Job description

Philadelphia, PA

The Executive Director of Financial Affairs reports to the President and serves as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Corporation of Chestnut Hill College. This position provides strategic, value-driven financial leadership while directly managing the College’s financial operations. Responsibilities include finance, budgeting, debt management, IT, and risk management. The Executive Director serves as staff liaison to Board committees including Finance, Investment, Audit, 403B, Physical Plant, Development, and Campaign Steering.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Financial Affairs with integrity, collaboration, and data-informed decision-making.
• Develop and implement strategic plans for finance and administration; assess and improve outcomes.
• Oversee budgeting, expenditure control, and financial planning; advise the President on revenue and spending strategies.
• Manage daily fiscal operations including accounting, reporting, collections, disbursements, and financial forecasting.
• Partner with IT leadership to ensure secure and effective infrastructure supporting institutional needs.
• Oversee facilities, maintenance, and auxiliary services, ensuring safety and compliance.
• Direct and evaluate departments including the Controller and related staff, Student Accounts, Collections, and IT.
• Manage and develop Finance Office staff.
• Approve budgets, contracts, purchase orders, and monitor construction budgets and funding reports.
• Collaborate with HR and General Counsel on risk, insurance, contracts, and employment matters.
• Serve as primary liaison to lenders and oversee all debt management.
• Manage annual financial audits and respond to management letters.
• Oversee outsourced investment functions, cash management, and banking activities.
• Address finance and administration issues with faculty and staff; ensure compliance.
• Develop and maintain policies related to finance and facilities.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the President.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field.
• Licensed Certified Public Accountant preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of senior financial leadership preferably in higher education or similar non-profit sector.
• Proven experience in strategic budgeting, financial planning, and operational efficiencies.
• In-depth knowledge of higher education, financial regulations and reporting are preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and teams.
• Proficiency in financial systems, spreadsheets, databases, and reporting tools.
• Ability to manage confidential matters with discretion and poise under pressure.
• Commitment to the College’s mission and values.

How to apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume via ADP Workforce Now HERE. No phone calls, please.

Chestnut Hill College is an employer committed to a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion as a core value. To foster an inclusive community and support our diverse student body, we embrace equal access. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, and encourage applications from groups historically underrepresented in higher education. We are committed to increasing the diversity of the college community and the curriculum.