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Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Inside Higher Ed, Columbia, South Carolina, us, 29228

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Job Family Financial and Accounting Operations and Analysis

Job Function Budgeting

USC Market Title Vice Chancellor, Finance & Administration

Job Level E2 - Directors and Executives

Business Title (Internal Title) Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Campus Columbia

Work County Richland

College/Division Palmetto College - Central Admin

Department PC Central Admin

State Pay Band Unclassified

Approved Starting Salary 140,485

Advertised Salary Range Salary commensurate with education and experience

Location of Vacancy 1

Part/Full Time Full Time

Hours Per Week 37.5

Basis 12 months

Job Search Category Fiscal Accounting

About University Of South Carolina From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Veterans' Preference Statement The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.

Advertised Job Summary The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Palmetto College is responsible for overseeing the overall financial activities, including financial planning, risk management, cash flow, accounting, and reporting, while serving as a strategic financial partner to the Chancellor. Their role involves analyzing financial data to drive decisions, overseeing budgeting and forecasting, ensuring regulatory compliance, and developing strategies for growth, financing, and investment. Ultimately, the CFO is responsible for Palmetto College’s fiscal health and long‑term financial success.

Job Related Minimum Required Education And Experience Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and at least 12 years of job related experience, including some prior management experience. Typically reports to a VP.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in business or public administration preferred.

Five (5) years or more of Anaplan experience.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Highly developed finance and analytical capabilities.

Extensive current knowledge of financial and business practices.

Proven leadership in finance analysis and reporting, fiscal accountability.

Finance policy development and long‑range budget planning.

Demonstrated knowledge and leadership in strategic planning and cost‑effective growth management strategies.

Knowledge of state and federal laws applicable to public entities; an understanding of GAAP, GAAS, GASB, and FASB.

Demonstrated ability to lead and manage change.

Demonstrated ability to be a member of a highly effective team and work in a team‑oriented environment.

Highly effective in oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate accurate finance systems and related technology.

Must be detail‑oriented and possess excellent analytical reasoning and problem‑solving skills.

Job Duty

Provide sound, ethical, and transparent fiscal planning, finance management, and budgetary processes that ensure the long‑term financial viability of Palmetto College and meet current operational needs to create, sustain, and grow a vibrant learning community on five (5) Palmetto College campuses (30%).

Responsible for the development of a long‑term business plan and financial forecasts in support of the college’s revenue and expenditure guidelines for consideration by the Chancellor, to include the preparation and submission of the budget to the university system.

Responsible for the college‑wide budgetary process that reflects the mission, vision, and strategic direction of the college and monitors actual performance in relation to the budget (20%).

Plans, directs, implements, and provides oversight for appropriate procedures for Palmetto College fiscal operations. Provides leadership for the Palmetto College campuses’ compliance with relevant internal state and federal laws (10%).

Reviews contracts before submission to the Chancellor for approval; submits contracts to the Office of the General Counsel for review and approval of the Palmetto College campuses (5%).

Represents Palmetto College on state, local, and University system committees as required in the CFO position. Performs such other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Chancellor.

Essential Function Yes

Safety Sensitive Or Security Sensitive No

Hazardous Weather Category Non‑Essential

Number Of Vacancies 1

Desired Start Date 01/05/2026

Job Open Date 10/08/2025

Open Until Filled Yes

Quicklink For Posting https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/195946

EEO Statement The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.

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