CLA's Chief Financial Officer (CFO) works closely with the dean, associate deans, and directors to develop and implement financial strategies that support the college's academic goals. The CFO oversees budget planning, fiscal administration, and space management and provides financial guidance to leadership. Reporting directly to the Dean, the CFO is a crucial member of the Dean's Group, contributing to curriculum, HR, development, and outreach decisions.
The CFO leads the CLA Fiscal team, which includes direct reports such as the assistant director of financial services, two financial managers, 14 staff accountants, a budget director, supporting analysts, a donor fund analyst, a grants management coordinator, and an assistant director for facilities. The CFO also represents CLA in University-wide budget discussions and the Big Ten Academic Alliance.
The starting salary range is $160,000-$185,000 annually.
Job Responsibilities
Strategy
- Lead the development, implementation, and assessment of the college's short- and long-term financial strategies; analyze, interpret, and communicate information pertaining to the financial performance of the college; make recommendations concerning the strategic allocation of resources, business processes, and policies; develop strategies to improve financial performance and efficiency; identify trends and changes in resources and expenditures that may require action.
- Research revenue opportunities and economic trends, conduct financial modeling and assessments and provide creative and proactive financial guidance and advice to senior leadership.
- Work closely with CLA Human Resources' leadership to align fiscal and HR strategies and ensure the alignment of resource use.
- Identify and develop solutions for complex and systemic fiscal issues.
Financial Administration
- Work with the Dean and other collegiate leaders on the collegiate budget and planning process, including preparing the annual budget, allocating resources to CLA units, and developing CLA strategy and options in the annual campus Compact process. Align resource allocation with the financial strategy, college and University values and priorities, and operating objectives and processes.
- Oversee the CLA Financial Service team responsible for the various areas within the fiscal administration unit. Work closely with the fiscal administrative team to oversee both the unit's financial reporting and analysis work and the financial services work.
- Develop and implement sound financial management policies and procedures that support day-to-day operations. Maintain effective accounting practices and procedures and the necessary personnel and systems to provide appropriate accountability and timely reporting of financial data, including data, information, and service needed in pre-grant and post-grant processes.
- Deliver proactive education, development, consultation, and service to department chairs and directors concerning best practices regarding budget management and planning, use of endowment funds, productive use of departmental balances, revenue generation, and related topics.
- Lead annual evaluation and continuous improvement of CLA financial operations and performance.
Fiscal Management and Quality Improvement
- Model college values and engage in transparent, collaborative stewardship and communication across the college.
- Foster a workplace environment where unit leadership and employees are motivated to advance the unit's goals, respond creatively to change, and maintain sound business practices.
- Collaborate with the Senior Director of Operations and others to implement and oversee a comprehensive model for creating, reporting, and using administrative data for planning, decision-making, and daily operations in the college.
- Oversee the college’s space and facilities to enable CLA’s mission delivery. Assess current space and facilities and develop plans to address anticipated needs.
- Create business and financial skills development and growth opportunities across academic and administrative unit leaders.
- Play a broad leadership role on University-wide committees and task forces. Maintain open and frequent contact with many central administrative offices, including but not limited to the Office of Budget & Finance, Controller's Office, etc.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree plus 12 years of fiscal and management experience, including leading an organization in the development and implementation of its financial strategies and overseeing an organization's fiscal administration and budget.
- Supervisory experience.
- Ability to formulate and implement financial strategies to meet institutional priorities.
- Excellent computer skills, including experience working within electronic financial systems.
- Innovative thinking with financial strategies, management, resource allocation, and planning.
- Experience working with diverse populations and in a large or complex organization.
- Knowledge of and commitment to the principles and practice of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Excellent skills in verbal and written communication, organization, collaboration, supervision, and conflict resolution.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s Degree.
- Strong financial background in higher education financial management.
- Understanding and supporting the value of liberal arts research, education, and engagement.
- Experience with academic program financial planning.
- Proficiency in working with diverse revenue sources including tuition and fees, gifts and endowments, and external funding from government (federal and state) agencies, private foundations, and corporations.
- Demonstrated experience leading a unit to meet goals while continuing to promote and maintain a motivating work environment.
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