Chief Financial Officer

University of Utah - Salt Lake City, UT

Part-time - Executive

Salt Lake City, UT

10,001+ employees

Educational Services

About the position

The University of Utah, established in 1850 and located in Salt Lake City, is seeking a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead and oversee all financial resources of the institution. As the state's flagship university and a Tier 1 research institution, the University of Utah is committed to enhancing its societal impact and improving the quality of life through education, research, and community service. The CFO will play a critical role in ensuring the fiscal health of the university, formulating financial strategies, and directing all financial activities, including budget processes. This position reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and is a key member of the president's cabinet and senior leadership team. The CFO will serve as a strategic advisor to senior leadership, recommending financial objectives, policies, and programs that ensure a sound financial structure for the university. Responsibilities include long-range financial planning, budget planning, capital financing, and investments, all aimed at delivering a sustainable economic model that supports the university's mission and goals. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, a commitment to professional development, and the ability to foster supportive relationships across the university community. Candidates should have a minimum of fifteen years of experience in financial leadership roles within large, complex environments, with a preference for experience in public higher education. The CFO will be expected to communicate effectively with various stakeholders and contribute to the continuous evolution of the university's finance function, ensuring the delivery of reliable and timely financial data for reporting purposes. A strong academic background, including an M.B.A. or related graduate degree, is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, oversight, and stewardship for all aspects of the university's financial resources.
• Formulate the university's financial strategy and direct all financial activities and budget processes.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to senior leadership, recommending financial objectives, policies, and programs.
• Oversee long-range financial planning, budget planning, capital financing, and investments.
• Encourage bold thinking and bring wise counsel to the organization.
• Foster strong, supportive relationships across the university and with the broader community.
• Commit to the continuous evolution of a first-class finance function and invest in the professional development of the finance team.

Requirements

• Fifteen-plus years of experience in financial leadership roles in large, complex environments.
• Thorough understanding of all elements of financial management, including strategy and business planning.
• Experience working in public higher education is highly preferred.
• Strong strategic orientation with the ability to serve as a thought partner and advisor to the COO and president.
• Expertise in financial models, financial analysis, performance measures, and metrics.
• Experience in management roles providing operational leadership and building strong teams.
• Knowledge of healthcare organizations and the integration between healthcare and higher education.
• Knowledge of best-in-class financial processes and technologies.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in a higher education setting.
• Strong academic credentials, including an M.B.A. or related graduate degree or CPA.

Benefits

• Participation in Utah Retirement Systems (URS) for eligible new hires with prior URS service.
• Potential for professional development opportunities.
• Access to a supportive work environment that values diversity and inclusion.