Vice President of Finance

McMurry University•Abilene, TX

About The Position

The Vice President for Finance and Administration serves as McMurry University’s Chief Financial Officer, providing strategic leadership and oversight of the university’s financial health and administrative operations. Reporting directly to the President and serving as a key member of the President’s Cabinet, this role supports the institution’s mission, vision, and strategic goals by ensuring fiscal integrity, operational efficiency, and a robust infrastructure for the university community. The position leads financial operations and planning, oversees invested assets and budgeting, and collaborates with the Board of Trustees’ Finance, Endowment, and Audit Committees. It also supervises key accounting leaders, guides campus master planning and infrastructure development, and ensures regulatory compliance. The Vice President advises the President and Cabinet on resource allocation and operational strategies, represents the university with external stakeholders, and leads financial presentations and updates to the Board. The role calls for technical knowledge of multi-fund GAAP accounting, restricted and unrestricted funds, capital bonds or campus facility debt, and ERP systems and data visualization tools. It also requires relational leadership, support for the mission of a private faith-based institution, collaborative change management, and the ability to explain complex financial matters to non-financial stakeholders.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field from an accredited institution.
Active CPA licensure.
At least 10 years of progressive leadership experience in financial operations.
At least five years of experience in higher education or a comparable nonprofit setting.
Strong understanding of GAAP, FASB standards, and endowment management principles.
Expertise in financial forecasting, budget management, and compliance reporting.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across diverse constituencies.
Strategic thinking and the ability to analyze complex financial data and provide actionable recommendations.
Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire teams.
Familiarity with the financial and operational challenges facing higher education institutions.
Deep technical knowledge of multi-fund accounting under GAAP, restricted versus unrestricted funding, and long-term capital bonds or campus facility debt infrastructure.
Ability to communicate complex financial realities clearly to non-financial campus stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
Proven track record of leading successful strategic planning and financial initiatives in a complex organization.
Experience with ERP systems and financial technologies.
Practical experience overseeing or upgrading complex ERP systems such as Jenzabar, Banner, or Workday.
Experience utilizing data visualization tools for campus-wide forecasting.
Capacity to break down silos and communicate transparently with academic deans, faculty senates, and student affairs.

Responsibilities

Lead financial operations, including budgeting, financial reporting, investment management, and long-term financial planning.
Collaborate with the Board of Trustees’ Finance, Endowment, and Audit Committees to establish financial goals and strategies.
Develop, monitor, and report on annual operating and capital budgets aligned with strategic objectives.
Oversee the management and performance of invested financial assets in partnership with the Endowment Committee.
Build collaborative relationships with external financial advisors, including auditors, investment managers, and banking institutions.
Provide transparent, data-driven financial insights to senior leadership, faculty, and staff.
Supervise key leadership roles, including Controller Accountants and Grant Accountants.
Develop and implement long-term campus master planning, property acquisition, and infrastructure development strategies.
Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations and standards.
Advise the President and Cabinet on resource allocation and operational strategies to achieve institutional goals.
Represent the university in interactions with external stakeholders, including auditors, legal advisors, and government agencies.
Lead Board of Trustees presentations and updates, including preparation for committee meetings.
Oversee multi-fund accounting, restricted and unrestricted funding, and long-term capital bonds or campus facility debt infrastructure.
Oversee or upgrade complex ERP systems and use data visualization tools for campus-wide forecasting.
Communicate transparently and collaborate with academic deans, faculty senates, and student affairs, translating financial realities for non-financial stakeholders.
Support the university’s holistic mission and view financial health as a means to enhance student persistence and success.
Lead and inspire teams, fostering accountability and innovation.