Chief Financial Officer

$124,396 - $160,000/Yr

Cheyney University Of Pennsylvania - Cheyney, PA

Full-time - Executive

Cheyney, PA

501-1,000 employees

Educational Services

About the position

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania is a strategic leadership role responsible for ensuring the long-term fiscal sustainability of the institution. Reporting directly to the Chief Administrative and Operations Officer (CAOO), the CFO will guide the finance and accounting teams in managing cash flow and producing timely and accurate financial statements and reports. This position is pivotal in integrating technology systems and platforms utilized in the Pennsylvania System of Higher Education (PASSHE) for fiscal management and reporting, as well as leading shared services engagement with the PASSHE system. The CFO will exercise good stewardship of the institution's resources, ensuring liquidity through strategic management of both short and long-term liabilities. Additionally, the role involves monitoring and providing recommendations on investment strategies that drive returns on investments (ROI) for the institution and its subsidiaries. Financial modeling and forecasting are critical components of this role, particularly in assessing internal and external factors that impact revenues and expenses. The CFO will be tasked with ensuring the long-term sustainability of the institution by designing, framing, and executing a strategy that aligns the university's financial, physical, and human resources. This includes leading the development, execution, and assessment of business and fiscal policies and procedures to optimize the use of the university's resources while aligning the budget with the institution's Strategic Plan. The CFO will guide the university community in responding to opportunities and challenges, ensuring strategic alignment of planning processes, resources, and structures to fulfill Cheyney's mission and goals. In addition, the CFO will oversee the external audit process, facilitate procurement aligned with the university's mission, negotiate and administer major university contracts, and lead internal audits as necessary. The role requires applying modern theories of leadership, management, and negotiation to real-world challenges, monitoring financial performance, and developing policies and procedures to implement institutional fiscal goals. The CFO will also lead the design and execution of strategic financial leadership, developing financial plans and analysis models, and collaborating with other university divisions regarding philanthropy, endowment management, and real estate. Continuous professional development and staying updated on new regulations are also essential aspects of this role.

Responsibilities

• Ensure long-term sustainability for the institution by designing and executing a strategy that aligns financial, physical, and human resources.
• Lead the development, execution, and assessment of business and fiscal policies and procedures.
• Guide the university community in responding to opportunities and challenges.
• Supervise direct reports and key representatives in the finance department.
• Ensure strategic alignment of planning processes, resources, and structures with Cheyney's mission and goals.
• Oversee the external audit process for year-end financial statements and preparation.
• Facilitate identification of opportunities and seamless procurement aligned to university mission.
• Negotiate and administer major university contracts.
• Administer internal audits when necessary.
• Monitor financial performance by measuring and analyzing results, initiating corrective actions, and minimizing the impact of variances.
• Develop policies and procedures for implementation of institutional fiscal and other strategic goals and plans.
• Lead the design-framing of strategic financial leadership in the development of financial priorities and future directions.
• Develop financial plans and financial analysis models for the campus.
• Collaborate with other university divisions regarding philanthropy, endowment management, and real estate.
• Predict, initiate, and manage change through innovative methods.

Requirements

• A master's degree in administration, business, finance, accounting, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience leading financial and administrative functions in a large, complex organization.
• At least 10 years of accounting, finance, or business management experience in a leadership role, with seven years in a leadership capacity, preferably in higher education.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting technical skills.
• Ability to work productively in highly collaborative environments that maximize autonomy and decision-making.
• Ability to be flexible and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Strong leadership and team development skills; excellent people skills; solid negotiating skills; strong work ethic.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience within the Pennsylvania System of Higher Education.
• Familiarity with HBCU environments.

Benefits

• Comprehensive employee benefits including health, vision, and dental insurance.
• Wellness programs.
• Generous retirement plans.
• Work-life balance including generous paid vacation and sick time.
• Paid time off for most major holidays.
• Tuition waiver for self and family members.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Advancement opportunities.