Job description
Level: Senior
Job Location: Fisk University – Nashville, TN
Position Type: Full Time
Education Level: 4 Year Degree
Job Category: Accounting
Description
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Vice President for Finance and Administration / Chief Financial Officer (VPFA/CFO) is a senior executive responsible for the strategic leadership, oversight, and coordination of the university’s financial and administrative operations. Reporting directly to the President, the VPFA/CFO serves as a key member of the executive leadership team and plays a critical role in ensuring the financial integrity, sustainability, and operational excellence of the institution.
The VPFA/CFO oversees a broad portfolio that includes the Controller’s Office, Budget and Planning, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Facilities Management. The role requires a strategic thinker with a collaborative leadership style, strong financial acumen, and a commitment to supporting the university’s academic mission and long-term goals.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Provide strategic financial leadership and ensure long-term financial sustainability of the University.
- Develop, implement, and monitor budgets, financial plans, and forecasts in alignment with institutional priorities.
- Oversee financial reporting, audits, internal controls, and compliance with all applicable regulations.
- Lead and support administrative functions including human resources, IT, and facilities to enhance operational efficiency.
- Advise the President and Board of Trustees on financial strategies, risks, and opportunities.
- Foster a culture of transparency, stewardship, and accountability across all administrative units.
- Support capital planning, debt management, and campus infrastructure projects.
- Serve as a liaison with external auditors, regulatory agencies, and financial institutions.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS:
Strategic and Analytical Thinking
- Ability to develop long-term financial strategies aligned with institutional mission and priorities.
- Skill in financial forecasting, scenario planning, and risk analysis.
- Strong problem-solving capabilities in complex and dynamic environments.
Financial Expertise
- Mastery of nonprofit and higher education finance, including U.S. GAAP and FASB standards (especially ASC 958).
- Deep understanding of budgeting, capital planning, endowment management, and debt financing.
- Knowledge of IRS regulations (e.g., Form 990), UPMIFA, and financial aid compliance.
Leadership and Management
- Proven ability to lead diverse administrative teams (e.g., finance, HR, IT, facilities) with clarity and purpose.
- Skill in coaching and developing senior-level staff and creating a collaborative, high-performance culture.
- Experience working with and presenting to Boards of Trustees, senior leadership, and accreditation bodies.
Data-Driven Decision-Making
- Competence in using financial dashboards, KPIs, and data analytics for resource allocation and operational decisions.
- Ability to translate complex financial information into clear, actionable insights for non-financial stakeholders.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Strong written and verbal communication, especially in conveying financial issues to diverse audiences.
- Skill in building trust and consensus across academic, administrative, and external constituencies.
- Political acumen and diplomacy in managing competing priorities.
Operational and Technological Proficiency
- Familiarity with enterprise systems such as Ellucian Colleague, Workday, Banner, or Oracle.
- Ability to drive digital transformation, process automation, and system integrations across departments.
- Facility in aligning operational functions (e.g., facilities, HR, IT) with strategic institutional goals.
Collaboration and Institutional Stewardship
- Ability to build strong partnerships with academic leadership, advancement, enrollment, and student affairs.
- Commitment to shared governance and inclusive decision-making.
- Ethical leadership with a strong sense of accountability and stewardship of institutional resources.
Adaptability and Innovation
- Agility in responding to changing market conditions, enrollment trends, and higher education disruptions.
- Vision to lead change initiatives that enhance sustainability, efficiency, and institutional resilience.
Mission-Driven Orientation
- Deep understanding of and commitment to the mission and values of private higher education.
- Sensitivity to the culture and priorities of a student-centered academic community.
Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics or business administration. Master’s Degree preferred.
Experience: Ten (10) years or more of financial executive leadership experience, ideally in higher education.
Licenses or Certificates: CPA and/or CMA required.
Additional Requirements: A background and/or credit check will be required of the successful applicant. An official transcript (if applicable) and names, addresses and phone numbers of three references are required.
