Vice President of Accounting and Finance

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY
The Vice President of Finance and Accounting oversees all accounting and financial operations of the University, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency. Reporting to the President, this position manages the University's financial systems, supervises accounting and finance staff (including payroll and student accounts), and ensures that all financial statements adhere to GAAP principles, industry best practices, management directives, and auditor recommendations. The Vice President of Finance and Accounting is responsible for financial reporting, budgeting, tax compliance, audit coordination, and the development of internal controls and policies. This role ensures that the University maintains regulatory compliance with federal, state, and accreditor requirements, and provides reliable financial information to support institutional decision-making.


Responsibilities:
• Oversee the university's accounting operations, financial reporting, and financial systems.
• Ensure accurate and timely financial record-keeping in accordance with GAAP principles.
• Supervise all financial staff, including accounting, payroll, and student accounts personnel.
• Prepare and present financial reports to the university president, board of trustees, and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate the annual audit process and serve as primary liaison to external auditors.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local financial regulations.
• Maintain oversight of tax reporting and ensure adherence to IRS, Missouri, and accreditor requirements.
• Develop and implement internal controls, standards, procedures, and policies regarding financial operations.
• Oversee the preparation, management, and monitoring of the university's operating and capital budgets.
• Ensure that budgets align with the university's strategic goals and operational priorities.
• Manage cash flow, banking relationships, and accounts payable/receivable processes.
• Identify and mitigate financial and operational risks; develop and implement risk management strategies.
• Collaborate with university leadership to support financial planning and sustainability.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
• Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field (CPA strongly preferred).
• Minimum of seven (7) years' experience in accounting or financial management roles, preferably in higher education or nonprofit organizations.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance.
• Knowledge of financial regulations and audit processes in the education sector.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including advanced formula knowledge, PivotTables & Power BI preferred.
• Familiarity with Jenzabar or similar Higher Education ERP preferred.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with university leaders and stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and integrity.
• Multilingual skills highly preferred.
• Ability to contribute to a climate that supports a diverse student body, serves first-generation college students, multilingual learners, and advances equity and social justice through their work.

Successful candidates should be committed to contributing to a climate that supports a diverse student body, serves first-generation college students, multilingual learners, and contributions to equity and social justice through their work.

Benefits:
This is a full-time position, eligible for the usual and customary benefits. Avila University's comprehensive benefit package includes a generous holiday schedule, tuition remission for employee and dependents, vacation and sick leave, employee assistance program, retirement benefits and health insurance.


The Community:
Kansas City, a two-state metropolitan area with a population of nearly two million, offers a wide variety of cultural, educational and social life opportunities. Avila University, a Catholic university founded and inspired by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, provides undergraduate and graduate education in the liberal arts and professional studies, preparing lifelong learners who make meaningful contributions to the global community.

Additional Employment Information:
Avila University is committed to equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of, sex, race, religion, age, color, sexual orientation, disability, national or ethnic origin, marital status, veteran's status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.


You must be at least 18 years of age to be employed by Avila University.

All new employees will be required to complete an "Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9)" and produce requested documentation after employment.

In compliance with the Higher Education Amendments of 1998, the university's annual security and crime statistics report is available at A copy of this report is available upon request from the Campus Safety Office in the Whitfield building any weekday between 8am and 5pm.

Avila University requires the successful completion of a background check as a condition of employment.