Vice President of Finance/ Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Nebraska Indian Community College•Macy, NE

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Vice President of Finance / Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as Nebraska Indian Community College’s senior financial executive and principal financial advisor to the President. Reporting directly to the President and serving on the Executive Leadership Team, the CFO provides strategic leadership and oversight of institutional financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, grant fiscal management, audits, internal controls, and Business Office operations. The position is responsible for financial integrity, transparency, regulatory compliance, and long-term institutional sustainability. The role leads institutional budgeting and accounting, oversees grant compliance and audits, develops and maintains internal controls, and supervises assigned Business Office personnel. The CFO advises institutional leadership on financial matters, supports accreditation and strategic planning, and collaborates with departments, tribal governments, funding agencies, auditors, vendors, and other partners. The role is based at the Macy, South Sioux City, or Santee campus and requires collaboration across the College’s three campuses, attendance at Board of Directors meetings, and travel between campuses or to professional meetings and training. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
At least five years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, financial management, budgeting, or related financial operations.
At least three years of supervisory or financial leadership experience.
Demonstrated experience managing federal grants, including financial reporting, drawdowns, and compliance requirements.
Demonstrated experience preparing or overseeing financial statements, general ledger reconciliations, and financial reporting.
Experience coordinating financial audits and addressing audit findings.
Proficiency in financial accounting software, spreadsheet applications, and financial reporting systems.
Ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain accurate financial records.
Advanced knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, fund accounting, federal grant regulations, and Uniform Guidance.
Ability to independently interpret financial statements, general ledger transactions, reconciliations, and audit documentation.
Strong analytical, financial planning, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to communicate financial information accurately, transparently, and effectively to governing boards and institutional leadership.
Ability to build professional relationships, manage conflict constructively, and collaborate across organizational levels.
Ability to manage complex financial responsibilities independently, establish priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain accountability for results.
Effective supervisory, coaching, and performance management skills.
Sound professional judgment, integrity, confidentiality, and ethical decision-making.
Cultural competence, respect for tribal sovereignty, and commitment to serving tribal communities.

Nice To Haves

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation.
Financial leadership experience within a Tribal College or University, higher education institution, tribal government, or nonprofit organization.
Experience with MIP Fund Accounting, Paylocity, and UKG financial management, payroll, and human resources systems.
Experience managing complex federal grant portfolios and indirect cost allocations.
Experience with higher education financial management systems or enterprise resource planning (ERP) software.
Experience implementing financial systems, strengthening internal controls, or improving accounting procedures.
Experience with institutional accreditation, financial sustainability planning, and Board-level financial reporting.
Familiarity with tribal governance, community priorities, and the mission of Tribal Colleges and Universities.

Responsibilities

Serve as the principal financial advisor to the President and Executive Leadership Team; report directly to the President and maintain accountability for institutional financial operations.
Attend all regularly scheduled and special Board of Directors meetings unless excused in advance by the President.
Prepare and present accurate, timely, and reviewed financial statements to the President and, as directed, the Board of Directors.
Communicate financial performance, discrepancies, obligations, compliance risks, and unresolved matters promptly and transparently to the President.
Chair the Budget and Finance Committee, lead meetings, set agendas, coordinate financial discussions, and follow through on recommendations.
Develop long-term financial strategies, multi-year projections, cash flow forecasts, and budget variance analyses that support institutional sustainability and priorities.
Provide financial analysis and recommendations concerning expenditures, staffing, capital investments, and institutional initiatives.
Support institutional accreditation, strategic planning, and continuous improvement.
Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of annual operating, capital, and grant-funded budgets.
Oversee institutional accounting functions, including the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, and student billing.
Ensure timely monthly reconciliations, financial close procedures, and financial statements, and maintain compliance with GAAP and applicable reporting standards.
Independently review transactions, reconciliations, and financial reports; identify accounting errors and implement corrective measures.
Monitor cash flow, banking activity, financial obligations, reserves, expenditures, and departmental budgets.
Oversee financial administration of federal, state, tribal, foundation, and other grants and contracts, including allowable costs, cost allocations, drawdowns, reimbursement requirements, and financial reporting.
Ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), grant agreements, and funding agency requirements.
Lead annual financial audits and Single Audits as applicable; coordinate external auditors, documentation, schedules, and deadlines.
Develop and monitor corrective action plans addressing audit findings and financial deficiencies.
Oversee contracted accounting professionals and financial consultants while retaining institutional accountability for financial operations.
Develop, implement, and maintain internal financial controls, segregation of duties, authorization procedures, approval processes, and Business Office policies.
Oversee procurement, purchasing, institutional credit card expenditures, travel expenses, contracts, assets, equipment, capital expenditures, and related financial obligations.
Identify financial and operational risks and recommend preventive measures and corrective actions.
Promote ethical financial practices, transparency, and accountability throughout the College.
Lead and supervise assigned Business Office personnel, establish performance expectations and priorities, and oversee deadlines and accountability measures.
Conduct staff meetings, performance evaluations, coaching, and professional development; address performance deficiencies in coordination with Human Resources.
Promote cross-training, operational continuity, effective use of financial management systems, and a professional, respectful, collaborative work environment.
Collaborate with Academic Affairs, Student Services, Human Resources, Information Technology, and other departments on financial matters.
Coordinate with Human Resources and payroll personnel on staffing budgets, compensation, benefits costs, and payroll reconciliation.
Work with Financial Aid and Student Services on student billing, scholarship accounting, and financial aid reconciliation.
Provide financial guidance and training to department directors and grant-funded program managers.
Maintain professional relationships with tribal governments, funding agencies, auditors, vendors, and institutional partners.
Participate in institutional meetings, committees, training, and professional development; maintain confidentiality and ethical judgment.
Travel between campuses and attend meetings or training as required.
Perform other duties assigned by the President, consistent with the position’s responsibilities and scope.