Vice President for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer

Vice President for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer

Job Title: Vice President for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer

Type of Employment: Full Time

Bargaining Unit: Management

Department: Finance

Job Summary / Basic Function: Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) is seeking a proven leader, problem-solver, and financial executive for the position of Vice President for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer. The Vice President reports to the University President and requires a combination of strategic leadership and hands-on management. Additionally, this position supports executing the President’s agenda and strategic vision for the Institution.

Position Responsibilities:

• Manages the offices of Fiscal Affairs (Accounting, Accounts Payable, Financial Planning, and Student Accounts), Human Resources, Information Technology Services, and Administration (Facilities, Safety and Risk Management, and Office of General Services).
• Key member of the President’s Cabinet assisting in the overall financial management of the University.
• Leads the annual budgeting processes to reflect the University Strategic Plan and monitors actual to budget and implementation of budget-related initiatives.
• Highly transparent and visible executive leader with regular accountability to stakeholders including governing boards, faculty and administrative labor unions, university affiliates, donors, and legislators.
• Collaborates with PASSHE Office of the Chancellor, working strategically with the Executive Vice-Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer, designing and implementing initiatives in achieving sustainability for PennWest University.
• Provides innovative strategies to improve space utilization including the engagement of 3rd parties to drive down costs or increase revenue.
• Provide workforce planning, organizational structure, labor relation interpretations, and collective bargaining agreement guidance to University administrators.
• Provide direction for purchasing services and management of the procurement of materials and services for all University departments based on State System and other applicable policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Represents the University on System related governance groups including the CFOs and other teams as necessary.

Operational activities include:

• Creates, implements, and oversees the financial and administration functions, policies, and systems needed to support the operations of the University.
• Provide executive leadership and direction to senior division managers to ensure efficient operation of the Finance and Administration Division, which significantly impacts operations of the entire University.
• Management and oversight of the accounting and budgeting, compliance, financial reporting and analysis, risk management, and auditing functions and processes for Fiscal Affairs.
• Administration of cash management and investment programs, and the financing of equipment and facility needs through bond financing and other financing mechanisms.
• Ensure collaboration with the Student Accounts and Financial Aid Office operations, which includes resources from federal, state, institutional, and outside sources.
• Manage and oversee billing and collection of University tuition and fees to students and third-party vendors and develop effective billing and payment plan strategies for students and parents, in order to make the University an affordable option for current and prospective students.
• Provide fiscal and operational oversight of University Housing and other auxiliary services.
• Responsible for the overall management of the University’s physical plant, including building and grounds maintenance, utility services, architectural, contracting, and quality assurance services, project management, and facilities financing.
• Develops capital funding requests, manages campus deferred maintenance plan and oversees land acquisition transactions.
• Provide leadership in the continual evaluation of the University’s long-range Campus Master Plan.
• Oversight, planning, and direction of the University Information Technology Services department.
• Oversight, planning, and direction of the University’s HR Office.
• Leads university activities related to System office shared services including procurement and Human Resources.

Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:

Minimum Education / Training: Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Management, Accounting or a related discipline is required.

At least ten years of progressive management experience in financial and administrative affairs within a complex public, nonprofit or private university environment or other complex organization.

Highly desired qualifications include:

• A demonstrated commitment to establishing and sustaining a culture of excellence and accountability among members of the Division.
• A record of accomplishment in developing effective financial strategies that promote principled fiscal strength and sustainability.
• The diplomatic skills necessary to navigate the political and legislative processes associated with the role.
• Comfort dealing with complexity, competing demands, ambiguity, and change while providing balanced, values-based leadership.
• A demonstrated commitment to diversity, inclusion, and transparency.
• The capacity to make well-reasoned, tough decisions in a timely manner.
• The ability to articulate complex financial and other concepts to non-technical audiences.
• An understanding of and respect for the PennWest University tradition, while challenging the University to improve its operating effectiveness and efficiencies.
• The poise, presence, and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with a variety of constituents and stakeholders, and to establish productive working relationships both within and outside the University.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• High level of energy and initiative.

Preferred Qualifications: Prior experience administratively supervising Facilities, Human Resources, and Information Technology Service areas is highly preferred.

Work Location: Is travel to other PennWest campuses required for this position? Yes.

Work Hours: 8am - 4pm.

Posting Date: 07/08/2024

Closing Date: Open Until Filled.

Diversity Statement: The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is committed to and accountable for cultivating an environment that advances diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). We strive to create a community that affirms the identities of every individual and affords them dignity and respect, regardless of difference.

ADA Statement: To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Amy Salsgiver, Executive Director of Equity and Title IX, asalsgiver@pennwest.edu; 814-393-2109. Pennsylvania Western University complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and candidates with disabilities.

EEO Statement: Pennsylvania Western University is committed to equal employment and equal educational opportunities for all individuals regardless of gender, gender identity, race or color, ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, religion or creed, genetic information, affectional or sexual orientation, veteran status, or other classifications that are protected under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other pertinent state and federal laws and regulations.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you have a master’s degree?
  • Yes
  • No

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents:

PennWest California, 250 University Avenue, California, PA 15419

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