Dickerson Bakker
CFO and VP of Business Affairs- Fresno Pacific University
Dickerson Bakker, Fresno, California, United States, 93650
Fresno Pacific University (FPU) is seeking an accomplished Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Business Affairs. Strong candidates will have a proven track record in financial analysis, strategy, and management, as well as consummate expertise in leading complex teams. They will guide the institution through a critical period of transformation and growth while managing a $60M annual budget.
The CFO/VP of Business Affairs will report directly to Dr. Stephens and will play a key role in shaping the future of FPU. This role is also a member of the President’s Cabinet and the President’s Council. This is an exceptional opportunity to join the leadership team at Fresno Pacific University as the CFO and Vice President of Business Affairs. In this pivotal role, you will serve as the University's Chief Financial Officer, reporting directly to the President and will play a key role in the President's Cabinet and Council. The CFO and VP of Business Affairs will shape and communicate the financial vision of FPU, ensuring its fidelity across all University departments. Oversight will guarantee the effectiveness and efficiency of fiscal activities to support our entire FPU community. This position is integral to upholding sound legal, financial, and business practices at FPU.
This position will oversee the preparation of financial statements, manage all University investments, and lead external audit processes. Additionally, you will spearhead the operations of key University functions, including the Business Office, Facilities Management, Campus Safety, Information Technology, and Human Resources, stewarding the success of 46 team members.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Financial:
Provide financial analysis, planning, and management of the University’s resources to facilitate and support its mission and strategic plan.Lead the master planning process.Develop and manage the University’s operating and capital budgets.Guide the University’s investments and endowment and oversee contracted financial services.Optimize the management of cash and liquidity.Facilitate business process improvement and develop strategic financial plans.Oversee all financial matters, risk management, and related compliance issues of the University and advise the president, cabinet, and board regarding business model improvement, investments, and talent management strategies, as well as new opportunities for revenue.Oversee the University’s annual risk assessment and manage their risk management, insurance, and legal resources.Serve as administrative liaison to both the budget/finance and audit committees of the Board of Trustees as well as the Fresno Pacific Foundation.Operational:
Lead a team of directors and managers responsible for the daily operations of the Business, Facilities Management, Campus Safety, Human Resources, and Information Technology offices and ensure their operational optimization and success.Oversee contractual relationships with third-party vendors, including, but not limited to, the bookstore, information technology, and food service contracts.Provide information and communication regarding finance and business affairs to the University community.Support the emerging strategic plan and efforts to invest in the people of Fresno Pacific, equipping and empowering individuals to use their giftedness to strengthen our community.Establish sound procurement practices, ensure appropriate segregation of duties, establish internal controls, and ensure they are effective.Lead the master planning process, including supporting the construction or acquisition of new buildings.Talent and Community Development:
Assess and strategically build a high-performing finance team capable of supporting the organization's strategic objectives. This includes developing or recruiting talent, setting performance expectations, and fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability.Communicate regularly and transparently with all stakeholders about the key objectives and status of financial and operational matters.Represent the University and manage a professional and active relationship with students, faculty, staff, and guests to understand the University’s unique needs.Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, accounting, management, or a related field from an accredited college or University.Graduate degree in a related field preferred, or current CPA, CMA, or CFA credentials.Provide a history of increasingly responsible appointments with at least five years of senior-level experience in financial/management positions in a higher education or related nonprofit setting preferred.Experience overseeing multi-disciplinary operational units in a complex organization.Demonstrate knowledge of all areas to be supervised, especially budgeting and financial management.Proven record as a leader who can provide strategic and creative direction while balancing the resource and funding requirements necessary to achieve the University’s strategic goals.Ability to communicate effectively and courteously with the public, faculty, staff, and students.Ability to exercise sound judgment and make prompt decisions regarding issues that arise.Demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills.Compensation for this role ranges from $170,000-230,000 based on skills and experience. Benefits for this position are highly competitive with comparable opportunities and include 403b retirement benefits, tuition remission, CCCU Exchange tuition discount, relocation package, and transitional housing.
This position is based at FPU’s main campus and business office in Fresno, CA. This is a national search, and relocation will be provided if necessary. For more information please see the
Opportunity Profile .
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The CFO/VP of Business Affairs will report directly to Dr. Stephens and will play a key role in shaping the future of FPU. This role is also a member of the President’s Cabinet and the President’s Council. This is an exceptional opportunity to join the leadership team at Fresno Pacific University as the CFO and Vice President of Business Affairs. In this pivotal role, you will serve as the University's Chief Financial Officer, reporting directly to the President and will play a key role in the President's Cabinet and Council. The CFO and VP of Business Affairs will shape and communicate the financial vision of FPU, ensuring its fidelity across all University departments. Oversight will guarantee the effectiveness and efficiency of fiscal activities to support our entire FPU community. This position is integral to upholding sound legal, financial, and business practices at FPU.
This position will oversee the preparation of financial statements, manage all University investments, and lead external audit processes. Additionally, you will spearhead the operations of key University functions, including the Business Office, Facilities Management, Campus Safety, Information Technology, and Human Resources, stewarding the success of 46 team members.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Financial:
Provide financial analysis, planning, and management of the University’s resources to facilitate and support its mission and strategic plan.Lead the master planning process.Develop and manage the University’s operating and capital budgets.Guide the University’s investments and endowment and oversee contracted financial services.Optimize the management of cash and liquidity.Facilitate business process improvement and develop strategic financial plans.Oversee all financial matters, risk management, and related compliance issues of the University and advise the president, cabinet, and board regarding business model improvement, investments, and talent management strategies, as well as new opportunities for revenue.Oversee the University’s annual risk assessment and manage their risk management, insurance, and legal resources.Serve as administrative liaison to both the budget/finance and audit committees of the Board of Trustees as well as the Fresno Pacific Foundation.Operational:
Lead a team of directors and managers responsible for the daily operations of the Business, Facilities Management, Campus Safety, Human Resources, and Information Technology offices and ensure their operational optimization and success.Oversee contractual relationships with third-party vendors, including, but not limited to, the bookstore, information technology, and food service contracts.Provide information and communication regarding finance and business affairs to the University community.Support the emerging strategic plan and efforts to invest in the people of Fresno Pacific, equipping and empowering individuals to use their giftedness to strengthen our community.Establish sound procurement practices, ensure appropriate segregation of duties, establish internal controls, and ensure they are effective.Lead the master planning process, including supporting the construction or acquisition of new buildings.Talent and Community Development:
Assess and strategically build a high-performing finance team capable of supporting the organization's strategic objectives. This includes developing or recruiting talent, setting performance expectations, and fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability.Communicate regularly and transparently with all stakeholders about the key objectives and status of financial and operational matters.Represent the University and manage a professional and active relationship with students, faculty, staff, and guests to understand the University’s unique needs.Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, accounting, management, or a related field from an accredited college or University.Graduate degree in a related field preferred, or current CPA, CMA, or CFA credentials.Provide a history of increasingly responsible appointments with at least five years of senior-level experience in financial/management positions in a higher education or related nonprofit setting preferred.Experience overseeing multi-disciplinary operational units in a complex organization.Demonstrate knowledge of all areas to be supervised, especially budgeting and financial management.Proven record as a leader who can provide strategic and creative direction while balancing the resource and funding requirements necessary to achieve the University’s strategic goals.Ability to communicate effectively and courteously with the public, faculty, staff, and students.Ability to exercise sound judgment and make prompt decisions regarding issues that arise.Demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills.Compensation for this role ranges from $170,000-230,000 based on skills and experience. Benefits for this position are highly competitive with comparable opportunities and include 403b retirement benefits, tuition remission, CCCU Exchange tuition discount, relocation package, and transitional housing.
This position is based at FPU’s main campus and business office in Fresno, CA. This is a national search, and relocation will be provided if necessary. For more information please see the
Opportunity Profile .
#J-18808-Ljbffr