Vice President and Chief Financial and Administrative Officer

Vice President and Chief Financial and Administrative Officer

Position Title: Vice President and Chief Financial and Administrative Officer

FLSA Classification: EX

Reports to: President

Salary Range: 99

Weeks Per Year: 52

Work Week: 40 hours (minimum)

Position Summary: As the University’s chief financial and administrative officer, the Vice President for Finance and Administration (VP/CFAO) provides strategic leadership and executive management in all areas of finance and administrative operations including facilities, information technology, human resources, and auxiliary services, legal and payroll. As a trusted member of the president’s senior leadership team, the VP/CFAO works closely with the president, provost, other cabinet members, academic deans, and departmental leaders to develop, implement, and achieve the university’s strategic priorities.

The VP/CFAO plays a critical leadership role in shared governance and engages directly with the Board of Regents in support of their fiduciary responsibilities. The VP/CFAO supports several board committees including finance, investment, and audit.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Establishes and executes strategic priorities that contribute to the financial stability of the University of Hartford. Evaluates the effectiveness of strategic priorities and directs the adjustment of budget and financial investments accordingly.
2. Advises the President and Board of Regents on all financial matters regarding the fiscal health of the University. Conducts annual and interim audits and assessments, and produces financial reports which inform management decisions affecting institutional policies, procedures, and/or practices.
3. Directs all financial planning and budget management functions, and establishes benchmarks for measuring the financial and operating performance of the University. Manages the financial forecasting by reviewing performance at established intervals and recommends adjustments as appropriate. Prepares financial analyses for the Board of Regents and President that outline sound financial decisions and recommendations. Works closely with departments to develop business plans which adhere to established policy.
4. Supports the President and Board in the development, implementation, and proactive monitoring of appropriate financial controls to maintain the University’s financial integrity. Assesses University financial requirements and evaluates capital needs in an effort to strategically meet University established goals and priorities.
5. Manages cash flow through the University to maintain the integrity of funds, securities, and other financial resources.
6. Provides direction and oversight for the university’s major administrative operations and related functions including information technology, human resources, payroll, facilities management and infrastructure planning, dining, contracts management, legal and procurement.
7. Oversees enterprise risk management for the university and ensures that the highest areas of risk are appropriately identified and prioritized. Proactively develops risk mitigation plans in collaboration with relevant department leaders.
8. Establishes metrics and goals for financial and administrative operations in an effort to position the university as an educational institution and employer of choice. Communicates with the university constituencies in a transparent manner, style, and frequency that fosters confidence and trust.
9. Establishes, cultivates, and maintains effective relationships with financial institutions. Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal financial reporting requirements. Administers banking arrangements and loan agreements. Maintains custody of the University’s moneys and securities, and ensures adequate sources for borrowings from lenders. Provides oversight to the investments of the University’s funds. Approves all agreements concerning financial obligations including, but not limited to, contracts for products and services.
10. Serves on planning and policy-making committees and represents the University externally to government agencies, auditors, and the general public. Serves on the University Resource Planning and Priority (budget) Committee. Creates both short and long-term operational efficiencies to further strengthen the University’s financial position by diversifying sources of revenues as well as by introducing and overseeing lean management concepts and technologies.
11. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Working Conditions: Normal office situation. Requires travel, including overnights.

Education: Bachelor's in business administration or related field. Relevant master’s degree preferred. CPA or an equivalent combination of relevant professional experience in a higher education setting.

Special Skills: The ability to work effectively with diverse groups. Able to build collaborative teams and develop and foster deep relationships across staff functions, faculty, and administration.

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Letter of Recommendation
• Letter of Recommendation 2
• Letter of Recommendation 3
• Diversity Statement