Vice President of Finance and Administration

COMPANY PROFILE
Our client is actively seeking a Vice President of Finance and Administration to lead the college into their next chapter of growth and expansion of programs. The college is a widely respected and well-known institution of higher learning. The college has a unique history in California which includes a beautiful location, an active student body, and a supportive alumni association.

Our client is seeking a Vice President of Finance and Administration who embodies respect for academic higher learning, working closely with students and faculty to continue with programs geared towards these interesting times in education. The position is broad in scope and will require an active communicator as well as a pragmatist in reviewing the financial well-being of the college. Other activities will include a review of systems and facilities.

The college has a student body of approximately 4,000 to 5, 000 students in undergraduate and graduate programs. This college enjoys an active sports program at a Division 1 level.

Position Description
The Vice President of Finance and Administration is a key executive position within the College. The position will report directly to the President of the College and is a member of the President’s cabinet. The position will also participate with the Board of Trustees in presenting and representing the financial status of the college. The VP of Finance and Administration will play a pivotal role in transforming current trends in education using technology, experience, and strong communication skills necessary to make changes to the college.

The Vice President of Finance and Administration will be a proven financial leader in presenting accurate and timely financial reports. The position will require earnest and meaningful conversations with the President, Board of Trustees, Provost, and the Deans of the college in discussing the financial well-being of the institution. The candidate will possess leadership skills including, cooperation, collaboration, and communication to reach rational decision-making judgments for the better of the college.
The Vice President of Finance and Administration will manage the accounting and finance team including the Controller, Financial Analyst, bookstore operations, Central Services, Human Resources, and Facilities.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Act as the primary financial advisor to the President and his Cabinet within the campus community and to the Board of Trustees.
• Re-engineer budget and spending processes to ensure efficient spending as well as proper allocation and monitoring of funds.
• Ensure that all funds are properly invested and managed; evaluate investment alternatives.
• Chair the College Budget Committee, Chair of the Campus Facilities Planning Committee, co-chair of the Institutional Effectiveness Committee, and member of the President’s Advisory
• Strategically manage debt and debt capacity consistent with changes and trends in market conditions.
• Evaluate the current organizational structure of reporting departments and personnel and recommend and facilitate change where appropriate.
• Recommend appropriate business structure of entrepreneurial opportunities and evaluate financial implications and
• Work closely with other members of the President’s Cabinet, specifically the Vice President for Development, on donor gift structuring and reporting.
• Maintain a high level of visibility and approachability among constituencies across campus.
• Manage and oversee the activities of the Accounting and Financial Reporting Department.
• Oversee and manage the activities of the physical plant of the College including campus planning, architecture, construction, maintenance, and environmental health and safety.
• Manage and oversee the activities of the Human Resources Department.
• Work with the Office of the General Counsel on contracts and legal matters.
• Coordinate and support the work of the Board of Trustees Audit, Finance, and Investment Committees.
• Oversee the College’s Risk Management and Insurance activities, in consultation with appropriate College constituencies.
• Other CFO-related duties may be assigned by the President.

Position Requirements

• BA/BS, Business, Finance, Accounting or similar educational degree
• MBA or MA, Accounting, Finance, or another related field, required
• CPA, Big 4 or 6, a nice to have
• 20 years of experience in the field, including ten (10) years of progressive management experience.
• Depth of knowledge of accounting (US GAAP), financial practices, operations, and compliance regulations especially related to higher education.
• Experience with review of and implementation of Enterprise information systems, including accounting, budgeting, customer relationship management, donor management software

Personal Requirements

• Possess a clear understanding and personal embracement of the College’s Heritage.
• Unquestioned reputation for honesty and integrity
• High energy, clear goal orientation, and exceptional work ethic
• Strong, clear communication skills—written and verbal, including the ability to articulate recommendations in a concise and timely manner
• Ability to inspire confidence and to work collaboratively with the executive team, external service providers, and peers
• Ability to represent the company in internal and external environments
• Able to demonstrate a quickness of mind
• Curiosity in providing leadership toward growth

Software
Proficiency with Google Suite and Microsoft Suite