Assistant Vice President for Finance

Gwynedd Mercy University•Lower Gwynedd Township, PA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Vice President for Finance (AVP) provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the University’s core accounting, financial reporting, payroll, student billing, and budgetary operations. The AVP supervises university-wide accounting processes, including general accounting, grant accounting, and financial and regulatory reporting, and directs activities that ensure the integrity, transparency, and compliance of the University’s financial operations, including payroll administration. The AVP is responsible for developing and maintaining effective systems of internal controls; ensuring compliance with accounting standards, federal and state regulations, and institutional policies; facilitating internal and external audits; and delivering timely, accurate, and actionable financial information for university leadership, the Board of Trustees, and external stakeholders. The role fosters strong partnerships with academic and administrative units to support data-informed decision-making and institutional priorities. As a visible university leader, the AVP champions the adoption of modern financial systems, technologies, and business processes to improve efficiency, strengthen constituent engagement, and enhance the student experience. This position is critical in positioning the University for long-term financial sustainability, operational excellence, and strategic growth. The AVP oversees all accounting, financial reporting, and compliance operations of the University, including Financial Reporting and Accounting, capital asset management, payroll, and student accounts. The role includes direct supervision of 3–5 professional staff and indirect supervision of additional functional areas. Reporting to the Vice President for Finance & Administration / Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the AVP provides strategic direction for financial management, fiscal policy implementation, internal controls, and audit coordination. The AVP for Finance exercises operational and managerial authority consistent with policies, delegations, and strategic direction established by the CFO. The ideal candidate is a collaborative, service-oriented leader with deep technical expertise in private-sector higher education and not-for-profit accounting, FASB and GAAP reporting, and enterprise financial systems, along with a strong commitment to GMercyU’s mission. This position supports the University’s mission and core values by ensuring sound fiscal stewardship, regulatory compliance, and the efficient use of financial resources. The AVP serves as the functional owner of the University’s finance system modules and ensures the continuous improvement of accounting systems and processes. The AVP promotes a high-performing, positive, diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace culture that values collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field from an accredited institution, or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible accounting experience.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or equivalent professional designation preferred.
Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive accounting experience, including significant supervisory responsibility.
Demonstrated knowledge of GAAP, FASB standards, and regulatory requirements applicable to higher education and/or not-for-profit organizations.
Experience preparing complex financial statements and managing audits.
Experience leading financial systems implementations or major process redesign initiatives.
Proficiency in ERP systems (Ellucian Colleague preferred) and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills.
Demonstrated commitment to inclusive excellence, collaboration, and service-oriented leadership.
This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, candidates must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and work collaboratively in team environments
Ability to use software employed to quantify and illustrate complex financial reports.
Ability to establish, direct, and enforce financial control systems, policies, and procedures.
Ability to gather data, analyze and compile information, and prepare reports.
Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with a wide range of constituents.
Ability to select, manage, develop, and empower the people who are part of the Finance, Financial Aid, Student Billing, and Payroll Offices’ teams.
Ability to effectively prioritize and solve complex problems while making decisions with an entrepreneurial mindset.
Strong project management, organizational and planning skills.
A proven record of redesigning and streamlining processes for efficiency and effectiveness.
Demonstrated cross-cultural competencies, including strong emotional intelligence and the ability to engage and build relationships with university constituents.
Ability to speak and write effectively and design quality presentations.
Excellent presentation, interpersonal, listening, and communication/conflict resolution skills.
Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and build trust with constituents.
Thorough understanding of GAAP and relevant FASB pronouncements.
Extensive knowledge, training, and experience of accounting and auditing standards and regulations.
Knowledge and understanding of university operations and board governance.
Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures
Visionary leader able to manage stakeholder engagement.
Organizational capacity building with proven effectiveness and expertise in fiscal management and administration and operational strategies.
Excellent communication skills. Ability to speak and write effectively and design quality presentations.
Language Skills - Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, financial reports and federal regulations. Ability to respond to inquiries from intra-campus offices or regulatory agencies. Ability to provide explanations for financial transactions and general ledger activity to both the auditors and senior management. Ability to write and proofread financial statements, memos, and external and board communications.
Mathematical Skills - Strong accounting background required. Ability to work with data to create comprehensive reports. Familiarity with statistics, percentages and discounts.
Reasoning Ability - Ability to apply principles of logical thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables. Ability to prepare reports for data utilized.
Interpersonal Skills - Ability to interact effectively and professionally with others. Ability to respond to individuals who may be concerned with a complaint or issue.

Nice To Haves

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or equivalent professional designation preferred.
Proficiency in ERP systems (Ellucian Colleague preferred)

Responsibilities

Build and sustain strong, collaborative relationships across the university to understand operational needs, align priorities, and deliver high-value financial services.
Provide strategic leadership for accounting, financial reporting, payroll, and related business services with an emphasis on proactive service delivery and operational excellence.
Maintain advanced expertise in accounting and finance by monitoring regulatory developments, industry trends, leading practices, and emerging technologies.
Prepare and present financial materials and analyses to the University’s Board of Trustees and senior leadership in the CFO’s absence.
Lead the evaluation and adoption of financial technologies that modernize systems, enhance transparency, and improve institutional outcomes and student experiences.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and university regulations while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation and assesses the impact of substantive changes in regulations and legislation.
Ensure compliance with FERPA, data privacy, and information security standards applicable to financial and student records.
In accordance with Board policy and written delegation from the CFO, exercise delegated contract signature authority and manage appropriate sub-delegations to support efficient university operations.
Advise senior leadership of regulatory, accounting, or policy changes that may impact the University and implement corresponding updates to internal practices.
Provide campus-wide guidance on accounting policies, procedures, and best practices for financial stewardship and internal control.
Collaborate across departments to resolve issues, streamline processes, and balance customer service with sound internal controls and accounting integrity.
Oversee university-wide accounting operations to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with GAAP, FASB standards, donor restrictions, and regulatory requirements.
Lead preparation of the University’s annual audited financial statements and all required internal and external financial reporting.
Oversee Student Billing, Financial Aid, payroll operations, and the Campbell Solution Center to ensure efficient, student-centered financial services.
Develop, implement, document, and maintain financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
Provide guidance and oversight for internal and external audits, including financial, compliance, and operational audits.
Performs complex management and financial analysis.
Ensure timely resolution of audit findings and implementation of corrective actions.
Monitor operating cash, investments, and banking activity in partnership with the VP for Finance & Administration / CFO to enhance liquidity, cash flow, and investment performance.
Ensure timely month-end, quarter-end, and fiscal year-end close processes, including balance sheet reconciliations and resolution of reconciling items.
Oversee preparation of regulatory filings, including Form 990, loan compliance reports, grant-related financial reports, and other required federal and state submissions.
Maintain oversight of the general ledger system, including chart of accounts design, reporting structures, and data integrity.
Track and report on grant activity, capital assets, depreciation, endowments, and restricted funds.
Ensure compliance with escheatment, cash handling, and asset management requirements.
Develop and implement continuous process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and service quality within Finance.
Work closely with budget managers for budget-to-actual tracking, updating projections, and preparing budgets for the upcoming fiscal year.
Evaluate the effectiveness of financial internal controls at the University and implements changes in consultation with the VP of Administration and Finance/CFO
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of accounting and financial professionals through effective hiring, onboarding, goal-setting, coaching, and performance evaluation.
Foster a culture of service excellence, accountability, inclusion, and continuous improvement through clear communication and professional development.
Provide fiscal leadership for departmental budgets, ensuring effective planning, monitoring, and accountability
Oversee shared service center functions to ensure timely reporting, appropriate internal controls, meaningful performance metrics, and a strong client-focused approach.
Lead and support strategic initiatives and cross-functional projects as assigned.
Assess financial impacts of major institutional policies, initiatives, and operational decisions.
Supervise month-end and year-end close activities and oversee development of enhanced financial reporting formats.
Supervise staff in general accounting, payroll, and student accounts. Supervisory and payroll-related activities are conducted in coordination with Human Resources and in compliance with applicable labor and employment laws
Provide oversight and support to the Finance, Budgeting, Payroll, Student Billing, Campbell Solution Center, and Financial Aid teams.
Participate in the University’s internal internship program by mentoring and hosting finance interns, as applicable.
Provide overall leadership, supervision, and coaching to direct reports in areas of responsibility, including the evaluation of performance in relation to strategic goals, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development. Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with all departments through gaining an understanding of their purpose and objectives.
Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the University's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; verifying timecards; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
Contribute financial expertise to cross-campus committees, task forces, and initiatives.
Serve as a visible thought leader modeling collaboration, adaptability, and innovation.
Participate in university-wide planning, assessment, accreditation, and strategic initiatives.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the Vice President for Finance & Administration / CFO or President.