Vice President for Business Affairs and Chief Financial Officer (VPBA & CFO) - University of Nevada Las Vegas [R0149531]

University of Nevada Las Vegas•Las Vegas, MD

32d

About The Position

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) invites nominations and applications for the position of Vice President for Business Affairs and Chief Financial Officer (VPBA & CFO). This is an exceptional opportunity for a forward-thinking and results-oriented financial leader to guide one of the nation’s most dynamic public research universities. Reporting directly to the President, and collaborating closely with the Executive Vice President and Provost and other President’s Cabinet leaders, the VPBA & CFO will provide strategic leadership and fiscal stewardship for UNLV’s financial, physical, and operational resources, overseeing an institutional budget of approximately $1 billion annually. UNLV stands at a pivotal moment of growth and opportunity. As a Carnegie R1 research institution, UNLV continues to strengthen its academic enterprise, expand research and innovation, and serve as a driver of economic and community development in Nevada and beyond. The next VPBA & CFO will play a central role in advancing these efforts by ensuring that the university’s financial and operational strategies enable continued success and sustainability. The VPBA & CFO serves as the university’s senior financial and administrative officer and a key member of the President’s Cabinet. The VPBA & CFO is responsible for developing and implementing financial strategies that support UNLV’s mission, priorities, and long-term success. This leader will guide the effective use of financial, physical, and operational resources while promoting transparency, accountability, and innovation across all business functions. The VPBA & CFO oversees key functions including financial services, budgeting and planning, facilities management, real estate, planning and construction, compliance, and other support services. The individual in this role will provide strategic counsel to the President and collaborate closely with the Provost, the President’s Cabinet, senior leaders, deans, and campus partners to ensure that financial decisions align with UNLV’s strategic plan and position UNLV for sustainable growth and excellence. Externally, the VPBA & CFO represents UNLV on the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Business Officers Council and works closely with the NSHE System Office, the Board of Regents, and state and local government agencies on financial and operational matters. The VPBA & CFO also engages with external auditors, consultants, and community partners to advance UNLV’s fiscal and strategic interests.

Requirements

This position requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in business, finance, accounting, public administration, or a related field from an accredited college or university as recognized by the United States Department of Education and/or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), and at least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in financial or administrative leadership
Credentials must be obtained prior to the employment start date.
UNLV may consider additional relevant experience in place of formal education requirements: In lieu of a bachelor’s degree, applicants may qualify with four additional years of relevant experience, or with an associate's degree plus two additional years of relevant experience.
For positions requiring a master’s degree, acceptable equivalents include: Six additional years of relevant experience A bachelor’s degree plus two additional years of relevant experience An associate degree plus four additional years of relevant experience

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in business, finance, accounting, or a related field
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) / Certified Financial Analyst
Senior-level experience in a higher education institution or a similarly complex public organization
Experience working within a shared governance environment
Experience with UNLV or NSHE policies, procedures, and systems

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership in financial planning, budgeting, capital investment, and fiscal policy to advance UNLV’s mission and strategic plan.
Serve as a senior advisor to the President on institutional financial matters, resource allocation, and strategic investment.
Oversee financial operations and resource management, ensuring compliance with state, federal, and system regulations.
Guide facilities, infrastructure, and real estate planning to support growth, modernization, and sustainability.
Maintain internal controls, fiscal accountability, and transparency in reporting and decision-making.
Collaborate with NSHE, the Board of Regents, and state and local government agencies on fiscal and operational initiatives.
Foster a culture of service, efficiency, and innovation within the Business Affairs division.
Represent UNLV in community and state forums, and serve on boards such as UNLV Health, the UNLV Research Foundation, and UNLV Foundation committees.