About the position
The Vice President of Finance (VPF) / Chief Financial Officer functions as a key member of the University's administrative leadership team who is responsible for establishing and implementing the strategic financial plan of the University. The VPF is responsible for ensuring the financial and physical resources are sufficient to carry out the mission of the University and in compliance with all stakeholder covenants. In addition, the VPF is responsible for the ongoing monitoring of control systems designed to preserve company assets, report accurate financial results and comply with federal regulations. The position reports directly to the President of University of Bridgeport while also working in partnership with the Vice President of Finance of Goodwin University, its parent organization. The VPF will further assist other senior leadership on all strategic and operational matters as they relate to financial forecasting, cost benefit analysis, and budget management. The position is responsible for management and supervision of the following departments and functions of the University: Accounting, Budget, Student Financial Services (inclusive of Bursar and Financial Aid), and Auxiliary Services provided by third party vendors.
Responsibilities
- Assist in formulating the company's future direction and supporting tactical initiatives
- Monitor and direct the implementation of strategic business plans
- Manage the capital request and budgeting processes across the University and any subsidiaries
- Develop performance measures that support the company's strategic direction and accurately communicate such measures to internal and external stakeholders
- Work in partnership with the Vice President of Finance of Goodwin University to establish global strategic and financial planning aligned with the mission of each organization
- Participate in key decisions as a member of the executive management team/President's Cabinet
- Implement operational best practices across the University
- Assist with the identification and building of operational efficiencies within respective areas of ownership
- Supervise real estate acquisition activities and work in conjunction with Vice President of Facilities on capital improvement plans
- Oversee the consolidation, monitoring and interpretation of financial information across the University and communicate to both internal and external stakeholders as needed
- Oversee the complete process of regulatory financial filings and audits
- Review, monitor and build appropriate controls across the campus to ensure all financial information is reported in an accurate manner that meets all regulatory requirements
- Understand and mitigate key elements of the company's risk profile
- Maintain appropriate insurance coverage factoring in all aspects of the business scope
- Ensure that the company complies with all legal and regulatory requirements
- Report risk issues to the audit committee of the Board of Trustees
- Maintain relations with external auditors and investigate their findings and recommendations
- Monitor cash balances and forecasts
- Arrange for debt and equity financing as needed that allows the University to carry out its mission
- Oversee the investment of funds of the University including its endowment portfolio
Requirements
- Master's degree in accounting or business administration
- 10+ years of progressively responsible management experience in relevant areas of higher education
- Certified Public Accountant or Certified Management Accountant is preferred
- Proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook
Nice-to-haves
- Demonstrated commitment to developing and fostering best practices and policies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Strong verbal, written, interpersonal communication and presentation skills
- Excellent personal computer skills with ability to analyze financials, create original documents, perform varied research and communicate electronically
- A leadership style and service orientation consistent with the culture and mission of the University
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, as well as critical thinking ability
- Function as a team player in a diverse working environment
Benefits
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Pet Insurance
- 401k employer match
- Employee & dependent life insurance
- Great tuition benefits for employee, spouse & dependents
- PTO program
