Director of Finance

Position Title: Director of Finance

Reports To: President

FLSA Status: Exempt

Annual Contract: Full-time 40 hours per week, 52 Weeks per Year

Rate of Pay: Dependent upon qualifications

Posting Date: February 03, 2025

Application Deadline: February 17, 2025, or until filled

Start Date: As soon as possible

In-Person - Not Remote

General Position Summary:

Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University seeks a visionary, ethical, and strategic leader to serve as Director of Finance. Reporting to the President, the Director of Finance is responsible for maintaining the financial integrity of the University in support of its vision and academic mission.

The Director of Finance serves as a member of the President’s Executive Council and provides “hands-on” leadership for the management of financial and business affairs. This position includes overall administration of the budget process in conformity with the University strategic plan: maintenance of internal accounting controls; development of financial policies and procedures; procurement of goods and services; management and administration of long-term debt including bonds; and restructuring the institutions financial and accounting systems.

With a total current staff of five in the Business Office and Financial Aid. The Director of Finance will directly supervise the Lead Accountant, Staff Accountant, Financial Aid Director, Financial Aid Assistant, and Grants Compliance Administrator. The Director of Finance will interface and present regularly to the University leadership and the Board of Regents. As the key financial leader advising the President and Board of Regents, the Director of Finance will provide collaborative and critical insight and analyses to support strategic planning, goal setting and key policy decision making.

Key Responsibilities:

Key Responsibilities for this role include oversight and administration of all financial operations on campus, including hands-on detailed assessment, development and integration of systems, and thorough accounting and financial reporting. The Director of Finance will also represent the University in off campus community and local business circles.

· Develop and administer University policies related to business, finance and Financial Aid. Analyze and recommend changes in fiscal policies related to correlated fields

· Coordinate preparation and administration of the University budget. Monitor the annual operating budget.

· Provide leadership to the campus budgeting and planning process

· Participate in general strategic and administrative planning as a member of the President’s Executive Council

· Provide accountability to the President and Board of Regents

· Provide analysis and interpretation of the University fiscal and business affairs for the President and other officers of the University

· Supervise the operation and personnel of the Business and Financial Aid Offices

· Manage accounting and other financial services including general ledger, financial reporting, accounts receivable and payable, cashiering, loan collections, investment accounting, fixed asset accounting, travel, credit card purchases, etc

· Manage the purchasing function and procurement of goods and services

· Work with independent accountants in preparation of the annual audit

· Manage banking relationships regarding short term borrowing and other banking services not related to long term debt financing

Minimum Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting or Business Administration

· Minimum of 7-10 years of increasingly responsible senior management or higher education experience

· Knowledge of fund accounting and ability to perform financial analysis

Preferred Qualifications:

· Master’s degree or CPA

· Minimum of 7 years of experience in higher education

· Proficient in GAAP

· Mastery of automated systems and computer software applications to financial analysis is expected

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

The ideal candidate will be strategic and results driven, with strong “hands-on” and “go getter” leadership skills. As a seasoned financial leader of integrity, it is necessary that the Director of Finance must possess the following:

· Impeccable verbal and written communication skills

· Strong relationship building capabilities

· An entrepreneurial approach to seeing and analyzing financial opportunities

· Flexibility and adaptability to shifting priorities or needs

· Impactful and influential decision-making abilities

The successful candidate will have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact in a collegial manner with faculty, staff and students. The Director of Finance will be a forward-thinking executive with strong business acumen, good judgment and an attention to detail with the ability to grow along with the University.

The ideal candidate will be a professional who embraces a team environment, serves as a resource for many individuals and groups within the institution, and works with colleagues in a spirit of partnership, collaboration, and fiscal responsibility. The Director of Finance will demonstrate the ability to lead and mentor a team, build trust, and possess skills to create and maintain effective relationships with a broad range of internal and external constituents.

In addition to the outstanding leadership and strategic planning skills, the Director of Finance should expertise in the following:

· Ability to initiate change with an inclusive style that fosters team building

· Demonstrate success in planning, managing, and using resources

· Provide evidence of an entrepreneurial organization with an eye to new opportunities and emerging challenges

· Have broad experience in managing finance (accounting, budgeting, control, and reporting) for a complex organization, preferably in higher education

· Have an in-depth understanding of strategic financial analysis and best business practices

· Possess knowledge and in-depth experience with not-for-profit accounting

· Prove ability to create and develop multi-year financial models and forecasts

· Significant understanding of federal and state compliance and other regulatory issues and enforcement requirements

· Knowledge and experience planning and supporting capital project development, facilities, maintenance, and purchasing departments

· Ability to incorporate strategic goals into a coherent financial plan

· Knowledge of the current issues and unique financial challenges facing higher education institutions

· Knowledge of building and technology systems

Work Environment:

· Office environment

Reportability:

· Reports to the University President

Supervision:

· Lead Accountant

· Staff Accountant

· Financial Aid Director

· Financial Aid Assistant

· Grants Compliance Administrator

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Work Location: In person