Chief Financial Officer; CFO

Position: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Overview

Position Summary Reporting to the President, Avila's Chief Financial Officer (CFO) leads and guides all financial aspects of the University. The CFO manages existing financial systems and plans, leads and implements the strategic and structural financial vision for the institution, manages financial operations of the College, and retains accountability for all financial outcomes. The CFO also ensures regulatory legal compliance. The CFO manages and is responsible for University budgets;

analysis of institutional finances and reporting functions; supervises all financial staff, including accounting, payroll, and student accounts staff; and ensures that all of the University’s financial statements adhere to GAAP principles, industry best practices, management directives, and auditor recommendations. As Chief Financial Officer, the individual is also responsible for tax reporting, ensuring that the University adheres to Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Missouri, and accreditor requirements.

Avila's CFO also develops standards, procedures and policies regarding the University's financial operations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the university's financial strategy and longterm financial planning.

• Provide financial guidance to the university's senior leadership and board.

• Oversee the preparation, management, and monitoring of the university's operating and capital budgets.

• Ensure that budgets align with the university's strategic goals and priorities.

• Prepare and present financial reports to the university president, board of trustees, and other stakeholders.

• Maintain transparency in financial reporting.

• Manage the university's investments and endowment funds to maximize returns while maintaining appropriate risk levels.

• Ensure compliance with investment policies.

• Oversee the university's accounting, financial operations, and financial systems.

• Ensure accurate and timely financial recordkeeping.

• Identify and mitigate financial and operational risks.

• Develop and implement risk management strategies.

• Compliance and Regulatory Affairs:
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local financial regulations. Maintain oversight of tax reporting and audit processes.

• Manage the university's debt portfolio and financial obligations. Optimize debt financing to support the institution's needs.

• Oversee cash management, banking relationships, and liquidity. Ensure efficient management of the university's financial assets.

• Collaborate with university leadership to align financial strategies with the institution's mission and goals.

• Assess and recommend opportunities for financial growth and sustainability.

• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field (Ph.D. or CPA preferred).

• Minimum of ten (10) years’ experience in financial leadership roles, preferably in higher education or nonprofit organizations.

• Strong understanding of finance, budgeting, investments, and accounting principles.

• Knowledge of financial regulations and compliance in the education sector.

• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Ability to work collaboratively with university leaders and stakeholders.

• Strategic and forward-thinking mindset.

• Multilingual skills highly preferred.

• Ability to contribute to a climate that supports a diverse student body, serves first-generation college students, multilingual learners, and contributions to equity and social justice through their work.

Successful candidates should be committed to contributing to a climate that supports a diverse student body, serves first-generation college students, multilingual learners, and contributions to equity and social justice through their work.

Benefits

This is a full-time position, eligible for the usual and customary benefits. Avila University’s comprehensive benefit package includes a generous holiday schedule, tuition remission for employee and dependents, vacation and sick leave, employee assistance program, retirement benefits and health insurance.

The…