Oberlin College
The Associate Vice President (AVP) for Finance is a key leader within the Finance & Administration division who directs the College’s comprehensive financial operations. This role is responsible for ensuring the integrity of all accounting, budgeting, and tax functions in compliance with GAAP, government regulations, and institutional policies. The AVP acts as a strategic partner, driving the College’s financial strength through rigorous analysis, innovative cost-management, and insightful reporting. In close collaboration with the Vice President, the AVP contributes to long‑range financial planning and provides critical support for senior leadership and the Board of Trustees.
The AVP provides administrative leadership and oversight of all accounting functions and financial reporting, treasury management, budget development and management, long‑term financial planning and debt management. The AVP leads a 16‑member finance team in the development, oversight and reporting of the College’s $193 million operating budget and net assets of $1.7 billion.
The AVP works with members of the President’s leadership team, Human Resources, the Center for Information Technology, Facilities Management & Planning, the Offices of Admissions and Financial Aid, Institutional Effectiveness and Planning, and the Offices of the Dean of Arts & Sciences and the Conservatory to integrate financial expertise into strategic and operational planning.
Accounting & Internal Controls
Accounting Operations & Compliance: Lead all core accounting functions to ensure GAAP compliance and the accuracy of records across all areas (e.g., endowment, grants, assets). Oversee the timely execution of the financial close, account reconciliations, and preparation of financial statements. Process Management & Disbursements: Manage all disbursement processes, including vendor payments, expense reimbursements, and student refunds, while leading the team to improve efficiency and provide excellent service to the campus community. Oversight & Internal Controls: Establish and maintain a strong internal‑control environment, developing clear financial policies. Strategic Reporting & Analysis: Develop and manage financial reports, dashboards, and benchmarking tools to monitor key metrics, assess financial health, support scenario development, and inform strategic plans. Compliance Reporting: Ensure the timely and accurate submission of all required compliance reports for the college’s subsidiary entities. Treasury
Banking & Cash Management: Manage the core treasury functions, including banking relationships, and oversee short‑term cash investments not managed by the Investment Office. Debt & Program Oversight: Ensure timely debt service payments and compliance reporting. Financial Planning & Budgeting
Financial Modeling & Analysis: Develop and manage long‑range financial models, analytical tools, and benchmarking reports to support strategic planning and data‑informed decision‑making. Budget Management: In collaboration with the Director of Budget & Financial Planning, lead the development, implementation, and management of the college’s annual operating and departmental budgets and capital budget, establishing effective guidelines and processes. Debt Management
Portfolio & Transaction Management: Monitor the college’s debt portfolio and manage all transactions, including refinancing, restructuring, and new issuance, by coordinating with financial advisors and legal counsel. Rating Agency Relations: Lead all interactions with credit rating agencies (e.g., Moody’s, S&P), including the preparation and execution of annual surveillance and rating calls. Team Leadership & Development: Lead all aspects of personnel management, including recruiting, training, mentoring, and developing a high‑performing finance team. Performance & Culture: Drive team performance through clear goal‑setting and consistent feedback, building a collaborative, customer‑focused culture. Operational Optimization: Strategically structure the department and continuously improve business processes to ensure the efficient delivery of high‑quality financial services. Business Process Improvement & Technology
Process Improvement & Control: Drive continuous improvement of financial processes with a focus on strengthening internal and business controls. Identify opportunities to enhance workflows and leverage technology based on user feedback and best practices. Technology Management & Security: Oversee the implementation of financial system upgrades and new functionalities, ensuring all projects are designed to improve efficiency while reinforcing the control environment and complying with all security policies. Board of Trustees Support
Board & Committee Support: In partnership with the VP, provide comprehensive support to the Board of Trustees and its key financial committees including Budget & Finance, Audit & Risk Management, Investment, Capital Planning, and the Debt Finance Subcommittee. This includes preparing agendas, developing materials, and presenting critical financial matters. Financial Policy Governance: Manage the periodic review of all board‑approved financial policies and recommend modifications as needed to ensure best practices. Subsidiary Entities Support
Subsidiary Oversight: In partnership with the VP, manage the financial activities of all subsidiary organizations, including their annual audit processes and compliance reporting. QUALIFICATIONS
At least 10 years of progressive responsibility and experience in higher education or similarly complex organization including 5 years in a substantive management role. Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, finance or related field; a master’s degree in business, finance, accounting or other relevant field of study strongly preferred. Certified Public Accountant licensure strongly preferred (active or inactive). Demonstrated experience in the development, implementation, and monitoring of complex operating and capital budgets. This includes financial modeling, forecasting, and long‑range financial planning. Demonstrated experience in establishing and maintaining a robust system of internal controls and managing annual external audits. Proven ability to lead a diverse team, foster a collaborative work environment, and align the finance department’s goals with the College’s strategic mission. Excellent written and oral communication skills supporting the presentation of complex financial information to a wide range of audiences, including the board of trustees, senior leadership, faculty, and staff. Strong analytical abilities to interpret financial data, identify trends, and develop solutions to complex financial challenges. Proficiency with integrated financial information systems and standard office software. CORE COMPETENCIES
The ability to align financial and operational strategies with the College’s overarching mission and goals. Make sound, sustainable decisions regarding the allocation and use of financial resources to best support the institution’s strategic priorities. Skill to lead, motivate, and develop a high‑performing and diverse team of finance professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, excellence, and professional growth. Demonstrated ability to skillfully guide the finance division and its campus partners through technological, procedural, and policy changes to ensure smooth transitions and successful adoption. Ability to build strong, collaborative partnerships with leaders across all academic and administrative departments, as well as with external stakeholders like auditors and bankers. A leadership style that fosters a culture of providing timely, helpful, and user‑friendly service to the entire campus community. A professional approach that reflects humility. A record of integrity, honesty and trustworthiness. The ability to absorb complex technical information, actively listen to the needs and perspectives of different audiences and translate information into clear, understandable and actionable insights, making complex financial matters meaningful to non‑experts. Understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for the diverse academic, socio‑economic, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, disability, and sexual orientation of institutional students, faculty, staff, alumni and stakeholders. To Apply:
https://jobs.oberlin.edu/postings/16889 Seniority level
Executive Employment type
Full‑time Job function
Finance and Sales Industries
Higher Education
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Accounting Operations & Compliance: Lead all core accounting functions to ensure GAAP compliance and the accuracy of records across all areas (e.g., endowment, grants, assets). Oversee the timely execution of the financial close, account reconciliations, and preparation of financial statements. Process Management & Disbursements: Manage all disbursement processes, including vendor payments, expense reimbursements, and student refunds, while leading the team to improve efficiency and provide excellent service to the campus community. Oversight & Internal Controls: Establish and maintain a strong internal‑control environment, developing clear financial policies. Strategic Reporting & Analysis: Develop and manage financial reports, dashboards, and benchmarking tools to monitor key metrics, assess financial health, support scenario development, and inform strategic plans. Compliance Reporting: Ensure the timely and accurate submission of all required compliance reports for the college’s subsidiary entities. Treasury
Banking & Cash Management: Manage the core treasury functions, including banking relationships, and oversee short‑term cash investments not managed by the Investment Office. Debt & Program Oversight: Ensure timely debt service payments and compliance reporting. Financial Planning & Budgeting
Financial Modeling & Analysis: Develop and manage long‑range financial models, analytical tools, and benchmarking reports to support strategic planning and data‑informed decision‑making. Budget Management: In collaboration with the Director of Budget & Financial Planning, lead the development, implementation, and management of the college’s annual operating and departmental budgets and capital budget, establishing effective guidelines and processes. Debt Management
Portfolio & Transaction Management: Monitor the college’s debt portfolio and manage all transactions, including refinancing, restructuring, and new issuance, by coordinating with financial advisors and legal counsel. Rating Agency Relations: Lead all interactions with credit rating agencies (e.g., Moody’s, S&P), including the preparation and execution of annual surveillance and rating calls. Team Leadership & Development: Lead all aspects of personnel management, including recruiting, training, mentoring, and developing a high‑performing finance team. Performance & Culture: Drive team performance through clear goal‑setting and consistent feedback, building a collaborative, customer‑focused culture. Operational Optimization: Strategically structure the department and continuously improve business processes to ensure the efficient delivery of high‑quality financial services. Business Process Improvement & Technology
Process Improvement & Control: Drive continuous improvement of financial processes with a focus on strengthening internal and business controls. Identify opportunities to enhance workflows and leverage technology based on user feedback and best practices. Technology Management & Security: Oversee the implementation of financial system upgrades and new functionalities, ensuring all projects are designed to improve efficiency while reinforcing the control environment and complying with all security policies. Board of Trustees Support
Board & Committee Support: In partnership with the VP, provide comprehensive support to the Board of Trustees and its key financial committees including Budget & Finance, Audit & Risk Management, Investment, Capital Planning, and the Debt Finance Subcommittee. This includes preparing agendas, developing materials, and presenting critical financial matters. Financial Policy Governance: Manage the periodic review of all board‑approved financial policies and recommend modifications as needed to ensure best practices. Subsidiary Entities Support
Subsidiary Oversight: In partnership with the VP, manage the financial activities of all subsidiary organizations, including their annual audit processes and compliance reporting. QUALIFICATIONS
At least 10 years of progressive responsibility and experience in higher education or similarly complex organization including 5 years in a substantive management role. Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, finance or related field; a master’s degree in business, finance, accounting or other relevant field of study strongly preferred. Certified Public Accountant licensure strongly preferred (active or inactive). Demonstrated experience in the development, implementation, and monitoring of complex operating and capital budgets. This includes financial modeling, forecasting, and long‑range financial planning. Demonstrated experience in establishing and maintaining a robust system of internal controls and managing annual external audits. Proven ability to lead a diverse team, foster a collaborative work environment, and align the finance department’s goals with the College’s strategic mission. Excellent written and oral communication skills supporting the presentation of complex financial information to a wide range of audiences, including the board of trustees, senior leadership, faculty, and staff. Strong analytical abilities to interpret financial data, identify trends, and develop solutions to complex financial challenges. Proficiency with integrated financial information systems and standard office software. CORE COMPETENCIES
The ability to align financial and operational strategies with the College’s overarching mission and goals. Make sound, sustainable decisions regarding the allocation and use of financial resources to best support the institution’s strategic priorities. Skill to lead, motivate, and develop a high‑performing and diverse team of finance professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, excellence, and professional growth. Demonstrated ability to skillfully guide the finance division and its campus partners through technological, procedural, and policy changes to ensure smooth transitions and successful adoption. Ability to build strong, collaborative partnerships with leaders across all academic and administrative departments, as well as with external stakeholders like auditors and bankers. A leadership style that fosters a culture of providing timely, helpful, and user‑friendly service to the entire campus community. A professional approach that reflects humility. A record of integrity, honesty and trustworthiness. The ability to absorb complex technical information, actively listen to the needs and perspectives of different audiences and translate information into clear, understandable and actionable insights, making complex financial matters meaningful to non‑experts. Understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for the diverse academic, socio‑economic, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, disability, and sexual orientation of institutional students, faculty, staff, alumni and stakeholders. To Apply:
https://jobs.oberlin.edu/postings/16889 Seniority level
Executive Employment type
Full‑time Job function
Finance and Sales Industries
Higher Education
#J-18808-Ljbffr