Vice President for Finance - Montclair, United States - Montclair State

Description

Montclair State University invites applications and nominations for the position of Vice President for Finance. This position offers an exciting opportunity to lead the financial direction of a dynamic and growing institution dedicated to excellence in education and student success. If you are an innovative financial executive looking to make a meaningful impact, we encourage you to consider joining Montclair State University's leadership team.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration (COO/SVP), the Vice President for Finance plays a pivotal leadership role in advancing the University's financial health and strategic objectives. The Vice President leads a team of more than 60 members and oversees all aspects of financial management, treasury functions and fiscal planning, and ensuring the financial integrity of the University. The ideal candidate will take a strategic approach to the challenges of maintaining a sustainable financial model for the University in a complex economic environment, including conceiving, structuring, and executing new business partnerships and collaborations.

The Vice President will lead pairing a forward-thinking vision with the willingness to join team members in the hands-on work of performance improvement and innovation. They will have overall leadership and management responsibility for the centralized financial functions, including the following:

• Controller's Office: financial accounting, financial reporting, external audit, grants accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets accounting, and capital budgets.
• Internal Audit: operational, financial and performance audits, and conducting continuous improvement plans.
• Office of Treasury: cash management, debt, risk management, investment management and treasury operations.
• Procurement Services: purchasing, negotiation and administration of contract, supplier relations and compliance with State regulations for purchasing.
• Real Estate: purchase and sale of real estate, including management of University owned housing.
• Student Accounts: housing and meal plans, tuition and fees, and payment arrangements

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Financial Analysis and Planning

• Serve as the senior advisor to the Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration on all financial matters;
• Lead the development, execution and monitoring of short- and long-term financial plans based on operational cash flow and balance sheet objectives;
• Lead the Finance team in the preparation of financial analyses that accurately evaluate and assess the University's financial position;
• Develop appropriate "dashboard" reports on key financial metrics to regularly update the COO/SVP and University senior leadership on financial operations and performance.

Financial Reporting/Audit/Compliance

• Overall responsibility for the accounting function, including all accounting operations, timely and transparent financial reporting, and advising the COO/SVP on all accounting matters.
• Ensure that periodic financial reports accurately measure the financial condition of the University including: performance against prior year period, performance against budget; analysis and explanation of variances from operating/capital budget projections are analyzed, among others.
• Direct and provide oversight of the annual financial statement preparation and audit process; act as liaison with University's external auditors.
• Oversee the accounting, compliance and reporting for external grants and sponsored research.
• Ensure that strong internal controls are implemented and maintained, including regularly reviewing and updating appropriate internal financial policies, and communicating to the responsible parties.
• Supervise the retention of financial records and information.
• Assess, review and recommend technology systems and Workday enhancements to meet current and anticipated needs of the Finance Department.

Debt and Treasury Management

• Overall managerial oversight of all University financial operations, from daily payments and student accounts receipts, to working capital cash position/short-term investments, to debt issuance and capital structure.
• Insure access to credit markets to maintain adequate bank credit lines, refinance existing debt, and fund budgeted new capital projects.
• In consultation with the President and COO/SVP foster strong relationships with and communicate the University financial condition to external constituencies, including banks, rating agencies, credit providers, issuing authorities, external debt consultants, investors, legal counsel(s) as related to financing/credit activity.
• Lead the Finance team in monitoring compliance with all debt covenants, ensuring that required reporting to banks, rating agencies and investors is completed on a timely basis.
• Participate and collaborate, as required, in the negotiation of major contracts for services, lease of property or facilities, major construction and renovation projects with diverse vendors, sale or purchase of real estate, and other key transactions relevant to the fiscal status of the University.

Procurement Management

• Direct the assessment and implementation of procurement processes to optimize customer service, process efficiency, cost effectiveness, and vendor relationships .
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align procurement strategies with University business objectives.

Risk Management and Insurance Programs

• Lead the evaluation and enhancement of the University's risk management framework, identify and mitigate financial risks
• Oversee and evaluate current insurance programs, ensure adequate coverage and compliance.

Leadership and Management

• Lead and provide direct supervision to following business unit heads in the Finance Department: Assistant Treasurer, Internal Auditor, Assistant Vice President of Procurement Services, Controller, and others as assigned.
• Develop the team to ensure requisite functional knowledge and capacity to carry out the responsibilities Finance Department, effectively and efficiently.
• In collaboration with the COO/SVP, optimize the Finance Department's organizational structure and overall performance.
• Foster an environment of teamwork, shared mission, inclusion, trust and collegiality, both within the financial management team and in collaboration with University colleagues.
• Represent the Finance Department on internal University committees and externally with governmental, civic, educational and professional organizations as needed and assigned.
• Advance the University's ongoing commitment to a diverse workforce and to professional development for all members of the community.
• Communicate financial planning and budgeting to a diverse community involving undergraduate, graduate and online populations.
• Perform Other Duties as Assigned.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university in finance, accounting or related field.
• Minimum of ten years of substantial and increasingly responsible financial leadership experience in a large complex organization.
• Experience in financial leadership roles within higher education or public sector experience.
• Strong financial acumen and expertise in financial planning, accounting and financial reporting.
• Knowledge of Workday, or relevant financial software and technology.
• Master's degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification.
• Ability to establish trust, credibility and influence with the Board of Trustees and all levels of institutional leadership.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.
• Advanced proficiency in data analysis and financial modeling.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate complex financial concepts to non-finance professionals.
• Well-developed team building skills and emotional intelligence.

PROCEDURE FOR CANDIDACY

Applicants should include a resume and cover letter describing how their background, skills and education match the needs of the University. When applying, please take a moment to carefully read and follow the steps in the application instructions.