Northeastern offers a rewarding working environment for our students and employees. Our faculty and staff are smart, dedicated people who work to create an excellent urban university experience for bright and motivated students.
Job Summary:Reporting directly to the University President, the Vice President for Finance and Administration (VPFA) serves as the chief financial officer of the University. The VPFA advises the President and the campus community on all aspects of the University's financial affairs, including financial planning, policy and analysis; financial records and reporting; budget development, cash management, risk management; and management of the external audit process. The VPFA is responsible for financial and business management policies and practices. The VPFA provides strategic direction and leadership for campus financial and administrative services that support the daily operations of the University, including University Budgets, Controller's Office, Facilities Management, Procurement, Risk Management, Auxiliary Services, Human Resources, Internal/External Audits, and University Technology Services.This position serves as ex-officio Treasurer to the University Board of Trustees and advises the Board of Trustee's Finance, Buildings and Grounds committee on related matters.The VPFA oversees all financial operations and business functions; stewards the University's assets; and manages risks prudently and in alignment with University's mission and vision.
Job Description:Financial Leadership- Serves as a representative for the University on financial matters; Serves as a University representative in response to legislative requests and agency hearings; Advocates for the University to the Illinois Board of Higher Education; Educates University constituencies on financial decision making and long-term budget forecasting; Serves as the primary liaison to University bankers and financial advisors.
- Oversees the management of the University's assets (e.g., finance, accounting, budget, real estate, insurance, compliance, risk management) and communicates with University leadership and the Board of Trustees on these matters.
- Engages with the higher education professional community on matters of finance and business, including benchmarking institutional financial performance within this environment.
- Manages the implementation of the approved University budget and oversees the development and maintenance of sound financial systems to ensure the appropriate expenditure of funds
- Serves as the primary financial liaison to the University Board of Trustees and its Finance, Buildings and Grounds committee; Effectively communicates and presents critical financial matters as directed by the University President at Regular Board and Committee meetings.
- Develops a business plan that leads to long-term financial stability where resources are appropriately aligned with the needs of the institution.
- Ensures accurate accounting of all University transactions in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB); Maintains up-to-date knowledge of federal, state and University accounting policies, procedures and regulations.
- Coordinates planning for debt issuance and responds to bond agencies on fiscal plans and debt issuance.
- Provides leadership in the development of policies, procedures, processes and practices that are responsive to and address the current and future fiscal needs of the University.
Operations- Overall responsibility for maintenance and physical plant operations, including the upkeep and repair of University buildings, grounds and equipment, as well as the planning and implementation of capital projects.
- Provides strategic leadership and direction for all facets of human resources, including employee and labor relations, hiring, benefits, payroll and reporting; Ensures that the University complies with all related local, state and federal employment laws, policies and regulations.
- Leads the ongoing development and implementation of the University's facilities master plan to facilitate teaching and learning; Practices sound stewardship or the institution's physical resources.
- Leads the ongoing development and implementation of a comprehensive information technology plan to enhance educational opportunities and access, as well as administrative effectiveness.
- Identifies appropriate metrics to measure and report on strategic goal achievement; Develops and transparently shares financial performance data with the University.
- Provides oversight to ensure maintenance of a safe and secure campus environment; assesses and is responsible for the University's Emergency Preparedness Plan; Oversees the implementation of a risk management process to identify and manage strategic risks.
Other - Partners with the University President and administrative leadership in developing short- and long-range strategic goals, objectives, priorities and recommendations.
- Partners specifically with Enrollment Services, Financial Aid, Marketing, and other administrative areas in developing strategies that work to increase enrollment and University revenues.
- Facilitates and directs the process of goal setting for all direct reports; Conducts regular meetings to monitor workflow and offer feedback and guidance to support the professional development of direct reports.
- Sets limits and approval processes for expenditures pertaining to all areas of University operations.
- Develops and implements fiscal and administrative controls.
- Ensures policy compliance with best practices, modern higher education budget methods, as well as state and federal regulations/laws.
Minimal Qualifications: - Degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related field; Certified Public Accountant (CPA) qualification preferred; MBA or M.S. in Accounting or Finance a bonus.
- Ten years of experience preferred, with increasingly responsible administrative management and leadership experience, with direct oversight for many, if not all, functions listed above in higher education or an organization of comparable complexity; Preference will be given to candidates with experience in higher education.
- Demonstrated expertise in strategic financial planning, financial analysis, grants accounting, auditing, reporting and key financial issues facing public institutions of higher education.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including demonstrated experience in providing reports and delivering presentations to internal and external stakeholders (e.g. shared governance groups, Board of Trustees, legislative bodies).
- Demonstrated experience working cooperatively and collaboratively with administrative peers and other colleagues across the institution.
- Demonstrated experience in change management and related communications, for example, in business, human resources, and/or technology systems, e.g., Enterprise Resource Systems (ERP).
- Experience automating financial and business operations, e.g., Enterprise Resource Systems (ERP).
- Provides leadership in crisis management situations and timely communications to appropriate stakeholders.
- Demonstrates an engaged and approachable leadership style that inspires confidence and trust.
- Demonstrated record of realistic, accurate and transparent budget development, financial analysis, construction projects and change management.
- Demonstrated record of managerial success with investment opportunities, as well as engagement with financial advisors.
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART:The position reports directly to the University President and serves as a member of the President's Cabinet.
(This position requires a background check.)Salary: $194,000 - $249,000
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision benefits, sick and vacation days, and participation in the State Universities Retirement System.Review of applications to begin in early December 2024 and will continue until the position is filled.Copies of unofficial transcripts are accepted; however, official transcripts for all earned degrees will be required of candidates selected for final interviews.
Northeastern Illinois University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and invites applications from Women, Minorities, Veterans and Persons with Disabilities, as well as other qualified individuals. Northeastern Illinois University's positions are contingent upon the University's receipt of its State of Illinois appropriation.