Strategic CFO & Finance Leader - Higher Education

Employment Status: Administrative Description of Key Responsibility: Serve as the College's chief financial strategist and advisor to the President and Board of Trustees on financial sustainability, institutional strategy, operational efficiency, and long-term planning. Lead the development, implementation, and oversight of the College's annual operating and capital budgets. Develop multi-year financial models, forecasts, and scenario analyses to inform institutional planning and strategic decision-making. Monitor key financial performance indicators—including operating results, liquidity, net tuition revenue, and debt capacity—and recommend corrective strategies when necessary. Oversee all accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, treasury, and cash management functions, ensuring accurate and timely reporting to senior leadership and the Board. Serve as Treasurer of the College and administrative liaison to the Board's Business Affairs, Audit, and Investment Committees, supporting their oversight of institutional finances, investments, and financial controls. Provide leadership to create top quality student‑facing financial services, including the Business Office and tuition billing processes, with a focus on improving financial communication, reducing barriers where possible, and creating a positive, efficient, and customer‑friendly experience for students and families. Ensure compliance with not-for-profit accounting standards, regulatory requirements, and reporting obligations. Lead the annual audit process and maintain strong internal controls to safeguard institutional assets and financial integrity. Provide leadership for institutional risk management, including insurance programs, enterprise risk mitigation, and coordination with legal counsel on contractual and regulatory matters. Oversee the College's administrative and financial operations, including the Business Office, Risk Management, and the Campus Store. Partner with senior leadership team colleagues to analyze enrollment trends, tuition pricing, and financial aid strategies, and to support capital planning and major institutional initiatives. Perform other job-related duties consistent with the scope of the position, as assigned. Education/Training: Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance; CPA or MBA preferred. Experience: Minimum of 10 years of progressive financial leadership experience, preferably in higher education or another complex not-for-profit organization, with demonstrated responsibility for budgeting, financial planning, and institutional financial strategy. Licenses or Certifications: A valid driver's license and acceptable driving record is required. Position Summary: Reporting directly to the President, the Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer ( VPF / CFO ) serves as a key member of the President's Cabinet and provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the College's financial and administrative functions. The VPF / CFO is responsible for ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of the College through effective stewardship of financial resources, disciplined budget management, strategic financial planning, and strong internal controls. As the College's chief financial strategist and senior financial advisor to the President and Board of Trustees, the VPF / CFO provides analysis, insight, and guidance to support institutional decision-making and the advancement of the College's mission. In a resource-constrained environment, the VPF / CFO serves as both a strategic leader and an engaged operational executive, maintaining direct involvement in financial planning, budgeting, reporting, and institutional risk management. The VPF / CFO also creates student‑facing financial services, with a focus on improving financial communication, reducing barriers where possible, and creating a positive, efficient, and customer‑friendly experience for students and families. The VPF / CFO oversees the Business Office, Risk Management, and the Campus Store, and provides leadership for procurement, insurance, and institutional risk management. The VPF / CFO also serves as Treasurer of the College and Assistant Secretary of the Board of Trustees and works closely with Board committees responsible for finance, audit, investments, and facilities. #J-18808-Ljbffr