Vice-President for Fiscal Affairs/Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

ALLEN UNIVERSITY

Columbia, South Carolina

Vice-President for Fiscal Affairs / Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Position Description

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as the University’s principal financial officer and provides executive leadership in all financial and business affairs of Allen University. Reporting directly to the President, the CFO will be a superb communicator with exceptional analytical skills who works and values collaboration with colleagues; supports calculated risk and innovation; and advances an environment of inclusive decision‑making, student success, and best practices.

Specific Duties Include But Are Not Limited To

• Exercises general management and accounting oversight of the University’s operating and capital budgets.
• Develops, directs, and evaluates financial and managerial accounting systems.
• Prepares and presents financial reports and analyses to inform and advise the President, senior leadership, and Board of Trustees.
• Oversees financial planning, forecasting, internal controls, and long‑term financial sustainability.
• Serves as the primary point of contact and conduit for legal actions, financial transactions, and contractual matters.
• Negotiates, reviews, and manages contracts with vendors, consultants, and service providers.
• Ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, regulatory, and accreditation requirements.
• Oversees audits, financial reporting, and institutional financial disclosures.
• Provides executive oversight of Business Office, Human Resources, Plant Operations, and Auxiliary Enterprises.
• Oversees financial systems and enterprise resource planning platforms, including Jenzabar.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of financial management, managerial accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting.
• Knowledge of higher education financial operations, governance, and compliance requirements.
• Proficiency with enterprise financial systems; experience with the Jenzabar system required.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate contracts and manage vendor relationships.
• Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and effectively to diverse stakeholders.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and decision‑making skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and uphold ethical standards.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field (required).
• Direct experience working with HBCU policies, procedures, and leadership practices.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential (preferred).
• Prior work experience that required confidentiality, accountability, and fiscal responsibility.

Compensation

The salary for the position is negotiable within the limits of the budget based on the credentials and experience of the successful applicant.