Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration; CPA/CMA or MBA preferred
10 years of progressive finance and accounting leadership experience
Experience in strategic financial planning and large budget oversight
Strong understanding of GAAP and comprehensive financial procedures
Familiarity with non-profits and higher education preferred
Responsibilities
Serve as CFO, leading financial strategy and policies for the University
Collaborate with campus stakeholders to improve financial management solutions
Lead university-wide budget development and financial reporting
Monitor and analyze financial performance across academic and revenue units
Engage in bond financing and debt management as necessary
Negotiate vendor contracts and maintain banking relationships
Support the University's mission by promoting foundational principles
Benefits
Participation in strategic planning and high-level institutional decision-making
Leadership opportunities across various operational areas like IT and Risk Management
Collaboration with senior leadership and the Board of Trustees
Engagement with community relationships and business partnerships
Opportunities for professional development and continuous improvement
Full Job Description
III. Job Summary
Reporting to the President, the Vice President for Finance and Business Affairs serves as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the University and is a key member of the senior team
The VP for Finance and Business Affairs is the administrative liaison to the Board of Trustees Financial Health committee and participates in the Investment and Audit Sub-Committees
In collaboration with the President and senior team, the CFO participates in formulating the University's strategic plan, along with supporting financial policies and practices
He/She is also one of the leading voices in helping the campus maximize the ROI of all resources to further advance its mission and vision
Additionally, under the direction of the President and in collaboration with the senior team, the CFO will help formulate sound managerial, and financial policies and decisions across all areas of the University. This includes ensuring appropriate access to and the presentation of actionable financial information that empowers the University and its leaders to more effectively maximize its mission
IV. Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Serve as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the University providing clear and concise senior financial leadership to the senior team, and board. Additionally, He/She will provide leadership for a variety of operational areas including Business Office, Finance and Accounting, Operations (physical plant), Event Services, Information Technology, and Risk Management (insurance/legal)
Work collaboratively with campus stakeholders in order to guide the design and delivery of financial management reporting solutions and policies, enhance organizational effectiveness, and measurably improve ROI
Provide leadership for university-wide budget development and reporting, budget forecasting and controls, cash and debt management, management of institutional investments and risk management; including major projects and capital initiatives
Maintain appropriate benchmarks and associated analyses for measuring the university's financial and operating performance systematically, appropriately distilling and sharing the same with the President, University Cabinet, the Financial Health committee of the Board, and the Faculty
Monitor contribution margins for the University's academic and non-academic 2 program units and other revenue production functions including conferences and food services
Collaborate with Advancement in setting and monitoring fund raising targets
Engage in bond financing and debt management as required for institutional strategies and priorities
Serve as Assistant Treasurer by completing treasury functions, revenue projections and reports
Ensure compliance with all federal, state and accreditation financial reporting requirements
Maintain current knowledge of accounting principles and applicable legal developments and provides counsel regarding the impact on university operations and obligations
Negotiate and approve vendor contracts with third party suppliers providing university services, collaborating with senior administrators where contractor service delivery suggests
As a senior administrator of the university, cultivates all banking relationships as well as relationships in and service to the Canton / Stark County community
Serves as a member of the following Boards or Committees: University Cabinet, administrative liaison to the Board of Trustees Financial Heath committee; capital and space management committees, and on task forces and other committees as assigned
Strives to reflect the University's Foundational Principals to co-workers and constituents
Additional duties as assigned by the President
V. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
The ability to articulate and support the University's evangelical Christian mission and embrace Malone's Friends heritage; an expressed appreciation for Malone's Foundational Principles and Educational Goals.
Strong business acumen, able to work quickly at the visionary, strategic and tactical levels, prior experience in the design, deployment, and management of the annual budgeting, capital allocation and monthly reporting process in a manner that measurably improved the quality of financial decisions across an enterprise; proven ability to help organizations measure, manage, and maximize ROI by program, services and/or product; a demonstrated ability to accurately forecast financial positioning; a demonstrated ability to analyze, interpret, and effectively communicate statistical and financial information at a senior level; experience with securing bond financing and managing institutional indebtedness; and managing physical plant operations. Construction and construction contract knowledge a plus
A proven record of leadership, management, and supervisory success, including the ability to nurture a cohesive team committed to continuous improvement and the adoption of best practices for accounting and operations. Possess the ability to lead, plan and manage through complex change. The ability to promote diversity and cultural competencies within the division
A working knowledge of and the ability to: implement best practices for accounting and operations; remains open to change and visualizes possibilities to resolve issues and capitalize on opportunities; take calculated risks showing creativity, initiative, and follow through; ability to help the University and its leadership prioritize and focus on those initiatives that drive fundamental improvement; collaborative and coachable and seeks on-going professional development; relies on quantifiable data-driven analysis to inform decisions yet is comfortable using intuition when appropriate; has a working knowledge of Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook and other business application software is necessary. Previous experience with Jenzabar or a comparable enterprise financial system is preferred
Proven time management skills, the ability to prioritize and record keeping abilities are essential. Has excellent written and verbal communication skills. Is capable of sharing ideas with others with a true sense of purpose and excitement. Listen first approach with the ability to build strong and supportive relationships with campus stakeholders and responds effectively and professionally in times of conflict or crisis. Possesses a superior work ethic and drive. Makes decisions that balance a variety of factors (e.g., cost, risk, short-term vs. long-term impact) to achieve optimal outcomes
Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality of sensitive materials is essential. Understanding confidentiality in the use of student information (i.e., FERPA laws) is required
Current valid driver's license and availability for frequent regional travel is required. Hours per week are anticipated to vary based on the needs and fluctuations of service. Evening, weekend and overnight commitments will be necessary at times
VI. Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree required. An undergraduate degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration; or a CPA/CMA or MBA combined with significant experience in finance and accounting roles is preferred.
Ten years of progressively responsible finance and accounting leadership experience, including senior leadership experience. Background in non-profits and higher education a plus but not required
Experience with comprehensive financial procedures, GAAP, and large budget oversight
Experience in developing organizational financial strategy and in strategic planning
