University of St Thomas-posted 3 days ago
$315,000 - $355,000/Yr
Full-time • Executive
St. Paul, MN
1,001-5,000 employees

The University of St. Thomas invites nominations and applications for the position of vice president for business affairs and chief financial officer (CFO). This is a pivotal leadership opportunity at one of the nation’s leading Catholic universities—an institution committed to educating morally responsible leaders who advance the common good. The CFO will play a central role in shaping the financial and operational future of a mission-driven university poised for continued growth and transformation. A full Leadership Profile can be found on Witt Kieffer's website here: https://wittkieffer.com/positions/201649 As the University advances its ambitious goals, the CFO will serve as a key architect of financial strategy, institutional stewardship, and operational excellence. Reporting directly to President Vischer and serving on the president’s cabinet and senior staff, the CFO oversees a broad portfolio including finance, facilities, auxiliary services, public safety, purchasing, and campus operations. The CFO leads a team of 289 staff and manages an operating budget of $297 million. Reporting directly to the president, the vice president for business affairs and chief financial officer (CFO) is the University’s chief business and financial officer and treasurer. Acting as a strategic partner and trusted advisor to the president, this position provides financial stewardship and operational oversight across a broad range of business and administrative functions. The CFO collaborates closely with the president, provost, and other senior leaders to guide the institution's strategic direction and is responsible for stewarding the University's $297 million budget. This role demands executive presence, operational expertise, and financial acumen to foster collaboration, build trust, and deliver results across diverse University functions. As a member of the president’s cabinet and senior staff, the CFO advances the University’s mission by integrating financial, business, and operational management into strategic decision-making, ensuring long-term sustainability, operational excellence, and community well-being. The CFO works closely with the Board of Trustees and staffs the Audit/Finance, Physical Facilities, and Investment Committees. The CFO manages a team of six direct reports and 289 total FTEs.

  • Leads development and oversight of annual and multi-year budgets, capital planning, and financial forecasting.
  • Directs institution-wide financial and operational analysis, including enrollment modeling, cash flow, risk analysis, auxiliary enterprise revenue, and scenario planning.
  • Provides executive oversight of Facilities Management, including capital projects, maintenance, sustainability, and space planning.
  • Advises the president and cabinet; represents business affairs to the Board of Trustees; and ensures alignment of business strategy with institutional priorities.
  • Provides executive oversight for accounting, receivables, payables, purchasing, insurance, and financial systems.
  • Oversees dining services, Conferences and Events, Campus Stores, and Parking and Public Safety, ensuring high-quality services, financial sustainability, and customer satisfaction.
  • Leads both financial and business affairs, ensuring operational excellence, compliance, and fiscal sustainability.
  • Develops and guides the strategic financial plan; directs and oversees the annual operating and capital budget processes and financial reporting systems.
  • Analyzes economic and industry trends, providing proactive guidance to executive leadership.
  • Holds fiduciary responsibility for safeguarding and optimizing University assets.
  • Plays a leading role in financial and operational planning at the cabinet level, influencing priorities and resource allocation.
  • Ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, funding agencies, and accrediting bodies through continuous monitoring of operations, programs, and physical properties.
  • Serves as primary liaison with banks, lenders, rating agencies, auditors, and other external stakeholders.
  • Provides staff support to the Board of Trustees Audit/Finance, Physical Facilities, and Investment ommittees.
  • Champions a culture of service, innovation, efficiency, and inclusion across all administrative units.
  • Collaborates with academic and operational leaders to align business strategies with the University’s educational mission.
  • The ideal candidate will be a strategic, collaborative leader with deep expertise in financial planning, budgeting, and operational management.
  • They will possess the presence and credibility to engage effectively with trustees and stakeholders; the emotional intelligence to build a culture of partnership and inclusion; and the vision to align financial decisions with institutional priorities.
  • A technology forward mindset, commitment to innovation, and ability to lead through complexity will be essential.
  • Strategic financial leadership experience
  • Higher education and institutional finance expertise
  • Capital and treasury management
  • Team leadership and organizational development
  • Stakeholder engagement and communication
  • Forecasting and technological experience
  • External Relations
  • Mission alignment
  • A bachelor’s degree is required.
  • A master’s degree in business, finance, or a related field, or a Certified Public Accountant licensure, is preferred.
  • Tuition Remission for employees, spouses, and dependents
  • Generous Retirement Contributions to support your future
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage, including medical, dental, and vision
  • Fully Paid Insurance: disability, life, and AD&D
  • Paid Parental Leave to support growing families
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