Columbia, South Carolina
Greenwood Asher & Associates invites applications and nominations for the position of Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer at Columbia College. Reporting to the President and serving on the President’s Executive Council, the Vice President and CFO will guide the College’s financial strategy, resource allocation, and long-term sustainability during an important period of institutional planning and growth.
Serving as a trusted advisor to the President, Executive Council, and Board of Trustees, the Vice President and CFO will connect financial stewardship directly to institutional strategy. The successful candidate will translate complex financial information into clear, actionable guidance; assess the financial implications of enrollment and academic growth; and align resources with Columbia College’s mission and priorities.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the College’s financial strategy, annual operating and capital budgets, multi-year forecasts, financial models, and scenario analyses, with a focus on long-term sustainability.
- Advise the President, Executive Council, and Board of Trustees Finance and Operations Committee on enrollment strategies, academic programs, tuition and financial aid investments, partnerships, capital projects, and other major initiatives.
- Provide executive oversight of accounting, financial reporting, treasury and cash management, student financial services, internal controls, audit, compliance, and the responsible stewardship of restricted and designated funds.
- Build financial understanding across the College by communicating complex information clearly, strengthening budget management, and promoting data-informed resource allocation and operational effectiveness.
- Until a Chief Operating Officer role is established, oversee facilities, capital planning, and auxiliary services in ways that support the student experience and institutional priorities.
Qualifications and Experience
The successful candidate will bring a record of progressive financial leadership and the ability to connect rigorous analysis with mission-driven institutional decision-making. Key qualifications include:
- A bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, economics, or a related field; a master’s degree and/or CPA is preferred.
- At least seven years of progressively responsible financial leadership experience, including responsibility for complex operations, budgets, forecasting, financial modeling, and long-range planning.
- Demonstrated ability to translate financial data into actionable recommendations for executive leaders, boards, and non-financial stakeholders.
- Experience with accounting, internal controls, financial reporting, audits, compliance, and regulatory requirements; higher education experience—especially in a tuition-dependent private college—is strongly preferred.
- Strong communication and collaborative skills, with the capacity to lead change, improve systems, and advance accountability and transparency across an organization.
About Columbia College
Founded in 1854, Columbia College is a private liberal arts college rooted in the United Methodist tradition, offering undergraduate and graduate programs on campus and online. The College serves more than 1,900 students in more than 40 baccalaureate and master’s programs and has grown enrollment significantly in recent years.
Columbia College combines a personal, student-centered education with a commitment to leadership, service, social justice, and career preparation. Its “Four Cs”—Courage, Commitment, Confidence, and Competence—shape an educational experience designed to prepare students for meaningful lives and contributions to their communities. Located in South Carolina’s capital city, the College benefits from a vibrant, connected community with strong higher education, healthcare, government, business, and cultural resources.
Application and Nomination Process
Greenwood Asher & Associates is assisting Columbia College in this search. Initial screening will begin immediately and continue until an appointment is made. For best consideration, please submit applications by Monday, October 26, 2026.
Application materials should include:
- A letter of interest that addresses the candidate’s relevant qualifications and interest in Columbia College
- A current résumé or curriculum vitae
Please submit application materials as PDF attachments through the Greenwood Asher & Associates Candidate Portal.
Nominations and inquiries may be directed to:
- Jeremy Duff, Vice President of Executive Search - jeremyduff@greenwoodsearch.com
- Abigail Maynard, Senior Executive Search Consultant - abigailmaynard@greenwoodsearch.com
Columbia College welcomes applications from candidates with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations for access needs. Columbia College is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer seeking candidates who will enhance its faculty, staff, and administration. The College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, genetic information, or military service.
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