VP Finance and Chief Financial Officer

About the College

Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY) is a unique and vibrant learning institution. It is a non-profit, regionally accredited college offering associate, bachelor's and master's degrees, with a state-of-the-art campus in the Hub district of the South Bronx. For over 50 years, MCNY has offered highly motivated learners a powerful model of Purpose-Centered Education that promotes personal transformation and constructive change in workplaces and communities. MCNY enrolls approximately 1,000 students annually into its accelerated degree programs with convenient onsite and remote schedules for added flexibility.

About the Role

The Vice President and Chief Financial Officer serves as the chief fiscal officer for the Metropolitan College of New York and directs major functions in areas that include: capital improvement financial planning; annual planning and budget development; investments management, cash, risk and endowment management; internal audit functions; procurement operations and auxiliary enterprises; and shares responsibility for information technology services. This position reports directly to the President and is responsible for implementing policies and procedures that strengthen the overall fiscal operations and effectiveness of the College.

As a senior leader, the VP, Finance and CFO will work collaboratively to further the College's educational, research, and service missions by serving as a member of the Executive Cabinet and providing financial reports to the Board of Trustees. This position also serves as financial advisor to the President and is involved in policy development.

Responsibilities

• Advise the President and senior leadership regarding financial management and budget administration, including the College’s operating budget, capital budget, and the budget for the Finance Department.
• Provide long-range and strategic planning, supporting the goals of the College’s mission, vision, and strategic plan.
• Collaborate with colleagues from other colleges and universities regarding financial management and resource allocation trends and developments nationwide.
• Develop institutional fiscal goals, strategies, and plans for implementation.
• Develop and promote a process of review, assessment, and continuous improvement of existing financial and administrative policies and procedures.
• Consult with appropriate committees of the Board of Trustees regarding fiscal planning and management, budget development, etc.
• Provide strategic financial leadership in the development of a financial and capital plan which reflects institutional priorities and future directions.
• Responsible for developing and overseeing the College budget, revenues, and expenditures.
• Develop financial plans and financial analysis models for the campus, including innovative solutions, strategies, and procedures.
• Collaborate with other college divisions regarding philanthropy, endowment management, and real estate.
• Maintain knowledge of applicable Board of Trustees and university policies, federal, and state laws including employment laws, and related college personnel policies and institutional reporting requirements.
• Oversee insurance and risk management, strategic planning and long-range financial projections, cost-benefit analysis of programs and services, and grant development and management.

Requirements

• A master's degree in business or a closely related field is required.
• Minimum of ten years of experience leading financial and administrative functions in a large, complex organization, preferably in a higher education environment.
• Ten years of accounting, finance, or business management experience in a leadership role, with five of those years being in a supervisory capacity, preferably in higher education business and financial management.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is a plus but not required.

Skills and Qualifications

• A collaborative, effective, and proven leader with a track record of leading the fiscal functions of a complex institution.
• An excellent record of leadership in policy formation, including planning, assessment, project accounting, grant, and general administration.
• Demonstrated expertise in the development and implementation of strategic financial plans.
• Comfortable and effective in dealing with ambiguity, complexity, competing demands, and change while providing balanced leadership.
• Extensive current knowledge of financial and business practices and information technologies.
• Data-driven in making sound financial and strategic decisions.
• An effective communicator with excellent supervisory and management skills, the ability to work in a team-oriented environment, and the ability to work effectively with internal and external constituencies.
• A track record of creating a culture of excellence and accountability and the ability to thrive in a complex, dynamic, multi-faceted organization.
• Alignment with the values of Metropolitan College of New York.
• Experience with contract and insurance coverage reviews.