Commonwealth University
Vice President for Fiscal Affairs and Chief Financial Officer
Commonwealth University, Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, United States
Overview
Vice President for Fiscal Affairs and Chief Financial Officer Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania (CU) invites nominations and applications for a visionary leader for the position of Vice President for Fiscal Affairs & Chief Financial Officer (VPFA/CFO). This role offers a unique opportunity to be a part of a dynamic institution committed to fostering academic excellence, enhancing student success, and driving innovation in higher education. The university seeks an experienced and creative fiscal affairs leader with strategic management qualities to build on the institution’s reputation for innovation and student-focused approaches, leveraging the reputations of its legacy universities to advance student success and financial sustainability. The university's faculty and staff deliver outstanding academic and life experiences to students through personalized attention and small classes, with students benefiting from hybrid modalities across CU’s multiple locations through innovative technologies. The VPFA/CFO will express a passion for the mission of public education and will understand and embrace the important social, cultural, and economic roles public education plays in the region and state. The role requires upholding the highest standards for intellectual inquiry and being an enterprising and collaborative leader committed to the success of Commonwealth University and the future of higher education. The next Vice President of Fiscal Affairs & Chief Financial Officer will demonstrate an active commitment to the University’s academic mission and the students it serves. The ideal VPFA/CFO will possess: Qualifications
A master’s degree in accounting, finance, business, public administration, or a related field; Extensive executive-level leadership experience in finance/accounting and budget; Ten (10) years progressively responsible administrative experience in accounting, budgeting, and strategic planning in a complex organization; A minimum of five (5) years of supervisory experience; A minimum of three (3) years of experience in a unionized environment is highly preferred; CPA/CMA is highly preferred; High integrity and trustworthiness, evidenced by sound, consistent, and ethical financial counsel based on financial and legal best practices and PASSHE requirements; Executive-level accounting and budget experience in higher education and knowledge of the laws and regulations of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as they apply to higher education is preferred; The ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with students, faculty, staff, donors, Trustees, and the public; Ability to ensure a quality experience for students while applying budgetary and fiscal planning and prioritization techniques within financial constraints; Comprehensive understanding and proven success in navigating the challenges of higher education, including affordability and student access, collaboration with senior leaders on enrollment management and retention strategies, and creating a student-centric information technology environment that enhances the student experience through technology-driven solutions for learning, communication and support services; Substantial experience with strategic planning and the ability to provide leadership for institutional planning and to articulate a shared leadership vision and engage others in its implementation; Experience in servant leadership with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to cultivate robust working relationships across the University; Strong communication and active listening skills that foster trust and mutual respect, with the decisiveness to lead complex discussions to prompt resolutions; A profound understanding and respect for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, with a history of working effectively with diverse communities and a strong commitment to Commonwealth University’s mission and values; A consistent dedication to promoting a high-performance culture and continuous improvement that values learning and quality. How to Apply
Greenwood Asher & Associates is assisting Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania in this search. Applications and nominations are now being accepted. The search will be conducted with a commitment of confidentiality for candidates until finalists are selected. Initial screening of applications will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made.
For best consideration, please submit application materials by October 10, 2025 Application materials should include: A letter of interest that clearly states the applicant’s qualifications for the position A current résumé/curriculum vitae Please submit materials to
CommonwealthUVPFA@greenwoodsearch.com Inquiries, questions, and nominations regarding this opportunity should be directed to: Julie Holley, Associate Vice President of Executive Search julieholley@greenwoodsearch.com Denice Perdue, Senior Executive Search Consultant deniceperdue@greenwoodsearch.com Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania prohibits any form of discrimination or harassment on the basis of sex, race, color, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, marital or family status, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, or disability in any decision regarding admissions, employment, or participation in a University program or activity in accordance with the letter and spirit of federal, state, and local non-discrimination and equal opportunity laws, such as Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendments Act, the Equal Pay Act, and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act. GADVID:703026
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Vice President for Fiscal Affairs and Chief Financial Officer Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania (CU) invites nominations and applications for a visionary leader for the position of Vice President for Fiscal Affairs & Chief Financial Officer (VPFA/CFO). This role offers a unique opportunity to be a part of a dynamic institution committed to fostering academic excellence, enhancing student success, and driving innovation in higher education. The university seeks an experienced and creative fiscal affairs leader with strategic management qualities to build on the institution’s reputation for innovation and student-focused approaches, leveraging the reputations of its legacy universities to advance student success and financial sustainability. The university's faculty and staff deliver outstanding academic and life experiences to students through personalized attention and small classes, with students benefiting from hybrid modalities across CU’s multiple locations through innovative technologies. The VPFA/CFO will express a passion for the mission of public education and will understand and embrace the important social, cultural, and economic roles public education plays in the region and state. The role requires upholding the highest standards for intellectual inquiry and being an enterprising and collaborative leader committed to the success of Commonwealth University and the future of higher education. The next Vice President of Fiscal Affairs & Chief Financial Officer will demonstrate an active commitment to the University’s academic mission and the students it serves. The ideal VPFA/CFO will possess: Qualifications
A master’s degree in accounting, finance, business, public administration, or a related field; Extensive executive-level leadership experience in finance/accounting and budget; Ten (10) years progressively responsible administrative experience in accounting, budgeting, and strategic planning in a complex organization; A minimum of five (5) years of supervisory experience; A minimum of three (3) years of experience in a unionized environment is highly preferred; CPA/CMA is highly preferred; High integrity and trustworthiness, evidenced by sound, consistent, and ethical financial counsel based on financial and legal best practices and PASSHE requirements; Executive-level accounting and budget experience in higher education and knowledge of the laws and regulations of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as they apply to higher education is preferred; The ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with students, faculty, staff, donors, Trustees, and the public; Ability to ensure a quality experience for students while applying budgetary and fiscal planning and prioritization techniques within financial constraints; Comprehensive understanding and proven success in navigating the challenges of higher education, including affordability and student access, collaboration with senior leaders on enrollment management and retention strategies, and creating a student-centric information technology environment that enhances the student experience through technology-driven solutions for learning, communication and support services; Substantial experience with strategic planning and the ability to provide leadership for institutional planning and to articulate a shared leadership vision and engage others in its implementation; Experience in servant leadership with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to cultivate robust working relationships across the University; Strong communication and active listening skills that foster trust and mutual respect, with the decisiveness to lead complex discussions to prompt resolutions; A profound understanding and respect for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, with a history of working effectively with diverse communities and a strong commitment to Commonwealth University’s mission and values; A consistent dedication to promoting a high-performance culture and continuous improvement that values learning and quality. How to Apply
Greenwood Asher & Associates is assisting Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania in this search. Applications and nominations are now being accepted. The search will be conducted with a commitment of confidentiality for candidates until finalists are selected. Initial screening of applications will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made.
For best consideration, please submit application materials by October 10, 2025 Application materials should include: A letter of interest that clearly states the applicant’s qualifications for the position A current résumé/curriculum vitae Please submit materials to
CommonwealthUVPFA@greenwoodsearch.com Inquiries, questions, and nominations regarding this opportunity should be directed to: Julie Holley, Associate Vice President of Executive Search julieholley@greenwoodsearch.com Denice Perdue, Senior Executive Search Consultant deniceperdue@greenwoodsearch.com Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania prohibits any form of discrimination or harassment on the basis of sex, race, color, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, marital or family status, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, or disability in any decision regarding admissions, employment, or participation in a University program or activity in accordance with the letter and spirit of federal, state, and local non-discrimination and equal opportunity laws, such as Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendments Act, the Equal Pay Act, and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act. GADVID:703026
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