"Vice President of Business and Finance / CFO"

Job Details

The Vice President of Business and Finance & Chief Financial Officer (VPBF/CFO) will function as the senior officer overseeing the directors of various units within the Division of Finance and Business, including Grants and Sponsored Programs, Procurement, Accounting, and Contractual Services.

The Vice President of Business and Finance & Chief Financial Officer (VPBF/CFO) ensures fiscal management and business operating standards are applied as best practices across the campus. As a member of the President’s Cabinet, the VPBF works collaboratively with University leadership to fulfill the mission, ensure financial stability, and promote an environment of continuous improvement.

The individual in this position will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies that support the University’s mission, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, and fostering an inclusive environment across the institution. In this role, the Vice President will act as the Chief Financial Officer and strategic business partner to the senior executive leadership team.

Responsibilities include providing regular updates to the Board of Governors, engaging with the finance committee to develop short and long-term plans, and ensuring the accuracy of financial reporting for various stakeholders. The VPBF/CFO will assess the financial performance of the organization, identify and implement systems to enhance operational efficiency, and establish yearly financial objectives that align with the institution’s growth plans. Additionally, the Vice President will mentor and develop a team of managers and directors, managing work allocation and performance evaluations to build an effective team dynamic. The position also encompasses financial management, budgeting, and forecasting responsibilities. The Vice President will prepare and present monthly financial reports, review financial results, and manage cash flow planning processes. They will oversee the accounting department, ensuring compliance with internal controls and financial procedures, and serve as a key point of contact for external auditors. This role requires a strong leader with excellent communication skills, the ability to motivate staff, and a proven track record in financial management and strategic planning.

Duty/Responsibility

• Supervise employees performing financial reporting, accounting, billing, collections, payroll, and budgeting duties.
• Provide oversight to areas of the University including but limited to accounting, internal control, procurement, office of sponsored programs, print shop, and contract oversight and administration for auxiliary enterprises including the bookstore and dining.
• Provides leadership, to business and financial services including financial planning and analysis, efficiency of operations, and achievement of the financial goals of the University.
• Coordinate and direct the financial planning, budgeting, procurement, and investment activities.
• Maintains relationship with bond rating agencies and ensures ongoing compliance with bond covenants and reporting requirements.
• Prepare or direct preparation of financial statements, business activity reports, financial position forecasts, annual budgets, or reports required by regulatory agencies.
• Analyze the financial details of past, present, and expected operations to identify development opportunities and areas where improvement is needed.
• Analyze operations to evaluate performance of a department or its staff in meeting objectives or to determine areas of potential cost reduction, program improvement, or policy change.
• Prepare budgets for approval, including those for funding or implementation of programs.
• Negotiate or approve contracts or agreements with suppliers, distributors, federal or state agencies, or other organizational entities.
• Coordinate the development or implementation of budgetary control systems, recordkeeping systems, or other administrative control processes.
• Create and establish yearly financial objectives that align with the institution’s plan for growth and expansion.
• Participate in pivotal decisions as they relate to strategic initiatives and operational models.
• Maintain outstanding banking relationships and strategic alliances with vendors and business partners.
• Utilize forward-looking models and activity-based analyses to provide financial insight into the institution’s plans and operating budgets.
• Oversee the preparation and timely filing of all local, state, and federal tax returns.
• Review all month-end closing activities including general ledger accounts, balance sheet accounts, and overhead cost allocation.
• Approve large payables, sign checks; authorize large wires and ACHs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education

• A master’s degree in business administration, accountancy, or finance from an accredited college or university; or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Certified Public Account (CPA) is preferred.
• A valid/current driver’s license is required.

Required Skills

• Strong organizational skills with an eye for detail.
• Highest level of ethics and integrity.
• Demonstrated commitment to quality, diversity and inclusion, and continuous improvement is required.
• Ability to relate across multiple organizational levels and constituencies.
• Demonstrated leadership ability, confidence, and executive presence.
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills.
• Excellent analytical, reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
• Significant experience working with external auditors, internal controls, and compliance-related issues.
• Strong people-relations skills and the demonstrated ability to relate effectively and productively to all constituencies within the University.
• Highly developed organizational skills with proven ability to multi-task.
• Demonstrated commitment to lead and manage change involving faculty and staff in positive and inclusive ways.

Additional Information

Concord University is a public comprehensive university with a rich history as one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in West Virginia. Founded in 1872 as a state Normal School to prepare teachers, Concord University (CU) is a public, career focused institution located in rural southern West Virginia.

Concord University (CU) offers talented individuals a wide array of fulfilling career opportunities from entry through academic or administrative professional levels. To maintain an outstanding talent pool, we employ individuals regionally, nationally, and internationally to attract top candidates.

If you are looking for more than just a job, then I encourage you to browse our website and visit our job opportunities regularly. Learn more about Concord University and why it should be your first choice, not only for quality educational opportunities but also for exemplary employment.

Applications will only be accepted through Concord University’s online application site at https://jobs.concord.edu/. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. There will be a priority review deadline of 10 days from posting. Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

Concord University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and encourages all qualified candidates to apply.