Vice President of Finance

The Vice President for Finance and Administration serves as McMurry University’s Chief Financial Officer, providing strategic leadership and oversight of the university’s financial health and administrative operations. Reporting directly to the President and serving as a key member of the President’s Cabinet, this role supports the institution's mission, vision, and strategic goals by ensuring fiscal integrity, operational efficiency, and a robust infrastructure to support the university community.

• Lead all financial operations, including budgeting, financial reporting, investment management, and long-term financial planning.
• Collaborate with the Board of Trustees’ Finance, Endowment, and Audit Committees to establish financial goals and strategies.
• Develop, monitor, and report on the university’s annual operating and capital budgets, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Oversee the management and performance of the university’s invested financial assets in partnership with the Endowment Committee.
• Foster collaborative relationships with external financial advisors, including auditors, investment managers, and banking institutions.
• Provide transparent, data-driven financial insights to stakeholders, including senior leadership, faculty, and staff.

• Supervise key leadership roles, such as the Controller Accountants and Grant Accountants.
• Develop and implement long-term campus master planning, property acquisition, and infrastructure development strategies.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations and standards.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the President and Cabinet on resource allocation and operational strategies to achieve institutional goals.
• Represent the university in interactions with external stakeholders, including auditors, legal advisors, and government agencies.
• Provide leadership for Board of Trustees presentations and updates, including preparation for committee meetings.

• Deep technical knowledge of multi-fund accounting (GAAP). They must understand how to manage restricted vs. unrestricted funding and oversee long-term capital bonds or campus facility debt infrastructure.

• Practical experience overseeing or upgrading complex Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (such as Jenzabar, Banner, or Workday) and utilizing data visualization tools for campus-wide forecasting.

• Private, faith-based institutions require leaders who support the university's holistic mission, viewing financial health as a means to enhance student persistence and success.

• The capacity to break down silos and communicate transparently with academic deans, faculty senates, and student affairs. They must be able to translate complex financial realities into accessible narratives for non-financial campus stakeholders

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• CPA certification (active licensure).
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in financial operations, with at least five years in higher education or a comparable non-profit setting.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, FASB standards, and endowment management principles.

• Advanced degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
• Proven track record of leading successful strategic planning and financial initiatives in a complex organization.
• Experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and financial technologies.