Assistant Vice President Finance

The Assistant Vice President for Finance (AVP) provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the University’s core accounting, financial reporting, payroll, student billing, and budgetary operations. The AVP supervises university-wide accounting processes, including general accounting, grant accounting, and financial and regulatory reporting, and directs activities that ensure the integrity, transparency, and compliance of the University’s financial operations, including payroll administration.

The AVP is responsible for developing and maintaining effective systems of internal controls; ensuring compliance with accounting standards, federal and state regulations, and institutional policies; facilitating internal and external audits; and delivering timely, accurate, and actionable financial information for university leadership, the Board of Trustees, and external stakeholders. The role fosters strong partnerships with academic and administrative units to support data-informed decision-making and institutional priorities.

As a visible university leader, the AVP champions the adoption of modern financial systems, technologies, and business processes to improve efficiency, strengthen constituent engagement, and enhance the student experience. This position is critical in positioning the University for long‑term financial sustainability, operational excellence, and strategic growth.

The AVP oversees all accounting, financial reporting, and compliance operations of the University, including Financial Reporting and Accounting, capital asset management, payroll, and student accounts. The role includes direct supervision of 3–5 professional staff and indirect supervision of additional functional areas. Reporting to the Vice President for Finance & Administration / Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the AVP provides strategic direction for financial management, fiscal policy implementation, internal controls, and audit coordination.

The AVP for Finance exercises operational and managerial authority consistent with policies, delegations, and strategic direction established by the CFO.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative, service-oriented leader with deep technical expertise in private‑sector higher education and not‑for‑profit accounting, FASB and GAAP reporting, and enterprise financial systems, along with a strong commitment to GMercy

U’s mission.

This position supports the University’s mission and core values by ensuring sound fiscal stewardship, regulatory compliance, and the efficient use of financial resources. The AVP serves as the functional owner of the University’s finance system modules and ensures the continuous improvement of accounting systems and processes.

The AVP promotes a high‑performing, positive, diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace culture that values collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.

• Build and sustain strong, collaborative relationships across the university to understand operational needs, align priorities, and deliver high‑value financial services.
• Provide strategic leadership for accounting, financial reporting, payroll, and related business services with an emphasis on proactive service delivery and operational excellence.
• Maintain advanced expertise in accounting and finance by monitoring regulatory developments, industry trends, leading practices, and emerging technologies.
• Prepare and present financial materials and analyses to the University’s Board of Trustees and senior leadership in the CFO’s absence.
• Lead the evaluation and adoption of financial technologies that modernize systems, enhance transparency, and improve institutional outcomes and student experiences.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and university regulations while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation and assesses the impact of substantive changes in regulations and legislation.
• Ensure compliance with FERPA, data privacy, and information security standards applicable to financial and student records.
• In accordance with Board policy and written delegation from the CFO, exercise delegated contract signature…