Chief Financial Officer (Irvine)

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a key strategic leader responsible for the financial health, stewardship, and long‑term sustainability of the organization. This role oversees all financial planning, accounting, budgeting, forecasting, treasury, risk management, tax, real estate finance, and internal controls. The CFO ensures compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and all regulatory requirements applicable to the education sector. The CFO will report to the Co-President of Business Operations and will maintain a dotted‑line relationship with the Finance Committee Chair. This role partners with Co‑Presidents for both institutions to ensure alignment of financial strategy with the organizational objectives.

Experience and Skills:

• 15+ years of progressive financial leadership experience, including 7–10 years in a senior executive finance role (CFO, VP Finance, Controller) within a complex, multi‑site, or service‑based organization.
• Experience leading finance in an organization for an enterprise of operational scale (preferably $1B+).
• Proven ability to scale financial operations, systems, and teams through periods of rapid growth, major expansion, or organizational transformation.
• Demonstrated success overseeing enterprise budgeting, forecasting, FP&A, and multi‑year financial modeling in a dynamic operating environment.
• Hands‑on experience with treasury management, capital planning, debt financing, and real estate finance, including leases, acquisitions, and long‑range capital strategy.
• Proven track record working effectively with Boards, Finance Committees, and executive leadership, including the ability to present complex financial topics to non‑financial stakeholders.
• Experience leading accounting, internal controls, audit readiness, compliance, and GAAP‑based reporting in a multi‑unit or education‑related organization.
• Demonstrated ability to modernize financial systems and implement automation to support scalable, data‑driven decision‑making.
• Prior experience building and leading a high‑performing finance team, including talent development, workforce planning, and capability building.
• Knowledge of education/governmental compliance and regulatory standards such as Title IV, Composite Score, and other accreditation standards preferred.

Minimum and Preferred Qualifications:

• Extensive experience as a CFO or senior financial leader in a multi‑site, service‑oriented or education‑related organization.
• Bachelor degree in accounting, finance, or business administration required. MBA strongly preferred.

Do you want a career that allows you to make a difference in other people’s lives? Discover what it means to truly believe in the work that you do at West Coast University.

At West Coast University, we have the privilege of educating students seeking careers in healthcare and guide them through their transformational journey from student to caregiver. Our associates are united behind that purpose and share a deep commitment to our values of teamwork, collegiality, transparency, and a student‑centric approach to all we do. This focus creates an aligned, nimble, and consensus‑driven culture that is solution‑oriented and supports our associates’ professional growth.

West Coast University is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all associates.