Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer - Office of the President

Position Summary

The Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will guide the university’s financial strategy, operational excellence, and long-term fiscal health. Reporting to the President, the CFO will act as a strategic advisor to the senior leadership team and oversee the finance function.

Key Relationships

• Reports to: President
• Direct reports: Associate Vice President for Finance and Controller, Associate Vice President for Budget and Financial Planning, Associate Vice President and Treasurer, Assistant Vice President of Procurement and Payments, Director, Finance Training and Communications, Director, Business Applications Development and Support
• Other Key Relationships: Board of Trustees (esp. Finance and Audit committees), CMU Senior Leadership Team, Deans and School/College-level business leaders, External auditors, outsourced internal auditors, bankers, and rating agencies

Desired Outcomes

• Advance the president’s vision and CMU’s mission of creating and advancing knowledge for the benefit of society.
• Elevate the strategic financial stewardship of the institution through the implementation of the financial rigor necessary to ensure stability and growth across all levels of the university.
• Modernize and streamline the university's financial infrastructure, workforce, and systems, including the planning, reporting, and budgeting processes.
• Elevate an already talented team through professional development, mentoring, and other personnel management initiatives.
• Build strong leadership depth and succession capability.

Critical Leadership Capabilities

• Strategic Financial Leadership: Partner closely with the president and senior leadership team to develop and optimize the financial assets to support the strategic priorities of the university.
• Leading Change and Driving Results: Evaluate and make necessary changes to continuously modernize and streamline the university's financial infrastructure and systems, foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, and build trust and drive changes in a consensus-driven environment.
• Collaborating and Influencing: Forge a strong partnership with the president, senior leadership team, and others across the university community, building collaborative, mutually respectful working relationships, and demonstrating a deep sense of stewardship for the institution.

Ideal Experience/Background

• Academic Qualifications: Strong academic credentials required, including a preference for an MBA and/or related graduate degree(s).
• Senior Financial Management Experience: At least 15 years of senior-level financial leadership roles in large, complex, multi-faceted organizations. Experience with an academic or research-intensive environment is a plus.
• Strategic Leadership and Collaboration: Strategic and forward-thinking approach, with the ability to serve as a partner and advisor to the president, as well as collaborate closely with other members of the executive management team.
• Team Leadership: A collaborative leader with experience providing operational leadership and mentorship to a talented team, including best-in-class professional development opportunities for staff.
• Mission Orientation: A demonstrated passion for CMU’s academic mission and a clear appreciation for the university’s distinctive role at the intersection of technology, society, and global impact.
• Translator across Domains: Demonstrated ability to translate complex financial insights into clear, actionable guidance for academic and administrative leaders across disciplines.
• Board Partnership: Demonstrated ability to collaborate closely with the board of trustees, serving as a trusted strategic partner and advisor on financial stewardship, risk, and long-term institutional priorities.