Chief Financial Officer

WHEELING UNIVERSITY•Wheeling, WV

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Wheeling University invites applicants for its Chief Financial Officer (CFO) position. The CFO serves as the University's senior financial officer and provides strategic leadership and oversight of all financial operations of the University. The ideal candidate would responsible for ensuring the University's financial stability, sustainability, compliance, and effective stewardship of institutional resources. They provide financial analysis and guidance to the President, Cabinet, Board of Trustees, and other University leaders to support strategic planning and informed decision-making. The CFO oversees budgeting, financial reporting, accounting, treasury and cash management, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, purchasing, financial controls, audits, and other financial functions. They also work collaboratively with academic and administrative leaders to develop and implement financial strategies that advance the University's mission, vision, and strategic priorities.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, economics, or a related field required.
Minimum of seven to ten years of progressively responsible experience in finance, accounting, or financial management, including significant leadership or executive-level experience.
Demonstrated experience developing and managing institutional or organizational budgets, financial forecasts, and long-range financial plans.
Experience overseeing accounting operations, financial reporting, audits, internal controls, cash management, and regulatory compliance.
Experience managing and developing financial teams and leading cross-functional initiatives.
Strong knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), financial reporting requirements, budgeting practices, internal controls, and financial risk management.
Strong analytical and financial modeling skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data and translate it into clear recommendations for non-financial stakeholders.
Ability to develop financial strategies and communicate complex financial concepts clearly and effectively to senior leadership, trustees, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders.
Ability to identify financial risks, evaluate alternatives, and make sound recommendations based on financial and operational data.
Strong organizational, problem-solving, decision-making, negotiation, and project management skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and operate effectively in a complex and changing environment.
Demonstrated ability to establish effective working relationships with the President, Board of Trustees, Cabinet, faculty, staff, students, vendors, auditors, financial institutions, and other internal and external stakeholders.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, financial management systems, accounting software, and other business applications, with the ability to learn and effectively use University-specific systems.
Commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, confidentiality, accountability, and ethical financial stewardship.
Commitment to supporting and advancing the mission, vision, and values of a Catholic university.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in business administration, finance, accounting, or a related field preferred.
CPA, CMA, or other relevant professional financial certification preferred.
Experience in higher education, nonprofit, healthcare, governmental, or similarly complex organizational environments preferred.
Knowledge of higher education financial operations, including tuition and fee revenue, financial aid, enrollment-related forecasting, restricted funds, grants, auxiliary operations, and institutional reporting preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and oversight of the University's financial operations, ensuring sound financial management, fiscal responsibility, and alignment with the University's mission, strategic plan, and long-term objectives.
Serve as a key financial advisor to the President, Cabinet, Board of Trustees, Finance Committee, and other University leadership on financial matters, institutional priorities, financial risks, and opportunities.
Develop, coordinate, and oversee the University's annual operating budget and long-range financial plans, including revenue and expenditure projections, enrollment assumptions, cash flow projections, and financial forecasting.
Monitor the University's financial performance and provide regular financial reports, analyses, forecasts, and recommendations to senior leadership and the Board of Trustees.
Oversee the University's accounting operations and financial reporting, ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial records and reports.
Establish, maintain, and monitor appropriate internal financial controls, policies, procedures, and processes to safeguard University assets and ensure effective financial stewardship.
Direct the preparation and completion of the University's annual financial statements, external audit, tax filings, and other required financial reports and regulatory submissions.
Serve as the primary liaison with external auditors, financial institutions, investment advisors, insurance providers, governmental agencies, and other external financial partners.
Oversee cash management, banking relationships, investments, debt obligations, borrowing activities, and overall liquidity to ensure the University maintains adequate financial resources to meet its obligations.
Monitor accounts receivable, accounts payable, purchasing, payroll, and other financial operations to ensure effective processes, appropriate controls, and compliance with University policies and applicable laws and regulations.
Oversee the University's financial systems and collaborate with Information Technology and other departments to ensure financial systems support accurate reporting, operational efficiency, data integrity, and appropriate access controls.
Develop and implement financial policies and procedures and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, accounting standards, and institutional policies.
Analyze financial trends, enrollment data, operating results, and other relevant information to identify financial risks, opportunities, and strategies for improving the University's financial position.
Collaborate with enrollment, academic, student affairs, advancement, athletics, human resources, and other University departments to assess the financial impact of programs, initiatives, staffing decisions, contracts, and strategic investments.
Provide financial oversight and analysis for capital projects, construction and renovation initiatives, major purchases, contracts, and other significant institutional investments.
Oversee the development and monitoring of financial models and projections to support strategic planning, enrollment planning, capital planning, and institutional decision-making.
Evaluate financial risks and develop strategies to mitigate operational, financial, compliance, and business risks.
Oversee insurance programs, risk management activities, and other financial protection strategies in collaboration with appropriate University personnel and external advisors.
Review and negotiate financial aspects of contracts, agreements, vendor relationships, financing arrangements, and other significant business transactions.
Establish financial policies and procedures that promote accountability, transparency, efficiency, and responsible stewardship of University resources.
Lead, develop, and evaluate employees within areas of responsibility; establish performance expectations; provide coaching and professional development; and promote a collaborative, service-oriented culture.
Provide financial education, guidance, and support to department leaders and budget managers to promote sound financial decision-making and budget accountability.
Prepare and present financial information to the Board of Trustees, Finance Committee, President, Cabinet, and other stakeholders as appropriate.
Maintain confidentiality of sensitive financial, personnel, student, and institutional information.
Other duties may be assigned by the President.