Chief Financial Officer

About the role

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) reports to the College President and supports the College’s mission and strategic plan by providing leadership to the financial affairs of the College, including business, financial and accounting services, student accounts, budgeting, forecasting and modeling of current and future financial scenarios, grant seeking and financial accounting, contracting, annual auditing, and capital resources planning.

The CFO supports the work of the College’s three auxiliary organizations to align financial policies, practices, and planning to optimize the benefits delivered to the College. The CFO plays a significant role in collective bargaining negotiations and related data development, takes on special projects as requested by the President, ensures alignment with generally accepted accounting principles, and adopts contemporary technology in the delivery of financial affairs.

The CFO develops monthly financial reports for the President and the Board of Trustees, formulates policy recommendations, manages the College’s insurance portfolio, and delivers timely advice and guidance to the President and other executive officers on financial and contractual implications of current programs and proposed initiatives. As an exempt employee, the CFO participates in policy, planning, and personnel discussions while maintaining confidentiality and discretion.

Together with the College President, the CFO maintains ongoing communication and engagement with the College’s sponsors: Warren and Washington Counties.

Responsibilities

• In collaboration with direct reports, executes a well-communicated, participatory, timely budget development process that results in a revenue and expense plan aligned with the College’s mission, goals, and strategic plan, leading to long-term fiscal sustainability.
• Manages capital project funding processes: proposals, approvals, implementation, and controls.
• Oversees college investments and provides oversight for the College’s annual financial audit and related audits of auxiliary organizations.
• Negotiates and oversees College contracts and insurance portfolio.
• Identifies and shares best practices in areas of responsibility and utilizes available data to inform strategic decisions.
• Identifies current and anticipated fiscal challenges and opportunities and promptly advises the President to allow for timely consideration and response.
• Represents the College before representatives of sponsor municipalities and elected officials, as requested by the College President.
• Ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, accreditation requirements, and College policies.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the President.

Requirements

• CPA, MBA, or MS in a business-related subject.
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible work in accounting or finance roles, preferably in a unionized, public higher education setting.
• Experience with Ellucian Banner software is highly desirable.

Skills

• Strong analytical, financial, and administrative background with demonstrated knowledge in accounting principles.
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and assess the work of others.
• Strong interpersonal skills to enhance relationships with officials, executives, and community leaders.
• Effective communication, both orally and in writing.
• Initiative and resourcefulness in the formulation and implementation of administrative programs.
• Diplomacy, integrity, loyalty, resourcefulness, and sound professional judgment in decision-making.

Working Conditions

Office environment. Occasional lifting of 5–10 lbs.

Direct Reports

• Director of Business and Financial Affairs
• Bursar
• Budget Analyst

Pay

Salary range: $130,046 – $151,721. The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education, and other job-related credentials.