Job description
Meridian, Mississippi
Meridian Community College invites applications for the position of Vice President for Financial Services/Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Reporting directly to the President, the CFO provides executive leadership and oversight for all financial and business operations of the College, including:
- Accounting, Budgeting, and Auditing
- Financial Reporting and Investments
- Human Resources and Risk Management
- Physical Plant and Auxiliary Services (Food Services and the Eagle’s Nest Bookstore)
- As a key member of the President’s Cabinet, the CFO serves as the College’s chief steward of public funds and a trusted advisor to the President and Board of Trustees. The CFO ensures fiscal integrity, compliance with state and federal regulations, and long-term financial stability in support of the College’s mission of student success and community service.
Qualifications
Minimum:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting
- Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related field OR CPA license
- Minimum 7-10 years of progressive experience in financial leadership, such as Director of Finance, Assistant CFO, or CFO
- Strong leadership, communication, team management and decision-making skills with a proven record of fiscal stewardship, while promoting a culture of accountability and service
- Ability to prudently manage complex budgets, financial compliance, and reporting requirements
Preferred:
- Knowledge of Mississippi community college funding structures and state-level reporting (or equivalent state system)
- Proven track record of leading clean external audits with minimal or no findings
- Knowledge of governmental accounting and compliance standards
- Experience overseeing auxiliary enterprises (e.g., bookstore, food services, housing, contract operations, or similar operations
- Familiarity with federal and state grant compliance (Department of Education, OMB Circulars, etc.)
- Experience with risk management programs, including insurance, compliance, and safety initiatives
- Familiarity with enterprise financial systems (Ellucian Banner, CampusCafe or similar ERP)
- Experience working effectively with boards of trustees and external stakeholders
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex financial information clearly to non-financial audiences
- A record of strategic leadership that supports institutional growth, student success, and mission-driven decision-making
Salary and Benefits
Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. Meridian Community College offers an excellent benefits package including health insurance, retirement, and tuition benefits.
