CFO & VP Administration

FRIENDS UNIVERSITY•Wichita, KS

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The CFO & VP Administration leads and manages the university’s financial operations and serves on the President’s Cabinet. The position provides executive direction for financial planning, budgeting and budget analysis, accounting operations, financial controls and reporting, oversight of investment and endowment assets, and university audits. It also guides long-term planning for 30 buildings across 54 acres, working with architects, engineers, and contractors to protect and improve the campus. The role oversees finance, Student Account Services, Information Technology, and Physical Plant. It is accountable to the Board of Trustees for financial reporting and presents financial results to the Audit & Finance Committee, the Investment Committee, and the full Board. The position also supports university policy development and works regularly with department heads, administrators, and faculty on finance and budget administration.

Requirements

A minimum of 8 to 10 years of experience in finance and/or accounting management with supervisory experience.
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, higher education administration, or a related area.
Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with college faculty, staff, administrators, governing boards, and students.
Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex information to varied audiences.
Working knowledge of property and liability insurance, broker management, and claims.
Ability to read construction documents, evaluate bids, and hold contractors accountable to contract terms.
Strong computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office applications and Ellucian Banner and/or other ERP systems supporting higher education.

Nice To Haves

Higher education and nonprofit experience.
A master’s degree and/or CPA.

Responsibilities

Oversee the day-to-day operation of the finance department and maintain forecasting, budgeting, and reporting systems that support strategic objectives.
Facilitate budget development and collaborate on annual budget recommendations.
Oversee investment activities and supervise endowment and restricted fund activities, including appropriate use and monitoring.
Oversee university debt and make recommendations.
Manage vendor contracts for global services, including property and risk policies, utilities, housekeeping, campus construction, and food services.
Maintain the integrity of university accounting through policy, procedures, and an appropriate audit function.
Provide financial benchmarking tools; interpret and present key financial data and trends; and develop comprehensive profit and cost models for analysis.
Serve as the primary liaison for legal, accounting, audit, and tax services.
Ensure compliance with recognized accounting and financial standards and support the university’s short- and long-term financial health.
Provide executive oversight of facilities, grounds, and property functions; set standards, priorities, and budgets; and develop direct reports.
Manage the deferred maintenance plan, including building condition assessments, funding schedules, and annual project lists.
Serve as the university’s principal contact with architects, engineers, and contractors on capital projects from scope through closeout.
Review bids, negotiate contracts, and monitor project budgets, schedules, and quality of work.
Manage property and liability insurance with the broker, including annual renewals, property valuations, and claims.
Present financial results and analysis to the Board of Trustees, the Audit & Finance Committee, and the Investment Committee to support university and Board decisions.
Oversee investment and endowment assets, including policy, manager selection, and due diligence.
Supervise Finance, Student Account Services, Information Technology, and Physical Plant; hire, train, direct, and evaluate employees in those departments.
Assist in formulating and executing university policies, objectives, and programs.
Meet and consult regularly with university department heads, administrators, and faculty regarding finance and budget administration.