"Vice President of Finance and Operations"

Job Details

Scope of Position

The Vice President of Finance and Operations provides strategic leadership and financial stewardship, ensuring the college’s fiscal health, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability. This executive role is crucial in navigating today’s dynamic educational environment, marked by evolving funding structures, changing enrollment, and increasing operational demands.

The VPFO reports directly to the President and is a member of the executive leadership team. This role acts as the chief financial advisor to the College President, the Campus Executive Team, and the Board of Trustees.

Overall, the VPFO provides leadership, direction, and management to the Finance Division, overseeing budget development, fiscal operations, capital planning, student finance, purchasing, bursar functions, payroll, and auxiliary services.

The VPFO ensures the college’s financial infrastructure is efficient, effective, and compliant, supporting the institution’s mission of access, affordability, and educational excellence.

Key Measurable Expectations (KMEs)

• Lead the development, implementation, and management of the college’s budget, including long-range modeling, forecasting, to ensure fiscal accountability.
• Oversee the functions of accounting, payroll, procurement, financial reporting, and audit processes.
• Provide strategic leadership for administrative and operational departments, including Facilities, Grounds, Campus Safety and Security, Auxiliary Services, and the Copy Service enterprise.
• Develop and implement risk management strategies, ensuring compliance with all state, federal, and institutional regulations.
• Manage collaboratively with the College Executive team and President, capital projects and facilities, overseeing the preventative and deferred maintenance integrity for the college’s physical infrastructure.
• Collaborate with the President and college leaders to present financial information and fiscal models, facilitating data-informed decision-making.
• Translate complex financial data into clear, concise information for multiple audiences.
• Serve as a primary authority for the College’s financial dashboards. This extends to preparing and overseeing financial reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead, mentor, and develop finance and operations team members, fostering a culture of standards of efficiency, accountability, and customer service.
• Conduct research and collaborate with industry peers to establish effective business and financial models that may inform strategic planning and future generations of the College’s financial dashboards.
• Interpret and analyze educational and financial laws, policies, and regulations, formulating compliance strategies.
• Serve as Finance Section Chief during emergency operations, managing all financial aspects of incidents.
• Direct divisional operations, ensuring accurate administration of accounts payable/receivable, cash receipts, fixed assets, purchasing, payroll, and student accounts.
• Manage ERP system setup and coding for general ledger and student financials.
• Oversee annual fiscal and legislative audits, implementing policy revisions as needed. Assist other college divisions by providing timely financial information and meeting reporting requirements.
• Handle payment of all approved college purchases and contractual obligations.
• Make employment recommendations within the Finance division, adhering to college policies and affirmative action procedures.
• Manage fiscal planning, investment and debt management, bid processes, and cash position strategies.
• Participate in collective bargaining negotiations and employee benefit selection/valuation.
• Oversee fiscal administration of grants, contracts, and self-insurance funds.
• Provide financial assistance to the LCCC Foundation and serve as signature authority on its accounts. Serve as College Treasurer for the Board of Trustees, assess property tax needs, and prepare levy requests.
• Support the Freedom of Information Officer with documentation requests.

Minimum Training and Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

• Master’s degree in business administration, Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, or a closely related field (MBA, MPA preferred). Candidates with a bachelor’s degree and extensive, relevant experience may be considered based on comprehensive evaluation of experience and demonstrated competency in the field.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential highly preferred.
• Significant, progressively responsible experience (7-10+ years) in financial and operational management and administrative leadership, ideally in higher education (community college setting preferred).
• Experience with capital projects, facilities management, and collective bargaining environments preferred.
• Working knowledge of fund accounting in a public finance setting.

Critical Skills and Competencies

• Strategic Multitasking: Ability to manage multiple, competing priorities across administrative and communications functions.
• Analytical Expertise: Excellent problem-solving skills, particularly in addressing complex financial and operational challenges.
• Leadership & Team Development: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop diverse teams in a collaborative environment.
• Communication Mastery: Outstanding oral and written communication skills, with the ability to translate technical and financial information for varied audiences.
• Financial Acumen: Expertise in strategic planning, budgeting, and financial modeling, with a clear understanding of GAAP and a commitment to fiscal transparency.
• Technical Proficiency: Skilled in spreadsheet, word processing, and presentation software; familiarity with enterprise systems and digital communication platforms.
• Mission-Driven Mindset: Demonstrated commitment to the mission of community colleges and the ability to work effectively with diverse populations and stakeholders.
• Relationship Building: Strong interpersonal skills to foster trust and collaboration with colleagues, subordinates, community partners, and the College Board.
• Crisis & Risk Management: Experience in developing and executing crisis communication plans and risk mitigation strategies.
• Innovation & Adaptability: Capacity to lead change, embrace innovation, and adapt to evolving institutional needs and external environments.

Team Members can expect to be paid a salary between $146,926 to $198,349 alongside an excellent benefits package. The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

Lewis & Clark Community College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Affirmative Action Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, LCCC will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. It is also the policy of the College to prohibit and form of harassment based on an individual’s protected status, such as gender, color, race, ancestry, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, citizenship status, sexual orientation or other protected group status as defined by law. If interested, please contact the Human Resource Department, Erickson Hall – Room 107.