Category:: Administration/Staff
Subscribe::
Department:: Student Financial Planning and Services
Locations:: Franklin, MA
Posted:: Aug 8, 2024
Closes:: Open Until Filled
Type:: Full-Time Fiscal Year
Position ID:: 179729

About Dean College:

Dean College is a private, residential New England college grounded in a culture and tradition that all students deserve the opportunity to discover and exceed their greatest aspirations. A personal and transformative community since 1865, Dean tirelessly inspires our students to unimagined heights through personalized support and integrated delivery of academic, co-curricular and experiential learning. Our graduates are lifelong learners who thrive in their careers, embrace social responsibility and demonstrate leadership.

Recognized as a Top Regional College by U.S. News & World Report for thirteen consecutive years and named a College of Distinction for eight consecutive years, Dean serves approximately 1,200 full-time students and 400 part-time students and offers more than 50 combined bachelor's and associate degree programs and specializations, as well as a robust schedule of continuing studies and certificate programs throughout the year.

Dean College is perfectly situated in Franklin, Massachusetts, which is conveniently located between Boston and Providence, Rhode Island and is accessible to Boston by commuter rail. The Dean College/Franklin station is only a five-minute walk from campus. Approximately 88 percent of the College's student population lives on campus.

Dean provides a supportive academic environment that thrives on hands-on engagement and exceptional teaching. This community-wide commitment of always going the extra mile for students is known as The Dean Difference. Outside of the classroom, students participate in 16 athletic teams and more than 30 on-campus groups and organizations.

Ninety-six percent of our bachelor's degree students are employed or enrolled in graduate school within 12 months of graduation. Alumni are hard at work in top-ranked graduate programs and are employed by organizations such as Universal Studios, Dell Technologies, Liberty Mutual, Kraft Sports + Entertainment, the Boston Ballet, and more.

What is The Dean Difference?
The Dean Difference isn't any one thing. It's not a program or a professor. It's not a single class or a club. It's the way our academics support networks and community overlap, interweave and magnify each other. Our difference unites us. It's our secret formula. It's the nucleus around which we orbit. It isn't one thing, it's everything.

Job Description:

The Vice President for Financial Services and Treasurer is a senior-level leadership position responsible for overseeing the financial operations of Dean College. This Vice President plays a critical role in managing the College's financial resources, budget planning, financial reporting, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. This position collaborates closely with College leadership, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders to support the institution's financial sustainability and strategic goals. The individual in this role must foster financial acumen and strength across all departments at Dean College. This Vice President also serves as the Treasurer for Dean College and reports to the President of Dean College.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Management:

• Supervises the College's financial services departments and functions, including all accounting areas, financial aid (in conjunction with the Vice President for Enrollment Services and Marketing) and student billing, and risk management.
• Develop and implement financial policies, procedures, and internal controls to safeguard the College's financial assets.
• Manage the College's budgeting process, including (1) the development, monitoring, and reporting of the annual operating and capital budgets; and (2) the development of a budget calendar showing timelines for important budget due dates and final approvals.
• Hold budget guidelines equally across departments based on a College budget calendar showing timelines for important budget due dates and final approvals.
• Conduct financial analysis, forecasting, and risk assessments to inform decision-making and identify opportunities for financial optimization.
• Oversee the management of College investments, debt financing, and cash flow to ensure liquidity and financial stability.

Financial Reporting and Compliance:

• Coordinates with departments on risk management and general College compliance with federal, state and local laws and regulations.
• Prepare accurate and timely financial reports, statements, and disclosures in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and financial reporting standards, including those set by government agencies and accreditation bodies.
• Coordinate and oversee external audits, ensuring audit findings are appropriately addressed and resolved.
• Stay abreast of changes in accounting standards and financial regulations to ensure the college's compliance and recommend necessary adjustments.

Risk Management and Insurance Programs:

• Lead the evaluation and enhancement of the College's risk management framework, identify and mitigate financial risks.
• Oversee and evaluate current insurance programs, ensure adequate coverage and compliance.

Contract and Procurement Management:

• Participate and collaborate in the negotiation of major contracts for services, lease of property or facilities, major construction and renovation projects with diverse vendors, sale or purchase of real estate, and other key transactions relevant to the fiscal status of the College.
• Draft contracts, task orders, work requests and interagency agreements; prepare bidding documents and conducting bidding processes; ensure all legal, insurance and bonding requirements are met prior to contract execution; and working with project managers to administer active contracts.
• Manage procurement services: purchasing, negotiation and administration of contract, supplier relations and compliance with State regulations for purchasing.
• Direct the assessment and implementation of procurement processes to optimize customer service, process efficiency, cost effectiveness, and vendor relationships.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align procurement strategies with the College's business objectives.

Strategic Financial Planning:

• Provide financial guidance and expertise to Dean College leadership, assisting in the development and evaluation of strategic initiatives, business plans, and financial models.
• Collaborate with College leaders to assess financial risks and opportunities, supporting long-term financial planning and sustainability.
• Evaluate the financial feasibility and impact of new programs, initiatives, and capital projects, conducting cost-benefit analyses and financial projections. (This includes evaluation of financial models supported by data when new proposals are brought forward.)

Treasury and Investment Management:

• Oversee cash management, banking relationships, and Dean College's investment portfolio, ensuring optimal utilization of funds and maximizing investment returns.
• Develop and implement effective treasury management strategies, including cash flow forecasting, debt management, and liquidity management.
• Evaluate investment options, monitor market trends, and recommend investment strategies aligned with the college's risk tolerance and financial objectives.
• Serve as the management liaison to the Board of Trustees, Finance/Investment and Audit Committees; effectively communicate and present critical financial matters at Board of Trustees and Committee meetings.

Team Leadership and Management:

• Recruit, develop, and mentor a finance team, promoting a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Foster effective cross-functional relationships with other College departments, providing financial guidance and support to enable informed decision-making.
• Develop and deliver training programs to enhance financial literacy and accountability across the Dean College community.
• Promote a culture of compliance, ethics, and fiscal responsibility throughout Dean College.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field required (advanced degree preferred).
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation strongly preferred.
• Extensive experience (10 years) in financial management, preferably in higher education or a complex organizational setting.
• In-depth knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting standards, budgeting, and financial analysis.
• Strong understanding of financial systems and technologies.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic financial planning, treasury management, and investment strategies.
• Proven track record in effectively managing financial operations, budgets, and complex financial projects.
• Excellent leadership and management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a team.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with many stakeholders.

Additional Information:

Dean College is an equal-opportunity, Title IX institution and pledges to recruit, select and promote diversity by providing equality of opportunity in higher education for all persons, including faculty and staff with respect to hiring, continuation, promotion, and applicants for admission, enrolled students and graduates without discrimination or segregation.

The College is interested in candidates who have the communication skills and cross-cultural abilities to maximize their effectiveness with diverse groups of colleagues, students, faculty, and community members. All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis.

Dean College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.

This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in College programs, services, and activities. A pre-employment background screen is required for all employees.

Application Instructions:

Please submit your Resume/CV, Cover Letter, all unofficial transcripts; and contact information of three references. (PLEASE NOTE: Applications that are incomplete will not be considered).

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URL: www.dean.edu