VP Finance and Chief Financial Officer

About the Role

The Vice President and Chief Financial Officer serves as the chief fiscal officer for Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY). Reporting directly to the President and serving as a member of the Executive Cabinet, the VP‑Finance/CFO provides financial leadership, implements policies and procedures to strengthen fiscal operations, advises the President, and delivers financial reports to the Board of Trustees. The role also encompasses insurance and risk management, strategic planning, long‑range financial projections, cost‑benefit analysis, and grant development and management.

Responsibilities

• Leadership and Management: Advise the President and senior leadership on financial management and budget administration, including operating, capital, and Finance Department budgets; support long‑range and strategic planning; align financial actions with the College’s mission, vision, and strategic plan; collaborate with peer institutions on financial trends and resource allocation.
• Policy and Procedures: Develop institutional fiscal goals, strategies, and implementation plans; promote continuous review, assessment, and improvement of financial and administrative policies; consult with Board of Trustees committees on fiscal planning, budget development, and related matters.
• Financial Management: Provide strategic financial leadership in creating financial and capital plans that reflect institutional priorities; oversee the College’s budget, revenues, and expenditures; develop financial plans and analytical models, including innovative solutions and procedures; collaborate on philanthropy, endowment management, and real‑estate matters.
• Compliance: Maintain knowledge of applicable Board of Trustees policies, federal and state laws (including employment laws), college personnel policies, and institutional reporting requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• A collaborative, effective, and proven leader with a track record of managing fiscal functions of a complex institution.
• Extensive experience in policy formation, planning, assessment, project accounting, grant administration, and general administration.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing and implementing strategic financial plans.
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity, complexity, competing demands, and change while providing balanced leadership.
• Current knowledge of financial and business practices and information technologies.
• Data‑driven decision‑making in financial and strategic contexts.
• Excellent communication, supervisory, and management skills; ability to work effectively in team‑oriented environments and with internal and external constituencies.
• Proven ability to create a culture of excellence and accountability within a dynamic, multi‑faceted organization.
• Alignment with MCNY’s values and aspiration for excellence.
• Experience with contract and insurance coverage reviews.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in business or a closely related field (required).
• At least ten years of experience leading financial and administrative functions in a large, complex organization, preferably in higher education.
• Ten years of accounting, finance, or business management experience in a leadership role, with a minimum of five years in a supervisory capacity, preferably in higher‑education business and financial management.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is a plus but not required.