POSITION SUMMARY:
The Vice President for Finance and Administration / Chief Financial Officer (VPFA/CFO) is a senior executive responsible for the strategic leadership, oversight, and coordination of the university’s financial and administrative operations. Reporting directly to the President, the VPFA/CFO serves as a key member of the executive leadership team and plays a critical role in ensuring the financial integrity, sustainability, and operational excellence of the institution.
The VPFA/CFO oversees a broad portfolio that includes the Controller’s Office, Budget and Planning, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Facilities Management. The role requires a strategic thinker with a collaborative leadership style, strong financial acumen, and a commitment to supporting the university’s academic mission and long-term goals.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
· Provide strategic financial leadership and ensure long-term financial sustainability of the University.
· Develop, implement, and monitor budgets, financial plans, and forecasts in alignment with institutional priorities.
· Oversee financial reporting, audits, internal controls, and compliance with all applicable regulations.
· Lead and support administrative functions including human resources, IT, and facilities to enhance operational efficiency.
· Advise the President and Board of Trustees on financial strategies, risks, and opportunities.
· Foster a culture of transparency, stewardship, and accountability across all administrative units.
· Support capital planning, debt management, and campus infrastructure projects.
· Serve as a liaison with external auditors, regulatory agencies, and financial institutions.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS:
Strategic and Analytical Thinking
· Ability to develop long-term financial strategies aligned with institutional mission and priorities.
· Skill in financial forecasting, scenario planning, and risk analysis.
· Strong problem-solving capabilities in complex and dynamic environments.
Financial Expertise
· Mastery of nonprofit and higher education finance, including U.S. GAAP and FASB standards (especially ASC 958).
· Deep understanding of budgeting, capital planning, endowment management, and debt financing.
· Knowledge of IRS regulations (e.g., Form 990), UPMIFA, and financial aid compliance.
Leadership and Management
· Proven ability to lead diverse administrative teams (e.g., finance, HR, IT, facilities) with clarity and purpose.
· Skill in coaching and developing senior-level staff and creating a collaborative, high-performance culture.
· Experience working with and presenting to Boards of Trustees, senior leadership, and accreditation bodies.
Data-Driven Decision-Making
· Competence in using financial dashboards, KPIs, and data analytics for resource allocation and operational decisions.
· Ability to translate complex financial information into clear, actionable insights for non-financial stakeholders.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
· Strong written and verbal communication, especially in conveying financial issues to diverse audiences.
· Skill in building trust and consensus across academic, administrative, and external constituencies.
· Political acumen and diplomacy in managing competing priorities.
Operational and Technological Proficiency
· Familiarity with enterprise systems such as Ellucian Colleague, Workday, Banner, or Oracle.
· Ability to drive digital transformation, process automation, and system integrations across departments.
· Facility in aligning operational functions (e.g., facilities, HR, IT) with strategic institutional goals.
Collaboration and Institutional Stewardship
· Ability to build strong partnerships with academic leadership, advancement, enrollment, and student affairs.
· Commitment to shared governance and inclusive decision-making.
· Ethical leadership with a strong sense of accountability and stewardship of institutional resources.
Adaptability and Innovation
· Agility in responding to changing market conditions, enrollment trends, and higher education disruptions.
· Vision to lead change initiatives that enhance sustainability, efficiency, and institutional resilience.
Mission-Driven Orientation
· Deep understanding of and commitment to the mission and values of private higher education.
· Sensitivity to the culture and priorities of a student-centered academic community.
