Job description
The Role of Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
The VP and CFO is responsible for the financial leadership of the college. The role directs budgeting, financial reporting and analysis, investments, cash management, debt management, environmental health and safety, and stewardship for all financial and physical assets of St. Olaf. In addition, the VP and CFO oversees facilities and guides the planning, financing, and implementation of all capital management activities including land acquisition and leases.
Reporting to the President, the VP and CFO has four direct reports and is responsible for a staff of more than 100 FTE across the following areas: business office, investments, budget and auxiliary services, environmental health and safety, and facilities.
The VP and CFO advises the Board of Regents, President, and executive team on matters of strategic decision making, resource management, and fiscal sustainability; serves as the leadership liaison to the Board’s Finance, Investment, Audit, and Buildings and Grounds Committees; and serves as the college’s Compliance and Risk Officer. The VP and CFO is also the primary liaison for the outsourced chief investment operations.
In addition, the VP and CFO has the following responsibilities:
- Fosters and promotes the growth and health of the college through the development of new and expanded funding sources, opportunities, process improvement, and systems improvement;
- Promotes financial understanding and establishes credibility with the Board, executive team, faculty, staff, and students as an innovative developer of solutions to business challenges and opportunities;
- Manages the planning, financing, and implementation of all capital management activities including land acquisition and leases;
- Ensures compliance with professional accounting standards, rules, regulations, and laws by directing, supervising, and facilitating the preparation of required and appropriate financial records, monthly and annual financial reports, internal control processes, and all other financial reporting that may be required;
- Interprets financial data and advises effectively on what the information means to institutional strategies and financial plans;
- Analyzes proposals to determine both short- and long-term impacts on college resources;
- Coordinates and fully participates in the annual independent financial audit;
- Develops and approves college-wide policies and procedures concerning fiscal and physical resources to ensure accountability and compliance with state and federal regulations;
- Administers college contractual relationships in collaboration with legal counsel; and
- Supports, respects, and commits to embracing diverse backgrounds, values, and points of view to build a strong and inclusive community.
Desired Qualities and Qualifications
A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a liberal arts and sciences discipline is required, with an MBA or graduate degree in a relevant field preferred. The ideal candidate will bring senior financial and operations management experience in a national liberal arts college or relevant experience elsewhere at an organization of comparable scope, scale, and complexity.
In addition, the VP and CFO will be:
- A strategic and innovative leader with strong business and financial acumen;
- An exceptional communicator capable of working with diverse internal and external stakeholders;
- Solutions oriented with a pragmatic and positive outlook;
- Able to translate complex financial information and promote financial understanding with leadership, faculty, staff, and students;
- A proactive and strategic partner to leadership teams and boards;
- Strong interpersonally with an accessible and approachable manner;
- Experienced with the workings of facilities, grounds, and safety and the capital planning process, ideally in colder climates;
- A seasoned manager in terms of personnel and projects;
- An affirming team builder who will empower others and optimize the effectiveness of talented and seasoned teams;
- Committed to supporting a range of initiatives related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and cultural competency; and
- An energetic, optimistic, authentic, and relational citizen of the college.
Read the complete search profile.
How to Apply
Nominations and applications should be submitted electronically as soon as possible. The search committee will begin to evaluate applications in May 2023. Although applications will be welcomed until the time that a new VP and CFO is selected, candidates should submit materials no later than June 19, 2023, to ensure fullest consideration. The new CFO is expected to begin serving in August 2023. Applications should include a letter of candidacy that responds to the agenda for leadership and the desired attributes for the VP and CFO and a complete résumé or vita. All application materials will be considered in full confidence.
Please send all nominations, inquiries, and applications, electronically to:
Julie E. Tea, Managing Director
Lindsay Allison, Senior Associate
StOlafCFO@storbecksearch.com
Please do NOT apply here on the St. Olaf website.
The college strongly recommends that incoming students and new employees complete the primary COVID vaccine series before beginning their studies or work on campus, and that all members of our campus community remain up to date with COVID vaccines, per CDC guidance.
St. Olaf College is an equal employment opportunity and voluntary affirmative action employer. The College is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our community. With regard to its hiring and employment practices, the College prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment based upon an individual’s legally protected status including race, color, creed, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, marital status, veteran status, or status with regard to public assistance.
Title IX Contact Information:
Pamela McDowell, Title IX and Section 504 Coordinator
1520 St. Olaf Avenue, Tomson Hall 180
Northfield, MN 55057
507-786-3465
mcdowell@stolaf.edu
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