Department: AdministratorsJob Type: StaffStatus: ExemptDeadline: Until Filled
Application available at jobs.asbury.edu
Job Summary
Asbury University is seeking a strategic and innovative leader to serve as its Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Strategic Finance and Accounting. This position plays a critical role in guiding the University’s financial direction by overseeing budget processes, investment management, and strategic financial planning. The CFO will be responsible for implementing cutting-edge budget software, enhancing forecasting capabilities, and developing a sustainable financial model to support the institution’s long-term goals.
The CFO will collaborate with academic and administrative leaders to provide strategic insights, track financial performance, and communicate key financial information to stakeholders, including the Board of Trustees. A strong emphasis will be placed on budget accountability, scenario analysis, and capital forecasting.
Key Responsibilities
· Budget Software Implementation and Optimization: Lead the implementation and optimization of budget management software to streamline financial processes and increase transparency. Ensure the software supports scenario analysis, forecasting, and comprehensive budget reporting for departments and the University as a whole.
· Budget Forecasting and Scenario Analysis: Oversee the development of advanced budget forecasting models that allow for multi-year planning. Conduct scenario analysis to anticipate financial challenges and opportunities, informing proactive decision-making.
· Capital Needs Forecasting: Work with university leaders to assess and forecast capital needs, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and available financial resources. Create models to anticipate future capital expenses, including infrastructure, technology, and academic investments.
· Strategic Financial Planning and Sustainable Business Model Development: Lead efforts to create a long-term, sustainable financial model for the University. Align financial strategies with the institution’s mission and vision, ensuring the University’s fiscal health for future generations.
· Accountability for Budget Managers: Establish and enforce accountability measures for budget managers across departments. Provide regular training and ensure adherence to established financial policies. Develop tools to track and monitor department-level budget performance.
· Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Dashboards: Develop and maintain financial dashboards to monitor identified key performance indicators (KPIs). Provide real-time visibility into the University’s financial health, enabling data-driven decision-making for executives and budget managers.
· Financial Reporting and Communication: Prepare and present financial reports to various stakeholders, including department heads, university leadership, and the Board of Trustees. Clearly communicate financial results, forecasts, and recommendations in a manner that is easily understood by non-financial colleagues.
· Investment and Endowment Management: Oversee the management of the University’s endowment and other investments. Analyze market trends to maximize returns, while mitigating risk. Provide regular updates on investment performance to university leaders and the Board of Trustees.
· Collaboration with Academic and Administrative Leaders: Partner with academic and administrative leaders to conduct financial analyses of new and existing programs. Support program viability assessments, program level contribution margin, risk analysis, and opportunities for growth through financial modeling and scenario planning.
· Process Automation and Efficiency Improvements: Identify and assess financial and accounting processes that can be automated to improve operational efficiency. Lead initiatives to modernize and streamline financial operations across the University.
· Contract and Resource Management: Manage financial aspects of contracts with vendors, external partners, and service providers. Ensure proper financial oversight, risk mitigation, and alignment with the University’s strategic goals.
· Team Leadership and Development: Lead and mentor the finance and accounting teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Provide professional development opportunities to ensure that team members are equipped to meet the evolving financial needs of the University.
Qualifications
· Evidence and testimony of mature Christian faith.
· Proactive, solutions focused mindset.
· Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field (CPA or CFA preferred).
· Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in strategic financial management, budget forecasting, and investment oversight, preferably in higher education or a similarly complex organization.
· Proven ability to develop and implement financial strategies that align with institutional goals, including a track record of creating sustainable financial models.
· Experience with budget software implementation and process automation.
· Expertise in budget forecasting, scenario analysis, and capital needs assessment.
· Strong financial communication skills with the ability to present complex financial data to non-financial audiences, including university leadership, budget managers, and the Board of Trustees.
· Demonstrated success in developing and managing dashboards to track KPIs and financial performance.
· Experience leading and managing financial teams, with a focus on collaboration, training, and accountability.
Candidates should embody the University’s Christian values as well as its commitment to innovation, collaboration, and financial stewardship. The Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Strategic Finance and Accounting must possess exceptional communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills to ensure the University remains financially sustainable and well-positioned for future growth.
Institutional Commitment
Asbury University is an independent, Christian, liberal arts university in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition. In the desire to be a community reflective of the Kingdom of God, we especially encourage applications from women and from candidates from various ethnic backgrounds. At Asbury University, employees must display a committed and dynamic Christian faith along with the ability to support the University’s theological position, lifestyle standards, and mission. Candidates must agree, support and adhere to University policies and procedures – including the Faculty Manual, Community Standards Guidelines, Human Sexuality Statement, and the Standard of Conduct for employees. Asbury University does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, or handicap in its educational programs, activities, or employment practices.