Vice President for Finance

The Vice President for Finance provides advice and counsel to the President, the Executive Leadership team, the Board of Trustees, and the campus community regarding financial resource management operations and is a member of the President’s Executive Leadership team. The Vice President is responsible for the leadership and management of campus financial and human resources services, including but not limited to annual operating and capital budgeting, cash management, financial reporting and forecasting, strategic planning for financial health, audit and investments, as well as oversight for human resources, compliance, banking, employee benefits, insurance coverage, business office, student accounts, etc. Reports directly to the President of the University.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.

Other duties may be assigned.

Leadership

• Establishes the objectives, scope of services, structure, staffing, and performance standards for the division while ensuring the division functions optimally in supporting the University's Catholic Franciscan mission.
• Provides leadership in strategic planning and execution for the division.
• Develops and supervises the division through coaching, mentoring, facilitating, and supporting professional development.
• Actively participates in President’s Executive Leadership team meetings, President’s Cabinet meetings, staff/division meetings, councils, and other committees.
• Works collaboratively across all divisions.
• Represents the University to various internal and external constituents.
• Advocates and facilitates a positive climate of continuous improvement.
• Embraces and promotes use of technology as a tool to provide efficiency and service to the University.
• Serves as Treasurer to the Board of Trustees, preparing and presenting financial information and other requested reports to the Board.

Finance and Administration

• Responsible for the strategic financial plan development and implementation that sustains and advances the fiscal health and stability of the University.
• Manages and performs cash management functions to include federal and state draws for grants and awards.
• Develops and maintains financial policies and procedures capable of supporting and enhancing operations, in accordance with sound financial management principles, government regulations, and industry best practices.
• Responsible for revenue forecasting, operating and capital budget development, planning, and allocation of financial resources.
• Presents and attends meetings with the Board of Trustee's Finance and Audit Committees, providing reports to said committees as requested.
• Prepares interim and annual financial statements, and annual audit workpapers for the university.
• Responsible for the University’s general ledger and performs accounting duties as needed to complete various reports.
• Works with the University’s banking, investment, and lending institution to ensure compliance with bank covenants, and to monitor endowment fund transactions and values.
• Supervises human resource functions including employee benefits, compensation structures, and compliance with applicable federal and state legislation, along with supporting policies & procedures.
• Responsible for comprehensive procurement policies and procedures that ensure the efficient and economic delivery and payment of goods and services.

Operations, Risk Management, and Campus Safety

• Coordinates the development of business continuity plans to allow the University to continue operations and recover after an emergency.
• Oversees the implementation of a risk management process to identify and manage strategic risks.
• Conducts internal audits, minimizes, and mitigates insurable risk through a comprehensive insurance program for University operations.
• Reviews all contracts as requested and maintains appropriate schedules related thereto.

The successful candidate will have experience leading change with demonstrated financial management success. He or she will possess exceptional analytical skills and will be an excellent communicator.  The new VPAF will foster inclusive decision-making, best practices, student success, and a strong sense of community across the institution, working collaboratively to develop and manage budgetary processes and policies that encourage accountability and responsibility. The successful candidate must demonstrate a track record of creative problem solving.  

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Master's degree in Business, Finance, or a related field is required; CPA preferred.
• At least five years of increasingly responsible administrative, management, and leadership experience with direct oversight for many, if not all, of the functions listed above. Higher education experience preferred but not necessary.
• Must possess excellent communication skills.
• Must have the ability to crystalize complex financial information into lay terminology and effectively articulate the University's financial vision, strengths, goals, and requirements to a wide range of internal and external audiences.
• Must have experience with recording transactions consistent with not-for-profit fund accounting principles.

How to apply

Complete an online application including the following:

• Cover letter
• Résumé/CV
• Contact information for three references