Assistant Vice President for Finance

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The AVP for Finance is a critical leader within the Division of Planning and Finance, responsible for providing university-wide leadership and bringing a broad strategic and forward-thinking approach to budgeting and financial analysis. This position will be a member of the President’s Administrative Cabinet and will be integral to the University financial compliance requirements and investment strategy. While leveraging strategic, creative, and analytical skills, this position requires working closely and collaboratively with executive leadership, the Controller, and budget managers across the institution. In this role, the AVP will need the political know-how to navigate a complex institution as well as the communication skills to present financial information to both internal and external members of the University community including members of the Board of Trustees. This individual must be able to understand and interpret FASB and GAAP guidelines while working closely with the Controller and Vice President for Planning and Finance (VPPF).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Works closely with Controller on the daily financial operations to ensure timely and accurate processing within the areas of general accounting; grant accounting; treasury operations; endowment portfolio, and investments.
• Ensures Office of Financial Services staff members are knowledgeable of and act in compliance with the University’s policies and procedures, and state and federal regulations and guidelines.
• Collaborates with VPPF and Controller to develop financial processes, policies, and procedures.
• Supports the VPPF as staff to the Board of Trustees Financial Resources Committee and Audit and Risk Management by overseeing the preparation of materials for Committee meetings as well as researching or responding to other inquiries/requests from Committees.
• Completes various surveys, federal/state regulatory filings, etc. as needed.
• Supervises University support for the annual audits, prepares responses to auditor questions, and develops procedures to address audit-related issues.
• Collaborates with Controller in creation of quarterly and annual financial statements.
• Develops and monitors all financial compliance reporting including, but not limited to, debt covenant ratios, financial ratios that determine the University’s composite financial index, cash flow balances, etc.
• Provides direct support and ensures compliance of post-award grants and contracts with federal, state, and agency requirements/regulations, including but not limited to payroll accounting, other expenditures, sub-recipient monitoring, effort reporting, and invoicing.
• Serves as project owner and manager working closely with the VPPF to design and implement budget models for the University that incentivize increased enrollment, auxiliary revenue growth, and additional revenue streams.
• Provides support to leadership in the preparation of presentations concerning the financial standing and budget proposals of the University to the Board of Trustees.
• Guides the development of highly complex annual budget(s), including specialized financial analysis and modeling, and present to leadership for review and approval.
• Analyzes departmental expenditures and revenues for cost-effectiveness and presents findings to leadership and to the respective budget managers.
• Assists VPPF in overseeing University’s institutional operating and capital annual budgets.
• Be integral to the ongoing construction, remodeling, and revitalization projects of the university.
• Productively participates either as a member on University committees, as appropriate.
• Assists the VPPF with various special projects, including those directed by the President or Trustees.
• Understands and works to maintain compliance with SACS-COC accreditation standards that impact finances of the university.
• Maintains skills and knowledge through professional associations and resources.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

• Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Business Administration, or Bachelor of Science in accounting required.
• Master’s degree in accounting, business administration or related field OR any combination of education and work experience that provides the required skills and ability required.
• Ten years of relevant experience, preferably in higher education but not required.
• Knowledge of higher education organizations and associated expectations preferred.
• Ability to exercise a high degree of accurate and independent judgment, tact and discretion, and exercise good judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions.
• Experience in managing financial functions required.
• Thorough knowledge of accounting guidelines/practices and the ability to research and apply accounting principles and applicable rules.
• Knowledge of grant accounting/administration is preferred.
• High degree of integrity with the ability to handle confidential and sometimes highly sensitive matters in the appropriate manner.
• Proven ability to develop effective working relationships with diverse individuals and groups.
• Demonstrated leadership and management abilities.
• Proven ability to effectively resolve conflicts involving individuals at all organizational levels; mediation experience preferred.
• Exceptional organizational, interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
• Proven ability to accomplish all tasks independently and with minimal supervision.
• Ability and willingness to effectively function at strategic financial decision-making level and hands-on task level.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Adobe programs including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Sign.
• Understanding of investment management concepts and terminology.