Inside Higher Ed
Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer
Inside Higher Ed, Beloit, Wisconsin, United States, 53511
Job Summary
Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer
– a pivotal leadership role that blends the duties of a Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer with the strategic vision of a CFO. The incumbent will transform financial data from the Director of Accounting, Bursar, and Director of Finance & Treasury into clear, actionable insights for senior leadership and campus stakeholders. The role drives informed budgetary decisions, aligns financial planning with the College’s long‑term goals, and connects financial stewardship to the institution’s mission.
Key Responsibilities Accounting & Compliance
Oversee all accounting functions: general ledger, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, restricted funds, and grants.
Ensure compliance with GAAP, FASB standards for nonprofits, and higher‑education reporting requirements.
Lead annual financial audits and coordinate with external auditors.
Maintain accurate records for endowment, investments, and restricted funds in partnership with the Business Office.
Develop, document, and enforce internal controls and financial policies.
Financial Planning, Budgeting & Analysis
Lead the annual budgeting process in collaboration with senior leadership and direct reports.
Develop multi‑year financial forecasts reflecting tuition trends, enrollment projections, and program costs.
Prepare and interpret monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for the President, senior leadership, and Board of Trustees.
Create financial dashboards and performance indicators to support data‑driven decision‑making.
Identify financial risks and opportunities related to enrollment, advancement, facilities, and other college operations.
Cash Flow, Investments & Resource Management
Monitor cash flow and liquidity to ensure operational stability.
Support endowment management, tracking investment performance, and spending policy compliance.
Assist with debt management, capital project planning, and banking relationships.
Recommend efficiencies in resource allocation and expense management aligned with the College’s mission.
Operational & Strategic Leadership
Collaborate with the President, Provost, VP Finance & Operations & Strategy, VP Enrollment & Marketing, and VP Advancement to align financial planning with institutional strategy.
Partner with Directors of Facilities, Human Resources, and Information Technology on resource planning, procurement, and compliance.
Lead continuous improvement of financial systems, processes, and technology (ERP, budgeting, and reporting tools).
Hire and develop the Finance & Accounting team, fostering a collaborative and efficient culture.
Translate complex financial data into clear, accessible insights for non‑financial stakeholders.
Board And External Relations
Prepare reports and presentations for Finance and Audit & Risk Management Committees of the Board of Trustees.
Work with the Facilities Director to prepare reports for the Physical Asset Management Committee.
Serve as liaison with auditors, banks, investment managers, and other financial partners.
Contribute to accreditation and compliance reporting as needed.
Credentials and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (required).
CPA strongly preferred; MBA or Master’s in Accounting or Finance desirable.
Minimum 7–10 years of progressive experience in accounting or financial management.
Proven experience hiring and developing a team.
Strong background in higher education or nonprofit finance preferred.
Demonstrated expertise in audit management, budget development, and financial reporting.
Experience with endowment accounting, fund accounting, and restricted gifts is a plus.
Experience with automated financial management and reporting systems; familiarity with Jenzabar is a plus.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Deep technical accounting knowledge with strategic financial insight.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
Excellent management and organizational design skills; ability to hire and develop a high‑performance team.
Strong communication skills, both written and oral, with diverse constituencies.
Advanced proficiency in Excel and financial systems.
High integrity, discretion, and alignment with the College’s liberal arts values and mission.
Ability to analyze complex financial and statistical data and prepare accounting statements, summary conclusions, and recommendations in accordance with GAAP.
Excellent interpersonal skills, collaboration, professionalism, and discretion.
Ability to implement and maintain an integrated financial accounting and reporting system that meets internal and external needs.
Ability to work evenings and weekends as required.
Why This Role Matters In today’s higher‑education environment, small colleges must make disciplined financial decisions while staying true to their academic mission. This executive position ensures financial health, operational efficiency, and transparency—connecting finances to purpose and serving as a strategic thought partner and steward of institutional resources.
Seniority level Executive
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Finance and Sales
Industries
Online Audio and Video Media
Location & Salary Rockford, IL – $180,000 – $225,000 annually
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– a pivotal leadership role that blends the duties of a Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer with the strategic vision of a CFO. The incumbent will transform financial data from the Director of Accounting, Bursar, and Director of Finance & Treasury into clear, actionable insights for senior leadership and campus stakeholders. The role drives informed budgetary decisions, aligns financial planning with the College’s long‑term goals, and connects financial stewardship to the institution’s mission.
Key Responsibilities Accounting & Compliance
Oversee all accounting functions: general ledger, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, restricted funds, and grants.
Ensure compliance with GAAP, FASB standards for nonprofits, and higher‑education reporting requirements.
Lead annual financial audits and coordinate with external auditors.
Maintain accurate records for endowment, investments, and restricted funds in partnership with the Business Office.
Develop, document, and enforce internal controls and financial policies.
Financial Planning, Budgeting & Analysis
Lead the annual budgeting process in collaboration with senior leadership and direct reports.
Develop multi‑year financial forecasts reflecting tuition trends, enrollment projections, and program costs.
Prepare and interpret monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for the President, senior leadership, and Board of Trustees.
Create financial dashboards and performance indicators to support data‑driven decision‑making.
Identify financial risks and opportunities related to enrollment, advancement, facilities, and other college operations.
Cash Flow, Investments & Resource Management
Monitor cash flow and liquidity to ensure operational stability.
Support endowment management, tracking investment performance, and spending policy compliance.
Assist with debt management, capital project planning, and banking relationships.
Recommend efficiencies in resource allocation and expense management aligned with the College’s mission.
Operational & Strategic Leadership
Collaborate with the President, Provost, VP Finance & Operations & Strategy, VP Enrollment & Marketing, and VP Advancement to align financial planning with institutional strategy.
Partner with Directors of Facilities, Human Resources, and Information Technology on resource planning, procurement, and compliance.
Lead continuous improvement of financial systems, processes, and technology (ERP, budgeting, and reporting tools).
Hire and develop the Finance & Accounting team, fostering a collaborative and efficient culture.
Translate complex financial data into clear, accessible insights for non‑financial stakeholders.
Board And External Relations
Prepare reports and presentations for Finance and Audit & Risk Management Committees of the Board of Trustees.
Work with the Facilities Director to prepare reports for the Physical Asset Management Committee.
Serve as liaison with auditors, banks, investment managers, and other financial partners.
Contribute to accreditation and compliance reporting as needed.
Credentials and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (required).
CPA strongly preferred; MBA or Master’s in Accounting or Finance desirable.
Minimum 7–10 years of progressive experience in accounting or financial management.
Proven experience hiring and developing a team.
Strong background in higher education or nonprofit finance preferred.
Demonstrated expertise in audit management, budget development, and financial reporting.
Experience with endowment accounting, fund accounting, and restricted gifts is a plus.
Experience with automated financial management and reporting systems; familiarity with Jenzabar is a plus.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Deep technical accounting knowledge with strategic financial insight.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
Excellent management and organizational design skills; ability to hire and develop a high‑performance team.
Strong communication skills, both written and oral, with diverse constituencies.
Advanced proficiency in Excel and financial systems.
High integrity, discretion, and alignment with the College’s liberal arts values and mission.
Ability to analyze complex financial and statistical data and prepare accounting statements, summary conclusions, and recommendations in accordance with GAAP.
Excellent interpersonal skills, collaboration, professionalism, and discretion.
Ability to implement and maintain an integrated financial accounting and reporting system that meets internal and external needs.
Ability to work evenings and weekends as required.
Why This Role Matters In today’s higher‑education environment, small colleges must make disciplined financial decisions while staying true to their academic mission. This executive position ensures financial health, operational efficiency, and transparency—connecting finances to purpose and serving as a strategic thought partner and steward of institutional resources.
Seniority level Executive
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Finance and Sales
Industries
Online Audio and Video Media
Location & Salary Rockford, IL – $180,000 – $225,000 annually
#J-18808-Ljbffr