Finance

Company: Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences

Location: Yakima, WA

Job Function: Finance

Background

Here’s a little about Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences:

Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU) is a mission‑driven institution dedicated to improving access to healthcare in rural and medically underserved communities. Through innovative programs and a strong commitment to service, PNWU prepares the next generation of healthcare professionals to make a meaningful impact where they are needed most.

Located in Yakima, Washington, PNWU plays a critical role in addressing regional and national healthcare workforce shortages. The university fosters a collaborative, community‑focused environment where leadership, innovation, and mission alignment are central to its continued growth and success.

PNWU is seeking a strategic and forward‑thinking financial leader to serve as its next Vice President for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer. This is a highly visible, executive‑level role that partners closely with the President, Board of Trustees, and senior leadership team to guide the university’s financial future.

This role comes at an important time as the institution continues to evolve and expand its impact. The CFO will play a central role in shaping long‑term financial strategy, strengthening financial sustainability, and aligning resources to support mission‑driven growth. This is an opportunity to influence institutional direction while building systems, strategies, and partnerships that will have a lasting impact.

Responsibilities

Scope & Impact

Executive Leadership & Financial Strategy

• Serve as a key member of the President’s Executive Leadership Team, providing financial insight to guide institutional strategy and decision‑making
• Partner with the President, Board of Trustees, and executive leaders to align financial planning with strategic priorities
• Lead long‑range financial strategy development to support institutional sustainability and mission impact
• Develop financial models incorporating enrollment trends, tuition strategy, and program growth
• Guide resource allocation through data‑informed analysis and scenario planning
• Foster a culture of financial stewardship, transparency, and accountability

Budgeting, Financial Planning & Capital Strategy

• Lead the annual budgeting process and long‑term financial planning in collaboration with campus leadership
• Develop multi‑year forecasts and scenario models to support strategic decision‑making
• Align resource allocation with institutional priorities
• Partner on capital planning, infrastructure investments, and long‑term campus development
• Oversee endowment strategy in collaboration with external advisors
• Structure and evaluate financing strategies for capital projects, including debt and public‑private partnerships

Accounting, Reporting, Compliance & Risk Management

• Oversee accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal controls
• Ensure timely, accurate financial statements and audit readiness
• Maintain compliance with GAAP and all federal, state, and regulatory requirements
• Oversee payroll operations, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and system integrity
• Lead institutional financial risk management, including insurance and governance practices
• Strengthen systems that enhance financial resilience and operational efficiency

Board Relations & Governance

• Serve as a primary financial advisor to the President and Board of Trustees
• Prepare and present financial reports, forecasts, and long‑term analyses
• Partner with finance, audit, and investment committees
• Support board oversight of financial performance and sustainability

Compensation & Benefits Strategy

• Partner with HR leadership to align compensation and benefits strategy with institutional goals
• Provide financial modeling for compensation planning, benchmarking, and program evaluation
• Oversee retirement plans (403(b) and 457) ensuring compliance and fiscal stewardship
• Ensure compensation and benefits are integrated into long‑range financial planning

Team Leadership & Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Lead, mentor, and develop finance and budget teams
• Build strong relationships with academic and administrative leaders
• Partner with operations leadership to align financial and operational strategies
• Support cross‑functional collaboration on capital planning, risk management, and institutional sustainability

External Partnerships & Mission Alignment

• Collaborate with advancement and external partners to support fundraising, grants, and partnerships
• Represent the university in external conversations related to higher education finance
• Support diversification of revenue streams and long‑term financial sustainability
• Align financial strategy with PNWU’s mission to expand healthcare access in underserved communities

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, public administration, or a related field
• Significant experience overseeing financial operations, budgeting, and institutional financial strategy in a complex organization
• Demonstrated experience leading financial planning, forecasting, and reporting at an enterprise level
• Experience partnering with executive leadership teams and governing boards
• Strong expertise in financial modeling, resource allocation, and long‑range planning

• Master’s degree in business administration, finance, accounting, or a related field
• CPA or equivalent financial certification
• Experience in higher education, healthcare education, or nonprofit environments
• Experience supporting institutional growth, transformation, or capital expansion
• Familiarity with endowment management and higher education financial regulations

Compensation and Benefits

PNWU offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, effective the first of the month following hire, including:

Salary range of $220,000–$250,000, plus a comprehensive benefits package and relocation assistance.

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays
• 403(b) retirement plan with Roth option

To learn more about living and working in Yakima, please visit our PNWU page:

How to Apply