CFO - Chief Financial Officer
Robert Half
Job Description
Job Description
Our client, a respected higher education institution, is seeking an Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to provide immediate financial leadership during a critical transition period. This role will partner closely with the President and executive team to stabilize, assess, and enhance the institution’s financial operations, reporting, and long-term strategy.
Key Responsibilities
Provide executive-level financial leadership and serve as a strategic advisor to senior leadership and Board stakeholders
Oversee all aspects of financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, treasury, accounting, and financial reporting
Assess current financial health and implement short-term stabilization and long-term improvement plans
Lead development and execution of annual operating budgets and multi-year financial models
Ensure compliance with GAAP, federal/state regulations, and higher education funding requirements (grants, endowments, tuition revenue)
Partner with academic and administrative leaders on cost management, resource allocation, and program profitability
Evaluate and strengthen internal controls, financial systems, and reporting processes
Support audit readiness and manage relationships with external auditors
Provide oversight of cash flow, investments, debt, and capital planning
Mentor and lead the existing finance team; assess organizational structure and talent gaps
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA strongly preferred; MBA a plus)
15+ years of progressive finance leadership experience, including prior CFO or divisional CFO-level responsibility
Higher education experience strongly preferred (university, college, or academic medical environment)
Proven experience in interim leadership or navigating periods of transition/change
Strong understanding of fund accounting, grants management, and tuition-driven revenue models
Demonstrated ability to quickly assess environments and drive actionable improvements
Excellent communication skills with experience presenting to Boards and executive leadership
Ideal Candidate Profile
Hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves leader who can quickly establish credibility
Strategic thinker with the ability to execute tactically in a fast-paced environment
Experience with ERP/financial systems modernization (Workday, Banner, Oracle, etc.) is a plus
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