Chief Financial Officer

Northeastern University•Boston, MA

11d

About The Position

Northeastern University seeks a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to serve as its senior financial executive and provide strategic and operational leadership for the University's financial affairs. Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Finance & Administration, the CFO is responsible for long-term financial sustainability, financial integrity, regulatory compliance, and prudent stewardship of resources in support of the University's academic, research, student, and institutional mission. The CFO leads the development and execution of the University's financial strategy and partners with the President, Board of Trustees and its Finance, Audit and Risk, and Investment Committees, and academic and administrative leaders to turn institutional priorities into sustainable financial strategies and decisions. The CFO advises the President and University leadership with clear, timely, actionable analysis of financial performance, risks, opportunities, and the long-term implications of institutional decisions. The CFO also represents the University to external constituencies, including credit rating agencies, bondholders and the municipal securities market, external and federal auditors, banking and investment partners, donors, and regulatory agencies. The CFO fosters accountability, transparency, collaboration, and continuous improvement; ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, accounting standards, and University policies; and builds a finance organization known for analytical rigor, service orientation, and integrity.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, economics, or a related field.
At least 15 years of progressively responsible financial management experience, including at least 5 years leading a complex finance organization at a senior executive level.
Demonstrated experience in budgeting, financial planning and analysis, accounting, financial reporting, treasury and debt management, capital planning, endowment management, and financial risk management.
Experience advising senior executives and governing boards on complex financial matters, and translating technical financial information into clear, actionable guidance for non-financial audiences.
Experience managing significant budgets, financial resources, and organizational complexity within a decentralized, multi-unit enterprise.
Demonstrated ability to develop and execute long-term financial strategies, including multi-year financial modeling, scenario planning, and sensitivity analysis.
Experience with higher education financial models, including tuition revenue, enrollment forecasting, restricted funds, endowment resources and spending policy, sponsored research and facilities and administrative (F&A) cost recovery, financial aid discounting, auxiliaries, and capital financing.
Experience with institutional transformation, financial restructuring, or significant organizational change.
Senior financial leadership experience in higher education or another complex, mission-driven organization.

Responsibilities

Oversee the development and execution of the University's financial strategy.
Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning and analysis.
Oversee accounting and financial reporting.
Oversee treasury and cash management.
Lead debt and capital planning.
Provide endowment leadership.
Oversee tax compliance and reporting.
Oversee procurement and payroll.
Manage internal controls and financial risk.
Partner with the President, Board of Trustees and its committees, and academic and administrative leaders to develop sustainable financial strategies and decisions.
Advise the President and University leadership by providing analysis of financial performance, risks, opportunities, and the long-term implications of institutional decisions.
Represent the University to external constituencies, including credit rating agencies, bondholders and the municipal securities market, auditors, banking and investment partners, donors, and regulatory agencies.
Foster accountability, transparency, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, accounting standards, and University policies.
Build a finance organization recognized for analytical rigor, service orientation, and integrity.