Job Description

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (CFO)

THE OPPORTUNITY (CONFIDENTIAL)
EDI is proud to partner with a distinguished and reputable institution in its search for a Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This inclusive strategic leader will play a pivotal role in advancing the institution’s financial well-being and focus on enhancing an inclusive organizational culture and climate within a diverse educational community.

The school seeks a dynamic, collaborative, innovative, diverse, and/or inclusive leader with strategic responsibilities and a proven track record in leading financial operations. The incumbent will have the opportunity to oversee all finance-related areas and direct the fiscal functions of the institution, adhering to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and complying with state, federal, and local laws . The CFO serves as a strategic partner on the senior leadership team, providing guidance, support, and consultation on financial decisions, stewardship, and growth throughout the institution.

If you are an exceptionally experienced and/or credentialed finance professional with a demonstrated commitment to inclusive excellence, then this is the right opportunity for you to join an institution with deep social justice roots to match your interests, and a focus on preparing exceptional graduates for meaningful and impactful careers.

PURPOSE & SUMMARY OF THE POSITION
To provide senior-level financial leadership in support of the mission of the school, including finance and accounting, endowment fund investment coordination, risk management, budgeting, and procurement. Works closely with the President to revise, improve, and refine current finance operations to achieve the school’s long-term vision.

Reporting to the President, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) provides leadership in support of the school’s commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all members of the community, including students, staff, faculty, and alumni. This individual will assist in advancing the strategic direction of the school as a whole, and support and develop partnerships that align with the school’s mission, values, and vision.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Is a results-oriented leader with a track record of success in financial leadership roles
• Is a strategic thought partner to the leadership team with the ability to recruit, develop, and motivate a diverse and high-performing finance team
• Possesses the ability to navigate competing priorities and be solution-focused
• Is a dynamic leader and demonstrates servant leadership qualities in an academic environment
• Excels in communication and collaboration with other departments
• Exhibits a solid understanding of accounting principles, financial analysis and reporting, facilities management, and data-driven decision-making
• Demonstrate commitment to DEIB in current and/or previous role(s)
• A compassionate servant leader with high emotional intelligence and organizational/self-awareness

The pay for this position ranges from $75,000 to $130,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
ACCOUNTING

• Ensures accounting records contain timely and accurate recording of transactions
• Maintains accurate endowment records and coordinates administratively with the investment manager
• Review quarterly investment reports and provide recommendations to the President and Finance Committee members  
• Ensures accounting records are prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Provide oversight for outsourced accounting services
• Review and approve payroll

BUDGETS

• Maintains effective budget policies, practices, and supporting information
• Coordinates the preparation of fiscal year budgets
• Ensures budgets reflect reality in terms of income flow and expenses
• Seeks approval of annual budgets from the President for presentation to the Board of Trustees

REPORTING

• Ensures financial and other reports as requested, are prepared accurately and timely
• Maintains appropriate budgetary controls and expenditures throughout the fiscal year
• Coordinates financial reporting as may be requested by outside agencies and as required by law
• Works closely with the Board of Trustees to ensure appropriate communication occurs
• Reviews and analyzes monthly financial reports and presents analysis to the finance committee
• Meet bi-weekly with finance committee chair to provide reporting updates

CASH MANAGEMENT

• Ensures internal controls exist and operate to safeguard the receipt and disbursement of cash
• Provides internal and external cash-related reports
• Ensures cash is available when needed
• Coordinates relationships with bankers serving the institution
• Provides monthly cashflow projection analysis
• Reviews and approves ACH transactions

ANNUAL AUDIT

• Manages the relationship with auditors selected by the Board Audit Committee
• Coordinates and assists with the preparation of documents needed for the annual audit
• Seeks to minimize the audit fee through pre-planning and organization

COLLABORATION COMPONENTS

• Provides strategic leadership in collaboration with administrators, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the broader Rochester community leaders to advance the school’s vision, including efforts to strengthen its financial position
• Establishes and maintains relationships with counterparts at mission societies, denominational foundations, and other entities
• Identify important projects, ventures, and other potential partnership opportunities

ADMINISTRATION

• Ensures the needs of the Board’s Finance and other committees are addressed
• Supports institutional vision and strategic plan
• Ensures any applicable metrics and performance pointers are in place to measure strategic priority and operational progress
• Provides management, direction, and training to Finance and Administration staff

COMPLIANCE & RISK MANAGEMENT

• Ensures the institution’s business-related activities are consistent with its mission, vision, and the law
• Ensures compliance with educational accrediting bodies and reporting thereto
• Ensures that internal controls processes are being followed
• Identifies strategic risks and helps to reduce these risks
• Works closely with outside risk managers to ensure institutional risks are identified and insured adequately
• Determines that insurance premiums are essential and cost-competitive

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists in employee benefit program choices, implementation, and management
• Assists in the development of ongoing technology improvements
• Carries out cost/benefit analyses of curriculum offerings
• Supports Institutional Advancement programs as they relate to accounting and finance

REQUIRED & PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in business administration, public administration, finance, accounting, or related field, and/or CPA designation
• Ten years of progressively responsible experience in finance, accounting, and business management
• Operational skills in areas of finance, accounting, portfolio management, procurement, budget development, and administration
• Understanding of how this position supports mission accomplishment and student success
• Demonstrated success in both leadership and management
• Being a proactive, value-added problem solver through collaboration and execution of effective strategies for continuous process improvement
• Delivery of services effectively and efficiently, exceeding the expectations of stakeholders
• Ability to work effectively with all stakeholders in pursuit of organizational mission
• Deep sensitivity and commitment to DEIB (culture, race, gender, etc.)
• Experience in higher education is highly desired

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
I acknowledge receipt and understanding of this job description. I verify that I am capable and willing to fulfill all functions of this position. I understand that the job requirements may vary depending on the employer’s needs. I am willing to be flexible and perform various tasks not listed above as the need arises.

SUPERVISED BY: President
BENEFITS: Refer to Employee Handbook
FLSA STATUS: Full-time, Exempt

PROCEDURE FOR CANDIDACY:
EDI is assisting our partner in this highly confidential search. All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a DEIB Statement, a CV or resume, and a cover letter that addresses the themes outlined in this posting. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received as soon as possible. Application materials should be submitted via EDI’s website, and inquiries can be directed to EDI’s Consultants at ( [email protected] ).

NOTE: All ‘Cover Letters’ should be addressed to the search committee, i.e., “Dear Search Committee,” etc.

Job Tags

Full time, Local area, Immediate start, Flexible hours,

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