Chief Financial Officer

Established in 1924, California Western School of Law (CWSL) is San Diego’s oldest law school. Our mission is to train ethical, competent, and compassionate lawyers, representative of our diverse society, who can use the law effectively and creatively. Of the 241 students in our Fall 2024 JD entering class, 65% identify as women, 55% diverse from a racial/ethnic minority standpoint, 16% identified as LGBTQIA+, and 45% were first-generation college students. CWSL is also among the top three law schools in the U.S. for required experiential learning credits. We offer an array of exceptional experiential courses providing students with an opportunity to apply their intellect and education to some of the most challenging issues facing society, representing clients in criminal, immigration, trademark, legal aid, and internet law. This includes two of our premier programs, the Community Law Project and New Media Rights. The Community Law Project provides legal advice to low-income and indigent members of the local community while developing a commitment to public service in the students who work within the clinics. New Media Rights provides direct legal services to creators, entrepreneurs, journalists, and internet users whose projects require specialized internet, intellectual property, privacy, and media law expertise. POSITION SUMMARY Reporting to the President and Dean, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is an extremely high-profile position within the organization, with overall strategic and operational responsibility for all administration functions outside of marketing and fundraising. The CFO serves as a member of the senior leadership team, working closely with the Board of Trustees, including the Audit, Compliance and Risk Management, Finance and Investment, and Retirement Plan Committees to ensure the financial stability of the school. They will manage our $30M annual budget, leveraging their business acumen to support and guide the school’s long-term success and impact. Specifically, the CFO will lead our Business Office and oversee Information Technology, Human Resources & Payroll, and Facilities Management teams. In total, they will lead a dynamic and highly talented team of 22 staff, including 7 direct reports: Associate Director, General Accounting and Financial Reporting; Associate Director, Student Accounts and Budget; Executive Assistant; Senior Director, Human Resources & Operations; Manager of Network Operations; Manager of Service Desk & Desktop Systems; and the Application Systems Analyst. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Leadership Serve as an officer of the CWSL Corporation as appointed by the Board of Trustees and President and Dean. Provide support with budgeting, staffing, policies, procedures, and establishing priorities. Partner with the Dean and Board of Trustees on strategies for future revenue growth. Supervise, coach, mentor, and evaluate direct reports with a focus on helping each individual reach their full potential. Proactively advise the President and Dean of project status, potential issues, and overall departmental progress. BACKGROUND PROFILE Strategic and hands-on approach to finance, accounting, and operations; adept at analysis, business planning, and forecasting, and committed to CWSL’s mission. Demonstrated experience with audit, legal compliance, and budget development. Strong knowledge of organizational development and HR management principles. Excellent communication skills, written and oral; comfortable communicating key data, including presentations to senior management, the board, and outside stakeholders/partners. Ability to multi-task while maintaining vigilant attention to details.

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