Deb Dickenson – Vice President for Finance
Deb Dickenson, a dynamic and energetic senior executive leader with over 25 years of accounting and financial management, was appointed Vice President for Finance in 2019. In this role she provides direction, oversight, and financial and operational management for Mason Fiscal Services, which encompasses the following areas: Treasury and Debt Management, Controller’s Office, Purchasing and Accounts Payable, Internal Controls, Finance Administrative Systems Team, Student Accounts, and Training Communication. Prior to joining Mason, Mrs. Dickenson held many prominent roles at the George Washington University between 2006 and 2019, most recently as the Assistant Dean for Finance, Planning and Fiscal Operations, Principal Business Officer for the GW School of Medicine and Health Services.
Our Mission and Vision
We deliver exceptional customer service to the Mason community by promoting financial best practices, forming strategic partnerships, establishing efficient systems, and pursuing continuous improvement.
- We create and maintain a sustainable financial framework and strong internal controls to promote sound fiscal management, careful stewardship of university resources, and accountability.
- We foster innovation to support Mason’s overall mission by employing new methods to deliver superior financial services, proactively addressing community needs, and collaborating on process improvements and new initiatives.
- We provide accurate and timely financial data to ensure comprehensive reporting, compliance, and analysis to enable strategic decision-making.
Fiscal Services Overview
Controller’s Office
Ensures the integrity of Mason’s financial framework. Accounting Operations processes Banner transactions, interfaces with the state’s accounting system, and manages banking operations. Fixed Assets provides accountability of equipment. Financial Reporting produces the annual financial statements. The International Tax office verifies foreign employees and analyzes payments to foreign visitors and vendors. Cost Accounting manages Facilities & Administrative Rates and calculates the fringe benefit rates.
Purchasing and Accounts Payable
The Purchasing department oversees all aspects of procurement, manages the P-Card program, directs contract administration, administers travel procedures, and provides support for eVA purchasing. The Accounts Payable department processes vendor payments and reimbursements to Mason employees and students.
Internal Controls
Oversees the Commonwealth’s Internal Controls mandate to ensure financial accountability best practices are followed. Manages the University’s PCI Data Security Standards reporting and requirements. Facilitates the identity theft prevention program reporting. Interprets and advises on various compliance, risk and control matters across campus.
Student Accounts
Student Accounts charges, bills and accurately updates student accounts. Third Party Billing invoices employers, VA and DOD for sponsored students. The Cashier’s Office collects payments and deposits. The Account and Loan Management (ALM) department serves as the main collections entity overseeing delinquent accounts and repayment. Together we ensure financial transactions are accurately processed and proper records are maintained, in collaboration with other student support service offices across Mason.
Finance Administrative Systems Team (FAST)
Oversees the administration of financial systems. Works with departments to automate processes, improve existing systems and develop controls for financial operations. Applies functional and technical resources to analyze day-to-day functional needs and recommend technology solutions.
Finance, Debt Management and Special Projects
Provides oversight and reporting on the enterprise debt portfolio. Ensures bond funding meets the obligations of the capital outlay program and that post issuance compliance occurs. Manages the relationship and review processes with bond rating agencies. Analyzes ratio impacts and valuations for new initiatives and financings scenarios. Support special projects and initiatives across campus, including leading Tier III and Treasury Management Initiatives.
Training and Communication
Directs the university-wide Fiscal Orientation for Mason faculty and staff. Provides workshop training, walk-in assistance, quick guides and manuals for financial procedures and processes. Manages the fiscal services website and produces a variety of communications for the campus community. Coordinates internal communication and collaborative knowledge sharing with campus groups.