Chief Financial Officer

The Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration/CFO reports directly to the president of the University. The SVP/CFO provides overall direction and leadership to, and coordinates the operational, budgetary, and personnel activities of all units within the division of finance and administration. The vice president serves as the treasurer and chief financial officer of the University and works in cooperation with the Board of Trustees, other University officers and University governance units. The SVP/CFO also serves as the treasurer of The University of Akron Foundation.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Provide leadership for and oversee activities including short- and long-range plans for the division of finance and administration. Maintain overall direction of the operational, budgetary, payroll, and employee benefit responsibilities of the university controller and finance services on a university-wide basis.
• Work closely with the president to assist in developing, monitoring and executing the various university budgets, including the general fund, auxiliary budgets and sales accounts.
• Serve as a member of the Presidents Cabinet and university officer.
• Identify long-term obligations of all areas in the finance division and the university as needed to develop financing plans and strategies to address all finance and facility obligations. Execute the preparation of debt financing proposals, working with individuals in the financial markets and legal counsel, in making arrangements and administering agreements. Prepare and analyze accounting records and bond accounts to ensure sound overall financial management of the university.
• Carry out responsibilities on behalf of the Board of Trustees in the conduct of university matters such as executing legal obligations and authorizing contracts. As needed, assist in obtaining state approvals for Board-directed initiatives, new capital projects, repair and rehabilitation requests, and conducting other items of university business.
• Carry out the responsibilities for the investments and safekeeping of university funds and trust investments.
• Perform other finance-related responsibilities as assigned by the president and/or Board of Trustees.
• Review, approve, and participate in the development and implementation of programs, policies, and procedures pertaining to the units of the division of finance and administration and the university.
• Direct and coordinate official university budgetary and financial functions related to the finance and administration division and assure adherence to federal, state, and local laws and regulations in these activities.
• Participate in activities of university and external boards, committees, and councils on behalf of the finance and administration division and/or the university as requested by the president.
• Actively engage with local and regional community leaders and organizations, including government officials at the local, state and federal levels, to advance university interests.
• Coordinate the planning and activities of the finance and administration division with the other areas of the university through regular meetings and on-going communication.
• For the finance and administration division direct reports, assign and review work, orient and train, and make decisions in all areas related to supervision, including, but not limited to, interviewing and selection, compensation, discipline, performance appraisal, and training and career development of personnel.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Additional Position Information:

Qualifications:

• A keen understanding of the unique financial elements of higher education, such as fund accounting and debt financing.
• Successful management of a large, highly complex organization, including responsibility for multiple functions related to finance, capital planning, and human resource administration; experience with complex budget management preferred.
• Proven experience relative to strategic financial planning.
• A bachelors degree is required; a masters degree ideally in business or finance is preferred.
• A minimum of 10 years of executive-level administrative experience and at least five years of successful finance experience at progressive levels of management and leadership responsibility in a comprehensive university or a similarly complex mission-centered enterprise.
• Demonstrated experience implementing best practices and continuous improvements to enhance finance and operations functioning, efficiencies, and productivity.
• Achievement in developing positive internal and external relations with multiple stakeholders, ideally including working with broad constituencies that may include institutional governing boards and committees, legislators, business executives, deans, faculty, staff and students.
• Appropriate leadership and accomplishment in planning, managing, and implementing major financial operations; human resources; and a familiarity with major construction, renovation, and maintenance programs, facilities management, capital construction, and campus master planning.
• Substantive evidence of success in overseeing an entitys financial processes with expertise in the preparation of complex, detailed financial analyses to provide a complete picture of operations.
• Ability to lead effectively across divisions, using collaboration and persuasion to guide decision-making and influence critical operations; a proven team player, with the ability both to advocate and to partner with others as well as skill as a negotiator; and experience reviewing and realigning systems, policies, and personnel.
• Ability to gain and maintain the trust of the university community and communicate clearly and effectively with all university constituents on all matters reporting to this office.
• Excellent analytical, problem solving, decision making, organizational, leadership, presentation, interpersonal skills, and outstanding oral and written communication skills.
• Commitment to educational goals and ethical values, desire to contribute to educational leadership at a large public university, and the ability to contribute effectively to an educational community that operates on transparent decision-making and widespread dissemination of information.
• Demonstrated history of creating and supporting a workplace committed to being people-centered by fostering collaboration, teamwork, creativity, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• The highest standards for personal and professional excellence and unquestionable integrity.

Application Instructions: In order to be considered for this position, please complete the online application, attach your CV or resume, and letter of interest addressing the themes in the Leadership Profile:

Application Deadline: Consideration of applications will begin on February 20, 2024, and continue until the position is filled.

Compensation: The compensation for this position is commensurate with experience.

FLSA Status (exempt/nonexempt):

United States of America (Exempt)

Union Affiliation (if applicable):

For assistance with your application or attachments, please contact the Human Resources representative listed:

Natasha Kuzmina

Email:

nkuzmina@uakron.edu

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Background Check Statement

The University of Akron is committed to providing a safe environment for all students and employees. The University endeavors to protect the health, welfare and safety of all students, employees and visitors on our campus. As such, all offers of employment with The University of Akron are contingent upon verification of credentials, and satisfactory completion of a criminal background check. Some positions may require additional credit investigation and a pre-employment driving record search.

Non-Discrimination Statement

The University of Akron is an Equal Education and Employment Institution. View our Non-Discrimination Statement for more information. Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.

State of Residence Statement

It is the expectation of the University of Akron that all work performed as an employee of the University will be performed in Ohio.

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