About the Job
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.
- Oversee the CLA Financial Service team responsible for the various areas within the fiscal administration unit.
- Develop and implement sound financial management policies and procedures that support day-to-day operations.
- Deliver proactive education, development, consultation, and service to department chairs and directors concerning best practices regarding budget management and planning.
- 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.
- 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.
Qualifications
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 agencies, private foundations, and corporations.
- Demonstrated experience leading a unit to meet goals while continuing to promote and maintain a motivating work environment.
About the Department
The College of Liberal Arts (CLA) at University of Minnesota is home to the arts, humanities, social sciences, and communication disciplines. With 31 academic departments, over 1,350 faculty and staff, and 12,000+ undergraduate and 1,400 graduate students, CLA spans 31 buildings on the Twin Cities campus and manages an annual budget of over $305 million.
CLA's mission is to advance a thoughtful and engaged society through knowledge creation, student education, and community service. It values freedom of thought, diversity, social justice, and excellence.
Benefits
At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.
The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off.
- Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs.
- Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans.
- Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
- University HSA contributions.
- Disability and employer-paid life insurance.
- Employee wellbeing program.
- Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity.
- Financial counseling services.
- Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost.
- Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area.
How To Apply
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.
Required Attachments:
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.
Priority review of applications will begin September 30, 2024. The position will remain open until filled.
Diversity
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.
Employment Requirements
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.
About the U of M
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC) is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research.
