VP of Fiscal Affairs (VPFA)
POSITION SUMMARY:
The VPFA provides leadership, oversight, and stewardship for all aspects of Bluffton's financial resources. Reporting to the President, the VPFA works collaboratively with Cabinet members, the Board of Trustees, and other campus leadership in providing strategic advice and recommending and implementing financial and administrative objectives, policies, programs, and best practices that ensure fiscal integrity and a sound financial structure for the institution.
The VPFA keeps the President and Board of Trustees informed about Bluffton's current financial position and works with external auditors and the Business Office staff to ensure that effective accounting controls are in place, that the university complies with applicable federal, state, and local regulatory laws and rules for financial and tax reporting, and that collaborative relationships are maintained. The VPFA collaborates with the Director for Human Resources on benefits-related matters, with the Vice President for Enrollment Management on financial aid planning and monitoring, and with the Vice President for Advancement on the management of charitable contributions and endowed funds. Positions that report directly to the VPFA are the Business Manager; the Director of Buildings and Grounds, and Director of Human Resources.
In terms of external operations, the VPFA partners with the President, and with the Chair of the Fiscal Affairs Committee of the Board of Trustees on financial investments and banking activities; manages risk and costs related to property and liability coverages, benefit plans, vendor relations, and billing; and stays abreast of federal and state regulations and compliance with audit, legal, and donor requirements, IRS, federal and state regulations, and financial aid regulations. The VPFA participates in regional, state, and national associations such as NACUBO.
In carrying out these responsibilities, the VPFA is expected to continuously evaluate short- and long-term strategic financial objectives; produce forecasts and model strategic choices and alternatives; advise on the financial implications of business activities, the costs of strategic priorities, and options for funding strategies; work with other key leaders to ensure effective strategies to address emergency planning and risk management; foster a collaborative, transparent culture within and across the business functions of Bluffton; and create and sustain an environment of service excellence and innovation.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
- An undergraduate degree from an accredited institution is required, with a strong preference for a CPA or an advanced degree such as an MBA, or equivalent.
- 5-10 years in progressively responsible financial leadership roles, with comprehensive budget and financial planning experience, including experience in analysis and reporting, budgeting, asset management, audit compliance, and federal and state tax regulations and reporting procedures.
- Proven administrative, managerial, supervisory, problem-solving and planning experience within a complex environment. Higher education experience is highly preferred, but not required.
- Strong business acumen and mastery of accounting principles is required.
- An understanding of complex financial instruments, awareness of market trends, and proven experience developing financial strategies that support strategic priorities. Strong negotiating skills.
- Ability to analyze, interpret and clearly explain complex issues and their financial/operational implications.
Screening will begin immediately and continue until an appointment is made. Applications materials (including an employment application, cover letter, resume, and the names, phone numbers and email addresses of five references) should be directed electronically to: Ms. April Sybert, syberta@bluffton.edu. All application materials will be received in full confidence.
Employment decisions are based on merit and university needs, and not on race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other status protected by law. As a religious institution, Bluffton University expressly reserves its rights to appoint faculty and staff who share a commitment to the Christian faith which is consistent with the Mennonite/Anabaptist beliefs of the university’s founding and supporting church. EOE.