Application Information

SUMMARY:

Reporting to the President of Gallaudet University, the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) is responsible for the strategic financial leadership and vision that supports the University’s 501(c)(3) mission, values, culture, and objectives and provides oversight that assures highest integrity of financial systems and decision making. The CFO is accountable for the administration of all financial operations of the University and Clerc Center, including the development of a financial and operational strategy, metrics tied to that strategy, and the ongoing development and monitoring of control systems designed to preserve University assets, report accurate financial results, monitoring adherence to the budget, and development of long-term financial and operational strategies.

The CFO advises the President, the Board of Trustees and executive leadership on all matters pertaining to the management and operation of accounting, accounts receivable, accounts payable, budget management and control, bursar, student aid disbursement, budget preparation, financial information systems, credit management, collections, fiscal planning, financial statement preparation, investing, and payroll. The CFO serves as a member of the University’s executive team and, upon election by the Board of Trustees, serves as the Treasurer to the Board. 

The CFO will promote a customer-oriented service attitude and environment and serves as the executive officer directly responsible for providing leadership and management of the University’s financial service units. Finally, the CFO works to create a culture of transparency, fiscal literacy and engagement in the financial health of the University and Clerc center, supports organizational values and culture, including a commitment to racial equity, deaf gain and bilingualism.
 

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

1. Serves as a fiduciary steward of the assets of Gallaudet University to assure that assets are used in the service of Gallaudet’s public mission as designated by Congress and guided by the strategic planning of the University and Clerc Center.
    
2. As Treasurer of the University, serves at the direction of the Board of Trustees to support its fiduciary oversight of the University by providing regular financial reports and updates and assuring that the Board fulfills its compliance obligations including producing an unqualified Comprehensive Annual Financial Report in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles on time.  
    
3. Serves as a chief strategic finance advisor to the President, Board of Trustees and executive leadership. Works collaboratively to assure that the financial health of Gallaudet University is robust, sustainable and transparent; and assures regular and systematic financial analyses and management reporting to the President, Board and executive leaders, including timely budgeting processes and effective use of metrics and data-driven decision making to support the implementation of the University's short-, mid-and long-term strategic goals.
    
4. Assures the effectiveness of Gallaudet’s financial systems and policies, for strong fiscal stewardship, regulatory compliance, credibility with external credit and financial stakeholders, and improved management and use of resources toward key operational and strategic goals through: 1) regular user feedback and evaluation of the effectiveness of financial and accounting information: and 2) continual review of the design of financial systems and reporting to assure optimal data and analysis; and 3) reviews and monitors internal financial accounting and reporting to control quality and accuracy.
    
5. Provides effective division leadership by: directing the long-term and short-term planning and goal setting for the Division; providing for the effective and timely completion of unit goals which are in concert with the mission and goals of the Division and University; creating a positive work environment and climate within the division by overseeing personnel actions; effectively leading employees by building trust, communicating openly, and encouraging creative thinking; assumes responsibility for resolving employee conflicts and seeks assistance as needed; ensures employees perform their duties as assigned; provides feedback on an ongoing basis; and ensures all team members complete their annual compliance requirements in a timeline manner.
    
6. Within a multi-year planning framework, collaborates with the Chief Operating Officer as a strategic partner in the development, financing and implementation of the Campus Plan, deferred maintenance and real estate ventures. Collaborates with the COO, Director of Campus Planning and Facilities, facilities staff and campus stakeholders to determine priorities, monitor progress of major capital projects, project year-end status and recommend actions required to ensure a balanced budget.
    
7. Fosters strong collaboration and relationships with Congress and Department of Education regarding University appropriations and reporting; and acts proactively on behalf of the University.   
    
8. Fosters a culture of customer service and strong collaboration between the CFO’s units/functions and other units and divisions, while respecting the strong leadership role of the CFO and its units to set necessary expectations to assure strong financial performance; and provides leadership, management and support for team development of the key units/functions under the CFO, including, but not limited to:
   • budget development, management and reporting
   • investments
   • general accounting
   • accounts payable
   • accounts receivable
   • strategic sourcing through contracts and purchasing, and
   • student accounts.
      
9. Stewards the University’s investments and assets, including Gallaudet’s Endowment, for optimal growth and risk management, including, but not limited to planning and implementing investment strategies; evaluating the investment broker performance; recommending broker changes as appropriate; overseeing maintenance of records relating to endowment funds, donations and securities held by the University; and communicating information to assure confidence in Gallaudet’s management of its assets.
    
10. Provides effective compliance leadership by managing and preparing audited reports, including of federally funded grant and loan programs; managing relationships with independent auditors and rating agencies; and preparing for and monitoring compliance with various federal and state reporting requirements, tax regulations, and rating agencies.
     
11. Assures the highest level of integrity of Gallaudet’s financial operations, including:
    • managing Institutional cash through cash planning and forecasting
    • managing capital resources;
    • overseeing campus-banking services, and
    • serving as the Board’s designee for the signing of payroll and general Institution checks.
    • Shows commitment to return on investment and strategic value-added activities. Leads and supports strategic business planning processes.
       
12. Provides direct and indirect (e.g., through Human Resources) support, including coaching, to improve fiscal literacy and fiscal management capacity across the University.
     
13. Shows a genuine commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace; and participates in activities and workshops to foster continuous learning.
     
14. Serves as a mandatory Title IX reporter; and takes annual Title IX training as part of the compliance effort.
     
15. Performs other related duties, as assigned.
     

SPECIFICATIONS:

Required Minimum Qualifications (When the candidate’s resume meets these qualifications, it will be screened in.)

• Bachelor's degree in finance, business administration, management, or related field.
• A minimum six years of professional experience in business management, accounting, finance, or related fields.
• Experience in supervising a team.
• Certified Public Accountant.
• Fluency in American Sign Language.
   

Preferred Qualifications (While not required, it is an advantage for what the position needs.):

• Master’s degree in finance, business administration, management, or related field.
• A minimum of ten years of professional experience in business management, accounting, finance or related fields.
• Experience at an institution of higher education.
• Board management experience and excellent interpersonal skills
• Experience in change management, and capacity building in applying a strategic financial lens
   

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Qualities that will help the incumbent be more successful in the position.)

• In-depth knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning/financial systems.
• Establishes and maintains positive, collaborative working relationships with co-workers and supervisor and fosters teamwork. 
• Demonstrates strong skills in communication, interpersonal relations, and presentation. 
• Show ability to make good, consistent and fair data-driven decisions with transparency in decision making and management.
• Knowledge of establishing metrics and dashboards including analysis of performance indicators and benchmarking. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Supports a culture of compliance while also building capacity for collaboration, teamwork and culture of belonging.
• Demonstrated ability to work with and across University departments, outside constituents and groups.
• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.

COMPENSATION:
Level: 15
Salary: Commensurate with education, experience, and qualificaitons
FLSA: Exempt

The successful candidate will undergo a background check that must be cleared prior to working at Gallaudet University.

Gallaudet University is an equal opportunity employer/educational institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, national origin, religion, age, hearing status, disability, genetic information, covered veteran status, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, source of income, place of business or residence, pregnancy, childbirth, or any other unlawful basis.   This policy is in compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the District of Columbia Human Rights Act, and other applicable laws and applies to all procedures affecting applicants and employees including, but not necessarily limited to: recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, reassignment, reappointment, tenure, demotion, selection for training, layoff, furlough, and termination, compensation, and all other conditions or privileges of employment.