Vice President of Finance / Chief Financial Officer

Description

The mission of The University of Bridgeport is to promote academic excellence, personal responsibility, and commitment to service. Distinctive curricula in an international, culturally diverse supportive learning environment prepare graduates for life and leadership in an increasingly interconnected world. 

 

Position Description Summary/Purpose: 

 

The Vice President of Finance (VPF) / Chief Financial Officer functions as a key member of the University's administrative leadership team who is responsible for establishing and implementing the strategic financial plan of the University. The VPF is responsible for ensuring the financial and physical resources are sufficient to carry out the mission of the University and in compliance with all stakeholder covenants. In addition, the VPF is responsible for the ongoing monitoring of control systems designed to preserve company assets, report accurate financial results and comply with federal regulations. The position reports directly to the President of University of Bridgeport while also working in partnership with the Vice President of Finance of Goodwin University, its parent organization. The VPF will further assist other senior leadership on all strategic and operational matters as they relate to financial forecasting, cost benefit analysis, and budget management. The position is responsible for management and supervision of the following departments and functions of the University: Accounting, Budget, Student Financial Services (inclusive of Bursar and Financial Aid), and Auxiliary Services provided by third party vendors.  

 

Essential Job Functions/Primary Responsibilities: 

 

Planning 

• Assist in formulating the company's future direction and supporting tactical initiatives 

• Monitor and direct the implementation of strategic business plans 

• Manage the capital request and budgeting processes across the University and any subsidiaries 

• Develop performance measures that support the company's strategic direction and accurately communicate such measures to internal and external stakeholders 

• Work in partnership with the Vice President of Finance of Goodwin University to establish global strategic and financial planning aligned with the mission of each organization 

Operations 

 

• Participate in key decisions as a member of the executive management team/President's Cabinet 

• Implement operational best practices across the University 

• Assist with the identification and building of operational efficiencies within respective areas of ownership   

• Supervise real estate acquisition activities and work in conjunction with Vice President of Facilities on capital improvement plans 

 

Financial Information 

 

• Oversee the consolidation, monitoring and interpretation of financial information across the University and communicate to both internal and external stakeholders as needed (including the Board of Trustees and respective committees – investment committee, audit and risk committee, and budget and finance committee) 

• Oversee the complete process of regulatory financial filings and audits 

• Review, monitor and build appropriate controls across the campus to ensure all financial information is reported in an accurate manner that meets all regulatory requirements 

 

Risk Management 

 

• Understand and mitigate key elements of the company's risk profile 

• Maintain appropriate insurance coverage factoring in all aspects of the business scope 

• Ensure that the company complies with all legal and regulatory requirements 

• Report risk issues to the audit committee of the Board of Trustees 

• Maintain relations with external auditors and investigate their findings and recommendations 

 

Funding 

 

• Monitor cash balances and forecasts 

• Arrange for debt and equity financing as needed that allows the University to carry out its mission 

• Oversee the investment of funds of the University including its endowment portfolio 

 

The above description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed by the Vice President of Finance / Chief Financial Officer. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities of the position. You will devote your full time and best efforts to the performance of your various job duties and will observe any and all policies, rules and regulations that the University may now have or shall hereafter establish. Further, the VPF/CFO will work in partnership with the Vice President of Finance at Goodwin University as needed to ensure that both the financial and business risks of both universities are linked to the strategic plans outlined by the Board of Trustees and the mission of each University. 

 

Other Functions:   

 

• Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates. 

• Continues professional development and training; keeps current with trends. 

• Assists other department staff as needed to promote a team effort. 

• Other duties as assigned. 

• Conducts all work in a safe manner and all work safety practices are followed. 

Qualifications

Knowledge, Ability and Skill: 

• Demonstrated commitment to developing and fostering best practices and policies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and build an environment in which all members of the University community are treated with respect and dignity. 

• Strong verbal, written, interpersonal communication and presentation skills with the ability to effectively articulate financial matters to the stakeholders. 

• Excellent personal computer skills with ability to analyze financials, create original documents, perform varied research and communicate electronically. 

• A leadership style and service orientation consistent with the culture and mission of the University. 

• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, as well as critical thinking ability. 

• Function as a team player in a diverse working environment. 

 

Minimum Required Qualifications: 

 

Education, Training and Experience: 

• Master’s degree in accounting or business administration  

• 10 years of progressively responsible management experience in relevant areas of higher education.    

• Certified Public Account or Certified Management Accountant is preferred. 

• Proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook. 

 

Physical and Mental Requirements: 

Work Environment	None	Under 1/3	1/3 to 2/3	Over 2/3
Outdoor Weather Conditions	X
Work with fumes or airborne particles	X
Work near moving mechanical parts	X
Risk of electrical shock	X
Vibration	X

 

Physical Activity	None	Under 1/3	1/3 to 2/3	Over 2/3
Standing		X
Walking		X
Sitting				X
Talking & Hearing			X
Using hands/fingers to handle/feel			X
Climbing or balancing	X
Bending, pulling, pushing		X
Driving	X

 

Lifting Requirements	None	Under 1/3	1/3 to 2/3	Over 2/3
Up to 10 pounds		X
Up to 25 pounds		X
Up to 50 pounds	X
Up to 75 pounds	X
Up to 100 pounds	X
Over 100 pounds	X

Vision requirements (Especially relevant if driving is required by the job) 

 

_X_ Close vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 inches or less) 

___ Distance vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 feet or more) 

___ Color vision (i.e. ability to identify and distinguish colors) 

___ Peripheral vision (i.e. ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or 

left and right while the eyes are fixed on a given point) 

___ Depth perception (i.e. three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and 

spatial relationships) 

___ No special vision requirements 

 

 

Full-Time Employee Benefits: 

• Medical Insurance 

• Dental Insurance 

• Vision Insurance 

• Pet Insurance 

• 401k employer match 

• Employee & dependent life insurance 

• Great tuition benefits for employee, spouse & dependents 

• PTO program  

 

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between The University of Bridgeport and employee. It is used as a guide for personnel actions and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.) 

The University of Bridgeport provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The University of Bridgeport complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.