Vice President for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer

Full-time

Chicago, IL

Educational Services

About the position

Saint Xavier University was founded in Chicago by the Sisters of Mercy in 1846, holding the distinctions of being Chicago's first Catholic university as well as the first Mercy institution of higher learning in the world. A four-year private institution, SXU educates persons to search for truth, to think critically, to communicate effectively and to serve wisely and compassionately in support of human dignity and the common good. With an enrollment of over 3,000 students, Saint Xavier University strives to provide its learning community with a solid foundation in liberal arts and professional education, establishing well-rounded members of society. SXU is a designated Hispanic Serving Institution with a 55% population of minorities or people of color. The Vice President for Finance and Administration/Chief Financial Officer (VPFA/CFO) serves as the University's chief finance and business officer, reporting directly to the President and playing a critical role as a member of the Senior Leadership Team. This position provides strategic and operational leadership in key areas, including financial planning, budgeting and analysis, accounting, treasury and risk management, asset management, human resources and legal oversight. The VPFA/CFO will work collaboratively with a dynamic team of professionals to advance Board-approved strategic priorities and ensure the University's financial health and operational excellence. The successful candidate will contribute to an energetic, forward-thinking leadership team dedicated to institutional growth and sustainability.

Responsibilities

• Develop a strategic financial vision that supports the institution's vision and strategic plan.
• Oversee successful execution of financial operations, including developing and implementing operating and capital budgets and ensuring timely and accurate reporting.
• Work with the senior team, the president, and the Board of Trustees to cultivate an environment of strategic financial stewardship.
• Provide leadership in developing, implementing and monitoring the University's operating and capital budgets.
• Supervise the Controller and Director of Financial Planning/Analysis.
• Oversee the University's real estate, risk management, and legal services.
• Oversee the university's asset management strategy, ensuring effective stewardship, optimization, and risk management of financial, physical, and investment assets.
• Work closely with the Board of Trustees and the President to prepare the quarterly meetings of the Audit Committee and Sustainable Financial Model Committee.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to the senior leadership team, providing financial insights and guidance.
• Monitor the debt of the University and determine the appropriateness of refinancing a portion of the bond debt.

Requirements

• Demonstrate a strong affinity for Catholic, Mercy higher education and a passion for the mission of the University.
• Strong background in business, accounting, and financial management.
• Demonstrated record of effective senior management experience in financial systems management, preferably in a higher education environment.
• A collaborative, inclusive, and transparent management style.
• Strong communication skills who listens, writes and speaks with clarity and explains financial transactions to non-financial colleagues.
• Ability to think strategically and to analyze the financial impact of existing and potential programs.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and improve upon existing internal controls.
• Demonstrated understanding of the structures and techniques of debt management.
• Ability to provide the President, the Board of Trustees and all constituents with a dispassionate analysis of information related to key issues.
• Ability to create a framework of financial accountability within the administration, the finance area and throughout organization.
• Understanding of investment strategies and an ability to assist the President and the Board with their responsibilities in continually building and managing the endowment.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's degree or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) / Certified Financial Analyst preferred.
• Chief Financial Officer experience, or experience reporting to that level (Controller, Assistant CFO).
• Successful track record of financial experience and management experience with the day-to-day financial operations of an organization of at least 50 staff persons.