CFO

Job Description

Job Description

We are looking for an accomplished Chief Financial Officer to lead financial strategy and resource stewardship for a higher education institution in Tuskegee, Alabama. This executive will partner closely with senior leadership to strengthen long-term financial health, guide major planning decisions, and support the institution’s academic mission. The role requires a thoughtful leader who can turn financial analysis into practical direction while fostering accountability, transparency, and operational excellence across the organization.

Responsibilities:

• Shape the institution’s long-range financial direction by developing strategic plans, forecasting outcomes, and evaluating risks that could affect sustainability.

• Advise the President, executive leadership, and governing board on financial matters, presenting complex information in a clear and decision-ready manner.

• Direct core finance functions, including budget management, accounting, treasury activity, payroll oversight, and institutional financial reporting.

• Lead the preparation and administration of operating and capital budgets, ensuring funding decisions support academic goals and broader strategic priorities.

• Strengthen financial performance by reviewing revenue sources, identifying opportunities for growth, and partnering with campus leaders on tuition, grants, auxiliary services, and external partnerships.

• Maintain strong fiscal governance through effective internal controls, regulatory compliance, audit coordination, and sound risk management practices.

• Oversee debt strategy, banking relationships, investment activity, and capital planning to support long-term asset stewardship and infrastructure needs.

• Build and mentor a high-performing finance team while promoting a culture centered on collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• 10 to 15 years of progressively senior financial leadership experience.
• Strong background in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and institutional financial reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze revenues, assess financial risks, and recommend strategies that improve long-term sustainability.
• Experience overseeing compliance requirements, audits, internal controls, and government grant-related financial activity.
• Proven success working with senior executives and governing boards on complex financial and operational decisions.
• Knowledge of higher education or nonprofit financial environments is strongly preferred.
• CPA, CMA, or an advanced degree is preferred.