement

UA Realigns Business and IT Functions to Drive Strategic Efficiency

The University of Alabama announced a strategic realignment of business and information technology operations to advance efficiency, innovation and collaboration.

Read more at ua news

Timeline

DateMilestoneDescription
Oct. 15, 2025Realignment announcedPersonnel meeting held in Student Center theater announcing the realignment
Nov. 1, 2025Realignment effectiveRealignment for reporting structure for personnel across colleges, divisions and central units takes effect
Week of Nov. 17, 2025Interviews and focus groups; Anonymous surveyConducted by Segal to gather input from financial professionals and leaders
Spring 2026Integration planningRefinement of roles, processes and communication/reporting structure
OngoingERP implementation alignmentContinued collaboration to ensure readiness for system launch
This timeline will be updated as new milestones are reached.

Assessment Process

The Division of Finance and Operations has partnered with Segal, a consulting firm with deep experience in higher education organizational assessments. Segal previously partnered with the University on the successful HReimagined initiative.

During the week of Nov. 17, Segal will conduct interviews and focus groups with a broad cross-section of finance professionals, including staff embedded within colleges and divisions and those in central Finance. Participants will be contacted directly to schedule sessions.

Segal will also distribute an anonymous survey to gather input from staff who are affected by the realignment, ensuring that all voices have an opportunity to be heard. The survey will provide a confidential way to share experiences and feedback.

FAQs
How does this affect current roles?

Day-to-day responsibilities will remain the same during the assessment period. Adjustments, if any, will be communicated after the review and assessment are complete.

Who approves my eTime and leave requests during the transition?

During this phase of the realignment, leave and time reporting processes remain in place to ensure continuity and clarity. The following steps should be used at this time:

For eTime Approvals:

  • Your dotted line supervisor will remain your primary eTime approver.
  • The Director of College Financial Affairs/new supervisor will be added as a delegate.
  • Employees should email any timesheet updates or corrections to both the dotted line supervisor and the Director/new supervisor.
  • The comments field in eTime should be used to document updates or corrections.
    • The comments field on the timesheet will be used to document any updates/corrections to the timesheet.

For Leave Approvals:

  • Non-exempt employees will continue submitting leave requests through eTime, with the comments field used to document updates, corrections, or unapproved leave
  • Exempt employees should email leave requests to both the dotted line supervisor and the Director/new supervisor
  • The Director/new supervisor will serve as the monthly leave approver and verify monthly leave reports based on the emailed approvals
What is the goal of the Segal assessment?

To provide objective insight into current structures and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, service and collaboration.

Are there plans for staff reductions as part of this transition?

No staff reductions are planned because of these transitions. The purpose is to strengthen collaboration, consistency and efficiency, not to eliminate positions. In fact, employees will have greater opportunities to contribute to our strategic initiatives, including the ERP implementation.

Will these changes affect employee compensation or benefits?

No. Compensation and benefits are not impacted by the restructuring. Employees will continue under existing University policies for pay, benefits and performance management.

Will staff need to relocate?

No. They will continue to report to work in the same physical location.

How long will the integration take?

Integration will occur in phases. Some changes are effective immediately, such as reporting lines, while others will be implemented gradually over the coming months as processes are reviewed and the ERP system is launched. Managers will be updated regularly to help guide staff through each stage.

Do these changes mean the University is having financial difficulties?

Not at all. These decisions are to help support strategic priorities and to enhance efficiency.

Communications & Resources

Recent Communications

Materials are for internal awareness and will be updated as new information becomes available.

Related Resources