Vice President of Business Services & Finance CFO

College of Lake County•Grayslake, IL

41d•Onsite

About The Position

The Vice President of Business Services and Finance and Chief Financial Officer for the College of Lake County (CLC) is the executive responsible for leading the business and operational functions of the College including finance, budgeting, risk management, internal audit, facilities, procurement, auxiliary services, capital projects, sustainability, police and public safety. The Vice President of Business Services and Finance is a student-centered visionary committed to advancing student access and success for CLC’s diverse student body and fiscal sustainability for the institution through the strategic use of resources. The Vice President of Business Services and Finance is a values-based mission-driven leader who ensures a dynamic work environment characterized by collegiality and inclusivity for all students, faculty, and staff. The Vice President of Business Services and Finance is visible in the community and builds strategic partnerships that advance the mission, vision and priorities of the College. The Vice President of Business Services and Finance is a strategic thought leader for the organization, reporting directly to the President, and serving on the College Leadership Team. The Vice President of Business Services and Finance ensures sound financial practices aligned with board policy, Illinois statutory requirement and governmental accounting standards to maintain a strong fiscal position for the College, as well as the CLC Foundation. The Vice President of Business Services and Finance is responsible for short-term and long-term planning, compliance with unit-related local, state and federal regulations and laws, efficient and effective daily operation of multiple campuses and an equitable and inclusive work environment for bargaining and non-bargaining employees. The Vice President of Business Services and Finance drives continuous improvement and innovation that eliminates barriers to student success and creates operational efficiency. Responsibilities also include compliance, accountability, monitoring and evaluation systems and processes in accordance with federal and state requirements. The desired employment for the selected candidate will begin no later than June of 2026.

Requirements

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in business, finance, administration, management, accounting, or related field.
Seven to ten years of successful senior and executive organizational leadership in finance, budget management, operations, compliance, risk management and control.
Demonstrated expertise in leading collaborative development and monitoring of a complex budget for a mid-to-large sized organization, which includes but is not limited to, budget and auditing practices, internal controls, financial reporting standards and requirements.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, professionalism and record of integrity and relational leadership.
Demonstrated successful experience as well as the knowledge and skills required to lead and manage staff in a large business unit responsible for finance and budget, business operations and capital planning and construction.
A proven record of innovative and strategic budgeting and resource development to advance institutional priorities.
Commitment to the open access mission of community colleges, student and community-centered holistic supports and creating economic vibrancy for Lake County.
Experience in change leadership and project management of organization-wide initiatives.
Experience developing external partnerships, agreements or contracts with local and state governments, businesses, educational institutions, workforce, or community organizations.
Experience in short and long-term planning, policy development and compliance specific to business and finance.

Nice To Haves

Executive leadership at a community college and experience in the role of treasurer are highly preferred.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a shared governance environment.
Bi-lingual Spanish.

Responsibilities

Implement the strategic plan using data-informed methods within the parameters of fiscal sustainability and Board policy as a collaborative partner on the College Leadership Team, on the Foundation executive and finance committees and within CLC’s shared governance structure.
Serve as Treasurer for the College Board of Trustees and Treasurer and ex-officio member of the Foundation Board of Directors.
Provide fiscal analysis, financial statements and monthly reports to the President and the Board.
Provide strategic, visionary, emotionally intelligent and transformational leadership to the unit leading to excellence in customer service, operational efficiency and innovative cross-functional practices within the College.
Oversee cash management, short-term investments, endowment investments, short-term borrowing, long-term debt, and other treasury functions.
Oversee audit, finance, accounting, budget management, risk management, procurement, police, safety, business operations, capital construction projects and sustainability working in partnership and consultation with other units within the College.
Lead a transparent, consultative and inclusive budget development process in partnership with the College Leadership Team aligned with the College’s budget and planning framework.
Advise the President, the College Leadership Team and the Board on policy, external trends that may impact the College, strategic and operational matters.
Oversee all contractual matters, including financing and funding agreements for the institution in partnership with the President.
Manage the Business Services and Finance unit in accordance with Board of Trustees’ policies, the College’s values and strategic priorities, and as required by law.
Provide leadership in collective bargaining, serving on the negotiations team, and upholding confidentiality in negotiations and collective bargaining matters.
Ensure compliance with police and facilities labor union contracts, be responsive to labor concerns, and nurture positive labor relations.
Serve as the College liaison with area taxing districts and municipalities, various public agencies, the Capital Development Board and the Illinois Community College Board’s finance and operations divisions.
Model the values of excellence, purpose, integrity, compassion, unity and inclusion as an executive leader of the College.
Leverage the Employee Success Framework in recruitment, evaluation, succession planning, professional growth, career progression and recognition efforts to retain diverse competent employees at all levels.
Leverage the shared governance system for transparency and input on key issues.
Provide active executive sponsorship for assigned groups offering guidance and support to ensure progress and adherence to governance processes.
Serve on external boards and committees as necessary to advance the College mission, vision and visibility in the county, state and region.
Perform other related duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the President.

Benefits

competitive salary
excellent benefits that includes Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois health, Delta Dental and Superior Vision insurance plans
tuition support for employees and qualified family members
three retirement plans
disability
group and supplemental life insurance
health and dependent care flexible spending account plans
a compressed work week in the summer (Closed Fridays!)
generous vacation, sick and personal time off
14 paid holidays each year