Business Officer

About the Role

The Chief Business Officer (CBO) provides overall leadership and support of the financial and administrative operations of assigned Provost and Vice Provost areas. This role directly assists and supports operational leads and serves as a member of the Financial Operations and Planning team, reporting to the Director of Finance, Provost Central, under the leadership of the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Finance.

The CBO is responsible for the finance function, including daily operations, developing monthly financial projections, and preparing annual and long-range operating and capital budgets. This individual interfaces with a wide range of partners across the institution in the financial management and strategic planning of funds. The CBO leads a team of professional and administrative support staff, developing goals, policies, and procedures, while supervising and evaluating activities.

This role supports the Deputy Provost and other leaders overseeing areas such as the Office of Deputy Provost, Libraries, Vanderbilt University Press, and the Online Learning Initiative.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary business advisor to the Deputy Provost and other leaders, acting as the financial liaison for assigned areas.
• Develop annual and long-range capital and operating budgets aligned with University and area priorities.
• Create financial and operational models to inform decision-making and maximize resources.
• Proactively assess ongoing activities to determine realistic financial projections and reallocate resources as needed.
• Prepare and review monthly financial reports to identify trends and update expectations.
• Implement and facilitate strategic initiatives on behalf of the University and assigned areas.
• Produce, organize, and present financial management information effectively.
• Interpret financial data and advise on alignment with University strategies and plans.
• Focus on attaining and sustaining long-term financial equilibrium.
• Review resource portfolios and suggest alternatives to achieve desired outcomes.
• Coordinate and submit annual salary increases for faculty and staff as assigned.
• Understand, educate, and enforce University policies and procedures.
• Develop, implement, and maintain departmental procedures, protocols, and internal controls.
• Advocate for best practices in management policies and internal controls for fiscal activities.
• Cultivate a culture of fiduciary responsibility across the University.
• Exercise delegated authority with prudent assessment of individual transactions.
• Design and maintain an administrative structure to accomplish goals while mitigating risk.
• Develop productive working relationships with leaders across the University.
• Promote a unified view of the University’s interests and align departments toward common financial goals.
• Monitor and recommend improvements to University-wide processes.
• Serve as a technical expert on budgetary, financial, accounting, operational, personnel, regulatory, and policy issues.
• Stay updated on industry knowledge through educational opportunities, professional journals, and networks.
• Advocate for and assist in implementing new financial and administrative procedures and systems.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for problem resolution.
• Represent assigned areas and Finance on University committees, providing feedback and updates.
• Recruit, develop, and retain a talented and diverse team.
• Supervise, evaluate performance, and create professional development plans for direct reports.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (or equivalent combination of education, relevant military experience, and skills). A degree in Finance or Accounting is highly preferred.
• Certified Public Accounting (CPA) license is preferred.
• Master’s degree in Business Administration or a related discipline is preferred.
• At least seven years of directly related experience with progressive responsibility, including leadership and strategic decision-making.
• Demonstrated financial expertise, including strong technical knowledge of GAAP, not-for-profit accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and analysis.
• Management and supervisory experience is required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft software is required.
• Ability to distill complex data into essential elements while maintaining strategic focus.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to discuss complex topics or provide difficult feedback.
• Ability to balance the needs of numerous constituents and communicate with diverse audiences.
• Strong project and deadline management skills.
• Flexibility to adapt to changes in approach or deliverables.
• Ability to work independently while providing appropriate updates.
• Capacity to accept feedback as an opportunity for development.
• Demonstrated ability to develop staff talents and expertise for expanded responsibilities.
• Ability to recruit and retain high-performing professionals.
• Ability to drive organizational progress amid ambiguity and complexity.
• Maintain a positive, problem-solving attitude in the face of adversity.
• Demonstrated reliability, creativity, and change-management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding of federal and state statutes and regulations related to finance and accounting.
• Experience working in an academic setting.
• Experience using Oracle ERP and HCM systems.

About the Team

Financial Operations and Planning provides leadership and support for financial and business operations to Vice Chancellors, Academic Deans, Deputy Provost, and Vice Provosts. The team develops annual and long-range operating and capital plans, performs financial analyses and modeling, generates management reports, and supports strategic financial projects aligned with the University’s mission and vision.