Director of Finance

Bennett College • Greensboro, NC

35d • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Finance serves as the College's chief financial executive and is responsible for the leadership, management, and integrity of all financial operations. The Director provides strategic financial guidance to the President and Board of Trustees while ensuring strong financial controls, accurate reporting, regulatory compliance, and effective stewardship of College resources. The Director of Finance works with leadership throughout the organization to set and achieve strategic objectives. The Director of Finance is a full-time, exempt member of the College’s leadership team and reports directly to the President. The position typically operates during standard business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; however, the demands of the role require flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and other hours as necessary to support institutional operations, Board engagements, financial reporting cycles, and strategic initiatives. This position carries broad responsibility for advancing the College’s financial stewardship and operational effectiveness. Accordingly, the duties and responsibilities outlined herein are representative in nature and should not be construed as an exhaustive list. The Director of Finance is expected to undertake additional responsibilities and special projects as assigned by the President in support of the College’s mission, strategic priorities, and long-term sustainability.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required.
• CPA strongly preferred.
• MBA, CMA, or master's degree desirable.
• Eight to ten years of progressively responsible accounting or finance leadership experience, preferably in higher education or nonprofit organizations.
• Demonstrated experience with budgeting.
• Experience managing audits.
• Knowledge of federal grants.
• Experience developing internal controls.
• Strong Excel and financial systems skills.
• Ability to communicate complex financial information to non-financial audiences.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to organize, prioritize and solve problems with frequent interruptions
• Computer literacy and knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
• Supports Bennett College’s mission statement and core values.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic financial leadership to the College and serve as the President's principal advisor on financial matters.
• Advise the President and Board regarding financial strategy.
• Prepare and present financial reports to the President, Board of Trustees, and Finance Committee.
• Lead annual budgeting and long-term financial planning.
• Prepare financial analyses to support institutional decision-making.
• Serve as principal liaison to external auditors, banks, regulators, and consultants.
• Develop and oversee the College's annual operating and capital budgets in collaboration with campus leadership.
• Develop and implement financial policies.
• Direct the College's accounting operations and ensure the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of all financial reporting.
• Oversee monthly and annual financial close processes and oversee the preparation of financial statements.
• Prepare and present financial reports, analyses, and recommendations to the President, Board of Trustees, and Finance Committee.
• Establish, implement, and maintain effective internal controls, financial policies, and accounting procedures that safeguard College assets.
• Develop and maintain rolling cash flow forecasts and develop strategies to maintain adequate liquidity.
• Develop strategies to strengthen financial sustainability.
• Manage the College's banking relationships, treasury functions, and cash management activities.
• Provide oversight and stewardship of investments and endowment funds, applying and managing the College’s investment policy.
• Develop and manage strategic approach to the College’s debt.
• Serve as the College's principal liaison with external auditors, financial institutions, regulatory agencies, consultants, and other external stakeholders.
• Ensure timely preparation and submittal of annual audit and Form 990, as well as other federal report requirements.
• In collaboration with other departments, provide financial review and approval of grant budgets, funding proposals and reporting requirements
• Supervise, mentor, and develop Business Office personnel while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Build a culture of accountability and customer service.
• Continually improve business processes.
• Partner with enrollment, advancement and academic leadership on financial planning

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director