VICE PRESIDENT FOR FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Pennwest Litho

Part-time,Full-time - Executive

Printing and Related Support Activities

About the position

Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) is seeking a proven leader, problem-solver, and financial executive for the position of Vice President for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer. The Vice President reports directly to the University President and is expected to combine strategic leadership with hands-on management. This role is crucial in supporting the execution of the President's agenda and strategic vision for the institution. The Vice President will manage various offices, including Fiscal Affairs, Human Resources, Information Technology Services, and Administration, and will be a key member of the President's Cabinet, assisting in the overall financial management of the University. The Vice President will lead the annual budgeting processes to align with the University Strategic Plan, ensuring transparency and accountability to stakeholders such as governing boards, faculty, administrative labor unions, university affiliates, donors, and legislators. This position requires collaboration with the PASSHE Office of the Chancellor, working strategically with the Executive Vice-Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer to design and implement initiatives aimed at achieving sustainability for PennWest University. The role also involves providing innovative strategies to improve space utilization and engaging third parties to drive down costs or increase revenue. In addition to financial oversight, the Vice President will provide direction for purchasing services and manage the procurement of materials and services for all University departments. The position includes operational responsibilities such as creating, implementing, and overseeing financial and administrative functions, policies, and systems necessary to support the University’s operations. The Vice President will also manage the accounting and budgeting, compliance, financial reporting and analysis, risk management, and auditing functions for Fiscal Affairs, ensuring collaboration with the Student Accounts and Financial Aid Office operations. The Vice President will oversee the management of the University's physical plant, including maintenance, utility services, and project management, while developing capital funding requests and managing the campus deferred maintenance plan. This role requires strong leadership in evaluating the University’s long-range Campus Master Plan and overseeing the Information Technology Services department. The Vice President will also lead university activities related to System office shared services, including procurement and Human Resources.

Responsibilities

• Manage the offices of Fiscal Affairs, Human Resources, Information Technology Services, and Administration.
• Lead the annual budgeting processes to reflect the University Strategic Plan and monitor actual to budget.
• Serve as a key member of the President's Cabinet, assisting in overall financial management of the University.
• Provide innovative strategies to improve space utilization and engage third parties to drive down costs or increase revenue.
• Provide workforce planning, organizational structure, and labor relation interpretations to University administrators.
• Direct purchasing services and manage procurement of materials and services for all University departments.
• Represent the University on System related governance groups including CFOs and other teams as necessary.
• Create, implement, and oversee financial and administrative functions, policies, and systems needed to support University operations.
• Provide executive leadership and direction to senior division managers to ensure efficient operation of the Finance and Administration Division.
• Manage and oversee accounting and budgeting, compliance, financial reporting and analysis, risk management, and auditing functions for Fiscal Affairs.
• Administer cash management and investment programs, and financing of equipment and facility needs through bond financing.
• Manage billing and collection of University tuition and fees and develop effective billing and payment plan strategies for students and parents.
• Provide fiscal and operational oversight of University Housing and other auxiliary services.
• Oversee the overall management of the University's physical plant, including maintenance and utility services.
• Develop capital funding requests and manage campus deferred maintenance plan.
• Provide leadership in the continual evaluation of the University’s long-range Campus Master Plan.
• Oversee planning and direction of the University Information Technology Services department.

Requirements

• Master's Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Management, Accounting or a related discipline is required.
• At least ten years of progressive management experience in financial and administrative affairs within a complex public, nonprofit or private university environment or other complex organization.
• Demonstrated commitment to establishing and sustaining a culture of excellence and accountability among members of the Division.
• Record of accomplishment in developing effective financial strategies that promote principled fiscal strength and sustainability.
• Diplomatic skills necessary to navigate the political and legislative processes associated with the role.
• Ability to deal with complexity, competing demands, ambiguity, and change while providing balanced, values-based leadership.
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and transparency.
• Capacity to make well-reasoned, tough decisions in a timely manner.
• Ability to articulate complex financial and other concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Understanding of and respect for the PennWest University tradition, while challenging the University to improve its operating effectiveness and efficiencies.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Prior experience administratively supervising Facilities, Human Resources, and Information Technology Service areas is highly preferred.