Vice President for Finance and Administration

Position Summary: The Vice President for Finance and Administration ("VPFA") is a key member of the senior leadership team. Reporting directly to the university President, the VPFA supports the mission and strategic direction of the University and is responsible for assuring the wise stewardship of the university's resources. In addition, the VPFA develops and oversees the preparation of financial analyses, modeling, and metrics necessary to support strategic decisions and is regularly called upon to help fashion and promote senior administration's vision by presenting supporting data in a format suitable for sophisticated stakeholders as well as other audiences with minimal financial acumen. The VPFA is responsible for developing and executing a sustainable financial model for the university that anticipates and responds to the opportunities and challenges inherent in the higher education environment. They oversee the management of operating and personnel budgets, financial reporting, forecasting that accurately anticipates risk, and return and cost analysis. The VPFA oversees the Business Office (finance and accounting), budget office, facilities management, and other administrative services. Primary Responsibilities: Strategy, Planning, and Management: Assess and evaluate the financial performance of the institution with regard to long-term operational goals, budgets, and forecasts. Key participant in the strategic planning of the institution, including as a member of the President's Cabinet. Evaluate departments reporting to the VPFA for efficiency and make recommendations for automating processes, increasing work efficiency, and improving accuracy of work. Create and establish yearly financial objectives that align with the university's plan for growth. In collaboration with the President, select and engage auditors, investors, bankers, and consultants. Recruit, hire, manage, and coach staff of reporting departments. Implement policies and procedures as deemed appropriate. Financial Analysis, Budgeting and Forecasting: Prepare and present quarterly financial budgeting reports including forecast vs budget and cash flow. Review and analyze monthly financial results and provide recommendations. Identify, develop, and execute analysis of business initiatives, program and/or service offerings. Develop and maintain monthly operating budget and annual operating budget. Manage financial planning and supervise creation of reports, software implementation and tools for budgeting and forecasting. Accounting, General Ledger, Administration, and Operations: Review and ensure application of appropriate internal controls, compliance, and financial procedures. Ensure timeliness and accuracy of financial and management reporting data for federal funders, foundations, investors, and the board of trustees. Oversee the preparation and communication of financial statements. Work with Human Resources, Financial Aid, and Advancement to ensure appropriate legal compliance. Review all month and year-end reconciliation and closing procedures. Enhance and implement financial and accounting systems, processes, tools, and controls. Remain current on audit best practices as well as state, federal, and local laws regarding university operations. Financial Management: Manage cash flow planning process and ensure funds availability. Oversee cash, investments, and asset management area. Maintain outstanding banking relationships and strategic alliances with vendors and business partners. Utilize forward-looking models and activity-based analysis to provide financial insight in the organization's plans and operating budgets. Supervise accounts receivables management and provide guidance relating to the collection process. Administration: Oversee Building & Grounds department including identification and assessment of campus-wide capital renewal and deferred maintenance needs. Responsible for the execution of regulations and safety standards on campus. Oversee Event management. Negotiate university contracts. Other duties and responsibilities as needed and assigned. Skills and Experience : Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance. CPA strongly preferred. MBA or Master's degree in a related field of business preferred. Seven years' minimum experience as a controller, budget manager or CFO in higher education . 7+ years of progressive accounting or finance management experience. Solid background, knowledge and understanding of NACUBO, GAAP, compliance standards etc. Forecasting, modeling and budgeting experience a must Significant experience working with external auditors, internal controls and compliance-related issues. Outstanding communication and presentation skills, including experience giving presentation to C-Suite Understanding of and ability to negotiate complex contracts. Demonstrated leadership ability, confidence and executive presence with a proven ability to coach and motivate staff. Excellent analytical, reasoning and problem-solving skills. Must model behavior that reflects the highest ethical and professional standards, exemplifying best practices in job performance, supervisor and staff development. Strong ability to lead in a collaborative manner with a wide range of internal and external constituencies as well as excellent interpersonal and team building capabilities. Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each primary duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform primary functions. Physical Demands: May be required to lift up to 20 lbs. Must reach, bend, stoop, lift Must sit, walk or stand Some repetitive motion may be required Working Conditions: Varying workflow; sometimes stressful with high workload times of the year Complete work required within a limited space Complete work required within a limited time Mount Mary University encourages applications from all qualified candidates and is vitally committed to all aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome and encourage applications from qualified candidates and all will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, ethnicity, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, or any other groups protected by law. Mount Mary seeks to hire and retain personnel who will make a positive contribution to its mission, vision, and values. For more information about diversity, equity, and inclusion at Mount Mary please visit

Created: 2024-10-19