Cleary University - Chief Financial Officer

Academic Career & Executive Search • Howell, MI

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist Cleary University in its search for Chief Financial Officer. For full consideration, please apply by May 11, 2026. Cleary University seeks a strategic and entrepreneurial Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to guide the financial strategy of a growing and rapidly evolving private university based in Howell, Michigan. In recent years, Cleary has strengthened its financial foundation, doubled enrollment, and developed a distinctive reputation for accelerated degree pathways serving working adults. These offerings have generated thousands of incremental enrollments with a 78% retention rate and a strong job placement rate, reflecting the strength of Cleary’s workforce-aligned model and its growing regional reputation. Reporting directly to President Alan Drimmer and serving as a key member of the executive leadership team, the CFO will work closely with the President to guide financial strategy, strengthen institutional planning and investments in financial systems, and support the university’s continued growth and innovation. The successful candidate will join a nimble leadership team and help build the financial frameworks needed to support program expansion, national initiatives, and new strategic ventures, while ensuring that financial strategy remains closely aligned with Cleary’s mission of preparing career-ready graduates. Cleary enters this search during a period of continued strategic investment and institutional progress. The University generates approximately $35 million in tuition revenue and is advancing a set of mission-aligned initiatives designed to expand access, improve outcomes, and strengthen its financial position, including: National expansion of Cleary’s accelerated programs in several major metropolitan cities and consideration of a for-profit entity to support growth Development of new schools and academic programs aligned with labor market trends Rollout of an innovative career development pathway model New philanthropy initiatives, including the development of a capital campaign Expansion of campus footprint These initiatives reflect the university’s commitment to disciplined growth and long-term financial strength. In addition, the University has just rolled out its new strategic plan, The Fourth Wave , and the plan presents an exciting opportunity for a CFO to lead financial transformation within a high-growth education model. As the institution scales its nationally expanding adult and online programs—already demonstrating strong revenue generation and retention—while reinvesting in a vibrant residential campus, the CFO will shape a dynamic financial architecture that balances growth, margin, and mission. This role offers the chance to build sophisticated segment-level economics, optimize pricing and discount strategies across diverse student populations, and deploy capital in ways that directly fuel enrollment growth, program innovation, and long-term financial sustainability. The successful candidate will be a collaborative, hands-on financial leader who brings both strategic perspective and strong operational capability. The CFO will serve as a trusted partner to the President and senior leadership team, thrive in a lean and entrepreneurial environment, and share Cleary’s commitment to practical, career-focused education for working adults and diverse student populations. This is an on-site position reporting to the President and units reporting to the CFO include Budget, Accounting, Student Business Office, Payroll, and Facilities.

Requirements

• Knowledge of university administration and the principles and practices of financial management
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and complex tasks simultaneously
• Experience with automated accounting systems and financial reporting tools
• Ability to build effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders across the university
• Demonstrated leadership ability, including supervising staff, delegating responsibilities, and fostering a collaborative team environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain a high level of confidentiality, and uphold institutional policies and priorities
• Demonstrated ability to connect financial strategy with institutional mission and student outcomes
• Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, accounting, or a related field
• Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in accounting or financial management in progressively responsible positions within a higher education institution; Or Five (5) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in financial planning, budgeting, and financial operations

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in finance, business, accounting, or a related field
• CPA certification

Responsibilities

• Oversees all university budgeting, accounting, financial analysis, and financial reporting functions and ensures that the university’s financial statements adhere to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), working closely with external auditors.
• Oversees tax reporting and ensures that university operations comply with Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations and applicable State of Michigan requirements.
• Develops and implements policies, standards, and procedures related to the university’s financial operations and ensures appropriate legal and regulatory compliance.
• Serve as a strategic partner to the President and executive leadership team in aligning financial planning with institutional priorities, program innovation, and long-term growth initiatives
• Develop and monitor financial models, analyses, and interpretation of statistical and accounting information to assess operating results
• Oversee the University’s system of accounts and records on all University transactions and assets
• Coordinate and direct the preparation of the budget and financial forecasts
• Establish major financial objectives and policies for the institution and prepare reports that outline the University’s financial position in the areas of income, expenses and earnings based on past, present and future operations
• Collaborate with advancement leadership to support evolving philanthropic efforts and ensure strong financial infrastructure for future fundraising initiatives

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees