What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vice President of Finance and Operations position at Wilkes University?
Wilkes University invites applicants for the vice president of finance and opearations. The vice president serves as an integral part of the Wilkes University executive leadership team, with responsibility for guiding the high-level direction for all financial and business operations of the university. The vice president supervises the areas of finance, physical plant, information technology, university police, and risk/compliance.
The vice president, working in close communication with the president, serves as the chief financial liaison to the Board of Trustees, communicating with the Finance Committee, the Audit Committee, and the Investment Sub-Committee while implementing the investment decisions for the endowment.
The vice president of finance and operations supports campus-wide strategic analysis and planning in a complex university setting, manages the annual budget process in alignment with the university's strategic priorities and goal of moving towards an accountability-based budget approach, effectively manages operational cash flow for the institution, is responsible for capital planning and improvements and addressing deferred maintenance, and will bring new and creative ideas for the overall financial and operational improvements at the university.
Qualifications and Characteristics of the Successful Candidate
In addition to the qualifications stated above, key stakeholders identified the following capabilities and attributes of a successful candidate:
- Master's degree in finance or related discipline, with five or more years of demonstrated senior-level experience in higher education (other industry experience may be considered, depending upon an individual's background) in related areas of responsibility.
- Advanced financial, operational, and administrative knowledge with a keen understanding of risk management and minimizing university exposure, including cybersecurity, liability, safety and property risk experience, and knowledgeable in areas of technology.
- Strong data analytics experience, budget and forecasting experience, and cash flow management.
- Must be capable of budget transparency and building trust in the budget process.
- Systems and technical expertise, with demonstrated ability to improve business processes.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills required, as well as the ability to engage in close collaboration with diverse stakeholders effectively, with respect and understanding of the role and value of shared governance.
- Must show evidence of being a strong leader, capable of strengthening staff as a team, respecting the history of accomplishments, and willingness to be a partner.
Overview of the Department
Finance Organizational Chart- Finance Office
- Bursar's office
- Accouts Payable
- Budget and Analysis
- General Accounting and finance projects
- Investor relations
- Physical Plant Department
- Information Technology Department
- Police Department
- Risk/Compliance Department
Institutional Overview
Application
Review of applications will begin May 7, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. To learn more about the role and apply, please visit https://spelmanandjohnson.com/position/vice-president-of-finance-and-operations/.Wilkes University is committed to providing a welcoming environment for all members of our community and to ensuring that all educational and employment decisions are based on individuals' abilities and qualifications.
Wilkes University prohibits discrimination in its educational programs, employment, admissions or any activities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital or family status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local laws. Discriminatory conduct including sexual harassment and other sexual misconduct or violence such as rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, and coercion will not be tolerated.
Consistent with this principle, Wilkes University will comply with state and federal laws such as the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act or other applicable state law, Title IX, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Ethnic Intimidation Act of 1982 (P.L. 537-154) and other laws that prohibit discrimination.
Employment at Wilkes is contingent upon the results of a thorough background screening. PA Act 153 requires that persons working in positions with regular and unsupervised contact with minors complete additional clearances, including FBI fingerprinting and PA criminal and child abuse clearances.
