Vice President for Operations and Chief Financial Officer

Required:

• Bachelors degree in accounting, finance or related field.
• At least five years of experience in governmental or fund accounting [DH2] and senior management within higher education or a large nonprofit organization.
• Advanced knowledge of GAAP, internal controls, and financial reporting.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Professional certification such as CPA or CMA.
• More than five years of progressive finance and accounting experience in a Texas public higher education environment, including senior-level leadership.

Primary Responsibilities:

Summary

VICE PRESIDENT FOR OPERATIONS & CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (BASED IN ALPINE)

Sul Ross State University is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking Vice President for Operations & Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead the financial and operational strategy of the institution. This is a pivotal executive role for a dynamic leader who is ready to shape the future of a growing university and ensure long-term financial strength, operational excellence, and mission-driven decision-making.

As a key member of the President’s leadership team, the Vice President will guide financial policy, oversee major operational functions, and drive strategic planning efforts that support the university’s vision. This leader will have broad oversight of business and campus operations as noted below, cash and investment management, and capital planning-ensuring that all functions operate efficiently and in alignment with Sul Ross’s mission and goals.

Responsibilities

• Manages the offices of Fiscal Affairs (Accounting, Accounts Payable, Financial Planning and Budgets, and Student Accounts, Payroll, Procurement, Investments, Grants), Human Resources, Facilities.
• Serves as a key member of the President’s Cabinet assisting in the overall financial management of the university.
• Leads the annual budgeting processes to reflect the University Strategic Plan and monitors actual budget and implementation of budget related initiatives.
• Acts as a highly transparent and visible executive leader with regular accountability to stakeholders including board of regents, state oversight boards and agencies, faculty, university affiliates, donors, and legislators.
• Collaborates with TSUS Administration, working strategically with the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer of the System in designing, and implementing initiatives in achieving sustainability. Provides innovative strategies to improve space utilization, increase organizational efficiencies, advance programmatic goals, and identify outsourcing/insourcing strategies that drive down costs or increase revenue.
• Provides workforce planning, organizational structure, and labor relations.
• Provides direction for purchasing services and management of the procurement of materials and services based on State, System and other applicable policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Represents the University on System related governance groups including the CFOs and other teams, as necessary.

Responsible for personal safety and the safety of others; must exercise due caution and practice safe work habits at all times. Position is Security Sensitive.

Any qualifications to be considered in lieu of stated minimums require the prior approval of the Human Resources Director.