Vice President of Finance and Deputy Chief Financial Officer

The Vice President of Finance (VP Finance) is an Executive Officer of the University of Oklahoma and serves as a senior financial operations leader and Deputy Chief Financial Officer, reporting to the Senior Vice President for Strategy and Finance (SVP-S&F).

This position integrates financial stewardship with enterprise strategy by translating institutional priorities into budgets, forecasts, and capital and cash strategies. The VP Finance ensures accurate and timely financial reporting, maintains strong internal controls and compliance, and drives efficiency through process and technology modernization. Serving a systemwide role across the Norman, OU Health (OKC), and Tulsa campuses, the VP Finance is a key partner in advancing the University's strategic plan, Lead On, University.

The VP Finance provides executive oversight of core financial units including Procurement, Grants & Contracts Accounting, Financial Systems, Data & Reporting, Budget & Financial Planning, and the Controller's Offices on both the Norman and Health Campuses. As a trusted advisor to senior leadership and campus stakeholders, the VP Finance ensures effective financial management, transparency, and the delivery of timely, accurate financial information to support informed decision-making.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and oversight for Procurement, Grants & Contracts Accounting, Financial Systems, Data & Reporting, and Controllers Offices and Budget & Financial Planning across the Norman and Health Campuses.

• Partner with the Senior Vice President for Strategy and Finance in developing and executing the University's financial strategy, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and fiscal sustainability.
• Oversee the integrity of financial systems, data, and reporting to support informed decision-making by executives, Regents, and external stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and university financial regulations, policies, and reporting standards.
• Lead efforts to modernize financial operations, implement technology solutions, and improve processes that enhance efficiency, transparency, and service delivery.
• Direct and support financial planning, analysis, and forecasting to anticipate challenges and identify opportunities for optimization.
• Serve as a liaison with internal and external auditors, government agencies, and funding partners regarding financial matters.
• Mentor and develop finance leaders and staff across assigned areas, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
• Oversee debt strategy for the University, including rating agency communication, and all aspects of debt issuance, compliance, and modeling.
• Act as Deputy CFO, providing leadership and decision-making support for the CFO role when delegated by the Senior Vice President for Strategy and Finance.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience: Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field, AND:

• 10 years of progressive leadership experience in financial management required, preferably within higher education, healthcare, or similarly complex organizations.

Equivalency/Substitution: Bachelor's degree with CPA certification may substitute for the Master's degree.

Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated expertise in financial systems, data reporting, and large-scale financial operations.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state regulations related to grants, contracts, procurement, and financial reporting.
• Proven track record of leading high-performing teams and driving process improvements.
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to partner effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to balance long-term vision with operational excellence.
• Transparent, ethical leader committed to stewardship, accountability, and building resilient and forward-thinking teams.
• Positive and collaborative approach to problem-solving and decision-making.

Certifications: None

Advertised Physical Requirements:

• Standard Office environment.
• Occasional extended hours or weekend work to meet deadlines or support critical financial cycles.
• Frequent collaboration with senior leadership, campus stakeholders, external auditors, government agencies, and funding partners.
• Work involves managing multiple competing priorities in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Occasional travel between campuses and to external meetings or conferences.
• Must maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion in handling sensitive financial information.

Departmental Preferences: 

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), other relevant professional certifications is strongly preferred.

Supervision: 5-10 staff on Norman and Health campuses

Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy. To view the policy, visit 

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma values our community's unique talents, perspectives, and experiences. At OU, we aspire to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere. You Belong Here

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, gender identity/expression (consistent with applicable law), age (40 or older), religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, housing, financial aid, and educational services.