Success within today's challenging economic environment mandates that senior student affairs officers in higher education possess a sophisticated financial and budgetary skill set. Limited research addresses avenues through which professionals might best acquire the financial acumen needed. To address this gap, 19 senior student affairs officers participated in a qualitative, interview-based study exploring the breadth and depth of their campus-based fiscal responsibility and their professional preparation experiences. Participants recommend ways current and future senior administrators can best prepare for the complex fiscal challenges and responsibilities required of student affairs leaders.