Chief Financial Officer

$160,000 - $185,000/Yr

University of Minnesota - Minneapolis, MN

Full-time - Executive

Minneapolis, MN

Educational Services

About the position

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities plays a pivotal role in shaping the financial landscape of the College of Liberal Arts (CLA). This position requires close collaboration with the dean, associate deans, and directors to develop and implement financial strategies that align with the college's academic goals. The CFO is responsible for overseeing budget planning, fiscal administration, and space management, providing essential financial guidance to leadership. Reporting directly to the Dean, the CFO is a key member of the Dean's Group, contributing to decisions related to curriculum, human resources, development, and outreach. In leading the CLA Fiscal team, the CFO manages a diverse group of professionals, including the assistant director of financial services, two financial managers, 14 staff accountants, a budget director, supporting analysts, a donor fund analyst, a grants management coordinator, and an assistant director for facilities. This role also involves representing CLA in university-wide budget discussions and participating in the Big Ten Academic Alliance. The CFO's leadership extends to financial services, budget analysis, and facilities management, ensuring that the college's financial operations are efficient and effective. The University of Minnesota emphasizes a flexible work environment, supporting employees in balancing their professional and personal lives. The starting salary for this position ranges from $160,000 to $185,000 annually, reflecting the importance of this role within the institution.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, and assessment of the college's short- and long-term financial strategies.
• Analyze, interpret, and communicate information pertaining to the financial performance of the college.
• Make recommendations concerning the strategic allocation of resources, business processes, and policies.
• Develop strategies to improve financial performance and efficiency.
• Identify trends and changes in resources and expenditures that may require action.
• Research revenue opportunities and economic trends, conduct financial modeling and assessments, and provide creative and proactive financial guidance and advice to senior leadership.
• Work closely with CLA Human Resources' leadership to align fiscal and HR strategies and ensure the alignment of resource use.
• Identify and develop solutions for complex and systemic fiscal issues.
• Work with the Dean and other collegiate leaders on the collegiate budget and planning process, including preparing the annual budget and allocating resources to CLA units.
• Oversee the CLA Financial Service team responsible for various areas within the fiscal administration unit.
• Develop and implement sound financial management policies and procedures that support day-to-day operations.
• Deliver proactive education, development, consultation, and service to department chairs and directors concerning best practices regarding budget management and planning.
• Lead annual evaluation and continuous improvement of CLA financial operations and performance.
• Model college values and engage in transparent, collaborative stewardship and communication across the college.
• Foster a workplace environment where unit leadership and employees are motivated to advance the unit's goals.
• Collaborate with the Senior Director of Operations and others to implement and oversee a comprehensive model for creating, reporting, and using administrative data for planning, decision-making, and daily operations in the college.
• Oversee the college's space and facilities to enable CLA's mission delivery.
• Create business and financial skills development and growth opportunities across academic and administrative unit leaders.
• Play a broad leadership role on University-wide committees and task forces.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree plus 12 years of fiscal and management experience, including leading an organization in the development and implementation of its financial strategies and overseeing an organization's fiscal administration and budget.
• Supervisory experience.
• Ability to formulate and implement financial strategies to meet institutional priorities.
• Excellent computer skills, including experience working within electronic financial systems.
• Innovative thinking with financial strategies, management, resource allocation, and planning.
• Experience working with diverse populations and in a large or complex organization.
• Knowledge of and commitment to the principles and practice of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Excellent skills in verbal and written communication, organization, collaboration, supervision, and conflict resolution.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's Degree
• Strong financial background in higher education financial management.
• Understanding and supporting the value of liberal arts research, education, and engagement.
• Experience with academic program financial planning.
• Proficiency in working with diverse revenue sources including tuition and fees, gifts and endowments, and external funding from government (federal and state) agencies, private foundations, and corporations.
• Demonstrated experience leading a unit to meet goals while continuing to promote and maintain a motivating work environment.