Assistant Vice Chancellor for Finance

Title: Assistant Vice Chancellor for Finance
Unit: Finance

Position Summary

The Assistant Vice Chancellor for Finance (AVCF) leads financial operations and strategic planning for the Provost, Vice Provosts, and Academic Colleges and Schools at Vanderbilt University. Partnering with School Business Officers and Vice Provost Chief Business Officers, the AVCF directs the finance function, daily operations, monthly financial projections, and annual/long-range operating and capital budgets for Academic Affairs. Academic Affairs is a nearly $1.2B financial operation comprising 11 schools and colleges, 7 Vice Provostial functions and the Office of the Provost. This role provides strategic financial counsel to senior leadership, deans, and faculty on complex institutional issues while maintaining alignment with Vanderbilt's mission of teaching, research, and public service.

The successful candidate brings proven leadership in a complex, high-profile research university environment, with deep understanding of higher education finance and research operations. This individual combines strategic thinking and innovation with respect for academic culture, demonstrates resourcefulness in addressing challenges, and excels at building and mentoring high-performing teams in support of the university's mission.

Reporting Relationships

• Reports to: Associate Vice Chancellor for Finance and Treasurer
• Senior Leadership: Vice Chancellor for Finance and IT, and CFO, and Vice Provost of Academic Affairs and Provost
• Supervises: Chief Business Officers of academic schools and Vice Provostial areas
• Key Constituencies: Provost, Vice Provosts, Deans, School Business Officers, and Finance leadership across the institution

Key Functions and Expected Performance

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Serve as primary business advisor to the Provost and financial liaison between Academic Affairs and central Finance
• Promote a unified view of Vanderbilt's interests and align all departments to work toward common financial goals
• Implement best-in-class financial and accounting practices (GAAP-compliant) to monitor operating performance
• Leverage data to support decisions and to produce, organize, and present information to succinctly and effectively articulate scenarios, opportunities, impacts, and outcomes
• Assure physical assets and capital projects are effectively managed in support of the key initiatives and the core University mission

Financial Oversight

• Ensure sound management practices and maintain effective internal controls for fiscal activities
• Cultivate a culture where faculty and staff understand their fiduciary roles and communicate effectively
• Partner with the Finance and various compliance teams to enhance risk management and institutional planning
• Ensure accurate, timely financial information to support sound business decisions
• Take full accountability for outcomes while holding team members accountable for results

Human Capital Management

• Assure the University is supported by the technical and analytical skills required to provide timely and correct information with which to make sound business decisions
• Advocate for sound management practices and maintain effective internal controls for fiscal activities

Continuous Improvement

• Evaluate and identify opportunities for process and workflow improvements
• Work with VUIT, business operations, and other teams to develop systems and processes that increase efficiency and quality of financial reporting
• Measure and track progress; demand efficient and effective work systems
• Diagnose and fix workflow problems; think creatively and challenge the status quo in pursuit of better solutions

Experience and Skills

• Ten to 15 years of administrative experience, including operational leadership responsibilities is necessary.
• Experience in a university environment is preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership in increasingly responsible roles based on transparency, collaboration, service-orientation, and proactivity is necessary.
• Proven ability to relate well to, and work effectively with, all levels of academic professional and support staff is necessary.
• Successful track record of driving and adapting to change in a multidisciplinary academic setting is necessary.
• A curiosity and aptitude for identifying, leveraging, and analyzing data to support decision-making is necessary.
• Strong evidence of significant business acumen, notably in planning and analysis, and process redesign, along with a proven track record of successfully overseeing innovative business plans, profit and loss statements, and other financial reporting is necessary.
• An ability to synthesize, communicate, and effectively respond to large amounts of data in a day-to-day operational context to guide and support decision-making processes is necessary.
• Energy, agility, drive, and a demonstrated commitment to the academic mission of Vanderbilt University are necessary.
• Outstanding financial expertise; strong technical knowledge and skills; understanding of GAAP, budgeting, forecasting, and analysis; understanding of both federal and state statutes and regulations related to finances and accounting are necessary.
• Demonstrated maturity, creativity, and change-management skills coupled with a commitment to personal and professional growth through ongoing educational activities, as well as a demonstrated commitment to mentorship of staff is necessary.
• Outstanding communication skills are necessary.
• Ability to create a positive work environment and team spirit is necessary.

Job responsibilities listed herein are intended to be a thorough representation of the duties, responsibilities, expectations, and qualifications for this specific role at the time of hire but should not be considered all-encompassing as actual responsibilities may evolve to include additional duties as assigned based on organizational and operational needs.

Vanderbilt University has retained Korn Ferry to support this critical recruitment. Review of nominations and applications for the position will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Please direct all applications, nominations, and inquiries for the position to Korn Ferry at the contact information below:

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Vickie Antolini, Senior Client Partner

Beau Lambert, Senior Client Partner

Anna Flagg, Senior Associate

Korn Ferry shall provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified candidates, and will refer candidates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected basis. Artificial Intelligence tools may be used in connection with the recruitment process for this position.