Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) is seeking a proven leader, problem-solver and financial executive for the position of Vice President for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer. The Vice President reports to the University President and requires a combination of strategic leadership and hands-on management. Additionally, this position supports executing the President’s agenda and strategic vision for the Institution.
Position Responsibilities:
- Manages the offices of Fiscal Affairs (Accounting, Accounts Payable, Financial Planning, and Student Accounts), Human Resources, Information Technology Services, and Administration (Facilities, Safety and Risk Management, and Office of General Services).
- Key member of the President’s Cabinet assisting in the overall financial management of the University.
- Leads the annual budgeting processes to reflect the University Strategic Plan and monitors actual to budget and implementation of budget-related initiatives.
- Highly transparent and visible executive leader with regular accountability to stakeholders including governing boards, faculty and administrative labor unions, university affiliates, donors, and legislators.
- Collaborates with PASSHE Office of the Chancellor, working strategically with the Executive Vice-Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer, designing and implementing initiatives in achieving sustainability for PennWest University.
- Provides innovative strategies to improve space utilization including the engagement of 3rd parties to drive down costs or increase revenue.
- Provides workforce planning, organizational structure, labor relation interpretations, and collective bargaining agreement guidance to University administrators.
- Provides direction for purchasing services and management of the procurement of materials and services for all University departments based on State System and other applicable policies, procedures, and regulations.
- Represents the University on System related governance groups including the CFOs and other teams as necessary.
Operational activities include:
- Creates, implements, and oversees the financial and administration functions, policies, and systems needed to support the operations of the University.
- Provides executive leadership and direction to senior division managers to ensure efficient operation of the Finance and Administration Division, which significantly impacts operations of the entire University.
- Management and oversight of the accounting and budgeting, compliance, financial reporting and analysis, risk management, and auditing functions and processes for Fiscal Affairs.
- Administration of cash management and investment programs, and the financing of equipment and facility needs through bond financing and other financing mechanisms.
- Ensures collaboration with the Student Accounts and Financial Aid Office operations, which includes resources from federal, state, institutional, and outside sources.
- Manages and oversees billing and collection of University tuition and fees to students and third-party vendors and develops effective billing and payment plan strategies for students and parents, in order to make the University an affordable option for current and prospective students.
- Provides fiscal and operational oversight of University Housing and other auxiliary services.
- Responsible for the overall management of the University’s physical plant, including building and grounds maintenance, utility services, architectural, contracting, and quality assurance services, project management, and facilities financing.
- Develops capital funding requests, manages campus deferred maintenance plan and oversees land acquisition transactions.
- Provides leadership in the continual evaluation of the University’s long-range Campus Master Plan.
- Oversight, planning, and direction of the University Information Technology Services department.
- Oversight, planning, and direction of the University’s HR Office.
- Leads university activities related to System office shared services including procurement and Human Resources.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Management, Accounting or a related discipline is required.
- At least ten years of progressive management experience in financial and administrative affairs within a complex public, nonprofit or private university environment or other complex organization.
- Prior experience administratively supervising Facilities, Human Resources, and Information Technology Service areas is highly preferred.
Desired Qualities:
- A demonstrated commitment to establishing and sustaining a culture of excellence and accountability among members of the Division.
- A record of accomplishment in developing effective financial strategies that promote principled fiscal strength and sustainability.
- The diplomatic skills necessary to navigate the political and legislative processes associated with the role.
- Comfort dealing with complexity, competing demands, ambiguity and change while providing balanced, values-based leadership.
- A demonstrated commitment to diversity, inclusion and transparency.
- The capacity to make well-reasoned, tough decisions in a timely manner.
- The ability to articulate complex financial and other concepts to non-technical audiences.
- An understanding of and respect for the PennWest University tradition, while challenging the University to improve its operating effectiveness and efficiencies.
- The poise, presence and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with a variety of constituents and stakeholders, and to establish productive working relationships both within and outside the University.
- Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
- High level of energy and initiative.
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