Vice President, Finance and Business Operations and Chief Financial Officer

Youngstown State University•Youngstown, OH

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Serves as the Chief Financial Officer of the university, providing leadership and direction to the Division of Finance and Business Operations. As an executive officer of the university, maintains overall leadership for a division or unit. As university officials, each has the responsibility to represent the university and provide leadership in the specified areas. Executive officers serve as primary advisors and members of the president’s cabinet (the university’s executive leadership team), setting the overall direction and strategy of the university. Responsible for a major administrative division; develops and articulates a clear vision for the assigned area, aligning with the university’s overall strategic goals. Oversees operations and provides leadership, including supervision of staff and implementation and administration of all programs and/or services. Develops guidelines and processes in accordance with policies and procedures for lower-level employees. Creates, develops, and interprets regulations, policies, etc. for the guidance of other employees or the public. May serve as designee of the president as assigned.

Requirements

At least a master’s degree in business administration, finance, accounting, or another related field; or an equivalent combination of at least a bachelor’s degree and experience.
At least ten years’ total financial background, including at least five years of supervisory experience.
Demonstrated understanding of a leadership role in a complex setting.
Experience working with boards, businesses, and/or community groups.
Demonstrated experience in providing leadership in developing and achieving institutional strategic plans.
Knowledge of: strategic planning process; policy administration; process improvement; supervisory techniques; university policies and procedures; office practices and procedures; department/division goals and objectives; department/division policies and procedures; workplace safety practices and procedures; English grammar and spelling; records management; office management; project management.
Skill in: financial modeling; ERP (SaaS)/financial systems administration; executive-level presentation of financial data.
Ability to: determine material and equipment needs; compile and prepare reports; use proper research methods to gather data; understand a variety of written and/or verbal communications; prepare accurate documentation; effectively interact with personnel and public to answer routine and non-routine questions; train or instruct others; move quickly and effectively from one task to another; work independently and in a team environment; develop and maintain effective working relationships.
Must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Nice To Haves

Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
Experience working professionally in a higher education environment.
A record of leadership in developing services that promote a student-centered quality service environment.
Demonstrated ability to act as a consensus builder with strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills.
Demonstrated public speaking and presentation skills.
Experience with Banner or other comprehensive ERP system.
Experience working in a collective bargaining environment.

Responsibilities

Working closely with the president, provost, cabinet, and YSU Board of Trustees, helps develop and lead the long-term strategic initiatives of the university and provides the financial guidance that supports the overall strategic plan and goals.
Provides leadership to the Division of Finance and Business Operations and evaluates the work of other administrators.
Responsible functions include accounting, budget planning, payroll, purchasing and contract management, cash management and investments, capital planning, facilities maintenance, environmental health and safety, information technology services, campus police, and other financial or support services as assigned by the president.
Implements and oversees fiscal policies and the internal control structure of the university.
Oversees the internal and external audit functions.
Responsible for reporting accurate, timely, and transparent financial information.
Manages institutional risk, policy development, and regulatory compliance.
Serves as the liaison with the Finance and Facilities and Investment Committees of the Board of Trustees, including its Audit sub-committee.
Develops plans, in concert with appropriate administrators, for institutional operations and capital projects, develops and implements appropriate financing.
Ensures compliance with university policy as well as state and federal laws related to financial matters.
Coordinates the development of the Facilities Master Plan and submission of the biennial capital budget.
Manages, reviews, and executes contracts.
Provides leadership and direction on critical projects affecting the university.
Drives collaboration across the organization; identifies needs and develops scalable solutions by working with various teams.
Prioritizes objectives and implements strategies; contributes to achieving university initiatives as part of the leadership team.
Deploys data and research; uses data-driven insights to drive cross-functional prioritization.
Forms and leads internal teams.
Builds and maintains relationships with partners, stakeholders, and the community.
Maintains awareness of both the external and internal competitive landscape, opportunities for growth, industry developments, and standards.
Identifies and pursues opportunities for organizational growth and expansion.
Leads efforts to innovate and improve services and programs.
Monitors industry trends and adapts strategies accordingly.
Utilizes reports and other information/documentation in strategic, and regular, planning of the assigned area; prepares reports, recommendations, and other information/documentation to assist in strategic planning of the assigned area as well as university wide.
Reviews recommendations by lower-level staff regarding the assigned area’s policies and procedures as it relates to completion of work and/or provision of services; prepares recommendations regarding the assigned area’s policies and procedures as it relates to completion of work and/or provision of services.
Leads initiatives that span multiple departments, serves as a primary decision-maker for cross-functional projects that impact areas beyond the position’s direct oversight.
Provides general oversight and administration of any assigned program, initiative, or objective, including supervision of staff.
Assigns and reviews work; establishes timeframes for the completion of assigned tasks; trains and orients new employees; approves/disapproves requests for paid leaves; interviews candidates for employment and makes recommendations for hire; evaluates employee work performance; receives and responds to grievances; helps with the development of unit work procedures and policies.
Onboards direct reports and division leadership.
Performs other duties as assigned and/or required that are within the level of responsibility for this classification at the discretion of the supervisor.