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POSITION TITLE: Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”)
DIVISION: Administration
DEPARTMENT: Administration
REPORTS TO: Nerman Family President
PAY TYPE: Exempt
WORKER TYPE: Full-Time
UPDATED: February 2026
PAY: $165,000
The CFO is responsible for the strategic administrative, business, and fiscal management of the college. This position serves as a key member of the President’s senior leadership team and Cabinet, providing high-level oversight of the institution’s financial health and human capital.
Essential Functional Responsibilities:
Financial & Budgetary Leadership
- Direct the establishment of a collaborative and transparent budget process.
- Provide strategic budget updates and financial presentations to appropriate stakeholders.
- Maintain high-level oversight of the accounting and financial reporting systems to ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
- Lead the institutional relationship with independent auditors for annual audits and the completion of Form 990.
- Oversee the management of institutional lending, banking relationships, and 2018 bond offering covenants and payments.
Investment & Board Liaison
- Serve as the primary administrative liaison to the Board of Trustees committees for Finance & Audit, Investments, and Retirement and Benefits.
- Oversee the relationship with outsourced CIO firms to ensure the proper management and growth of endowment funds.
- Review investment activities and strategies with the President and the Board's Investments Committee.
Advisory Responsibilities
- Provide financial oversight of employee benefits and compensation, with the support of the VP of People & Culture.
- Support the administration of the institutional insurance program and comprehensive risk management strategies.
- Collaborate with the VP of Enrollment Management to guide enrollment targets and financial aid models relevant to the annual budget.
- Advise the EVP of Advancement & Strategic Communications on the management and reporting of endowed and designated funds.
- Coordinate with General Counsel on all legal matters and compliance requirements related to college administration.
- Other duties as assigned.
Supervises the following:
- Vice President of Administration
- Associate Vice President of Finance and Accounting (Business Office)
- Administrative Coordinator
Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications:
- In-depth knowledge of financial management principles, practices, and procedures specific to educational institution auditing and reporting.
- Thorough understanding of federal and state regulations related to higher education finance, accreditation reporting, and Form 990 completion.
- Advanced knowledge of endowment fund management, investment strategies, and the oversight of outsourced investment activities.
- Expertise in collaborative and transparent budget processes, including the ability to oversee complex enrollment targets and financial aid projections.
- Broad understanding of wage and salary administration and the strategic oversight of employee benefit programs.
- Proficiency in risk management principles and the administration of institutional insurance programs.
- Exceptional skill in presenting complex financial information to relevant stakeholders.
- Advanced proficiency in SIS, ERP, and Financial Management Tools, as well as expert-level Excel skills for budget spreadsheets and charts.
- Demonstrated honesty, integrity, and high ethical standards in all professional dealings.
Required Experience/Education:
- Bachelor’s degree required in Business/Finance or other related field
- CPA Designation
- Strong accounting and fiscal management skills, including budget modeling and forecasting
- Ability to effectively manage others
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills
- Adept at the following:
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Gmail/Google Suite
- Advanced Excel skills including charts and budget spreadsheets
- SIS, ERP, and Financial Management Tools
- Ability to work in a collaborative and transparent team environment, with strong collegial characteristics
Preferred Experience/Education:
- 10 years of accounting/management experience.
- Experience in Higher Education
- Experience working in a Not-for-Profit
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