Sr. Associate Vice President - Financial Services

Overview

The Sr. Associate Vice President - Financial Services will serve as a strategic and tactical senior leader within the finance division of Lamar University and is responsible for the oversight and strategic direction of financial services operations. Reporting directly to the VP for Operations & Chief Financial Officer, this position plays a critical role in supporting the financial stability and sustainability of the institution by developing and implementing sound financial service strategies that align with the institution's mission, vision, and goals.

This role requires a deep understanding of the regulatory environment within higher education and involves close collaboration with senior leadership and internal/external stakeholders to support decision-making and optimize financial services to the campus community.

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of daily financial service operations including procurement, payment services, payroll, contracts, treasury, financial reporting, and travel. Ensure timely completion and submission of deliverables to internal and external stakeholders in accordance with established deadlines.
• Participate in and support shared business services initiatives by providing strategic guidance, monitoring operational impacts, and assisting in the alignment and coordination of resources to support institutional and system objectives.
• Maintain and continuously review administrative policies and procedures to ensure full compliance, operational effectiveness, and high quality service delivery.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to executive leadership by providing operational and process assessments, forecasting analyses, variance analyses, and other data-informed recommendations to support institutional planning and resource allocation in alignment with the institution's overall strategic plan.
• Foster a team dynamic of customer service, innovation, continuous improvement, and collaboration within the financial services unit to develop a high-performing financial services team.
• Monitor and assess financial service operations risks and opportunities, and implement strategies as needed for risk mitigation and process optimization.
• Other duties as assigned by the VP for Operations & Chief Financial Officer.

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or field closely related to the position summary and essential job functions.
• 5-7 years progressively increasing responsibility in financial management within a complex organizational setting.

• Master’s Degree in business administration or field closely related to the position summary and essential job functions and 8+ years progressively increasing responsibility and experience in financial management within higher education.

• Strong ability to guide financial services units within an institution, ensuring alignment with overall strategic goals.
• Deep knowledge of and adherence to policies and procedures set by regulatory entities, including federal, state, institutional policies, and the Texas State University System.
• Experience in identifying and mitigating financial and operational risks across the institution.
• Ability to work effectively with other senior leaders, academic departments, and external partners to achieve institutional goals.
• Expertise in leveraging financial management systems and technology platforms to enhance financial service operations and generation of actionable insights.

This position may require sitting and standing for extended periods of time and lifting up to 25 pounds while performing duties as described within the essential functions.

Duties are typically performed indoors within institutional facilities.

Commensurate

We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship now or in the future.