Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary :

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as the University's chief financial strategist and senior administrative leader, responsible for the overall financial health, sustainability, and operational effectiveness of the institution.

Reporting directly to the President and serving as a member of the executive leadership team, the CFO provides vision, leadership, and oversight for all financial and administrative functions. The CFO partners closely with the President and the Board of Trustees-particularly the Finance Committee-to ensure sound fiscal stewardship, strategic resource allocation, and long-term institutional viability.

The CFO advances a culture of transparency, accountability, and mission-centered stewardship, aligning financial strategy with the University's Catholic identity, strategic plan, and commitment to student success.

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities :

• Provides strategic leadership in long-range financial planning, integrating enrollment trends, academic priorities, and market conditions into sustainable financial models.
• Leads the development, implementation, and monitoring of the University's annual operating and capital budgets, ensuring alignment with institutional strategy and financial sustainability.
• Ensures timely, accurate, and transparent financial reporting and analysis for the President, executive leadership team, and Board of Trustees.
• Serves as the primary liaison to the Board of Trustees Finance Committee, preparing and presenting financial reports, forecasts, and key performance indicators to support informed governance and fiduciary oversight.
• Collaborates and advises with the President and Board on financial strategy, risk management, debt structure, investments, and long-term planning.
• Ensures that financial resources support the University's strategic plan and priorities, consistent with Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Criteria 4B (Resource Base) and 4C (Planning for Quality Improvement).
• Oversees all financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, treasury, investments, student accounts, and financial aid, ensuring effective internal controls and operational efficiency.
• Ensures full compliance with federal, state, accreditation, and bondholder requirements; oversees audits and maintains strong relationships with external auditors, regulators, and lenders.
• Leads enterprise risk management efforts, identifying and mitigating financial, operational, and compliance risks.
• Provides executive oversight for assigned administrative and operational units, which may include facilities, auxiliary services, information technology, public safety, and other functions as determined by the President.
• Directs investment and banking relationships, ensuring prudent management of institutional assets and long-term financial strength.
• Endowment & Investments: Partners with institutional advancement and investment advisors on endowment stewardship, financial forecasting, and long‑term asset growth.
• Collaborates with academic and administrative leaders to align financial planning with program performance, enrollment outcomes, and institutional priorities.
• Recommends tuition and fee structures and support financial aid strategies that optimize net tuition revenue while maintaining access and mission alignment.
• Evaluates organizational structures and processes within finance and administration to promote continuous improvement, efficiency, and effectiveness.
• Communicates complex financial information clearly and effectively to a variety of stakeholders, including faculty, staff, trustees, and external partners.
• Represents the University in financial and administrative matters with external constituencies as appropriate.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the President in support of institutional priorities.

Qualifications :

• Master's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field; CPA or equivalent professional certification preferred.
• Significant senior-level financial leadership experience, preferably in higher education or a mission-driven organization of similar size and complexity.
• Demonstrated expertise in strategic financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and organizational transformation.
• Experience working with governing boards and finance committees, including presenting complex financial information to non-financial audiences.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory compliance, financial reporting standards, audits, and risk management practices.
• Proven ability to align financial strategy with enrollment management, academic planning, and institutional effectiveness.
• Exceptional leadership, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and collaborate across diverse constituencies.
• Commitment to ethical leadership, integrity, and the mission and values of a Catholic institution.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through change, manage complexity, and drive data-informed decision-making.