Dean of Finance; CFO

Position:
Dean of Finance / Senior Administrative Officer

Institution:
Generations College

Location:

On-Campus — Chicago, IL

Employment Type:

Full-Time (3:2 Work Model)

Reports To:

Chancellor

Final date to receive applications:
Open Until Filled

Generations College seeks a dynamic and experienced Dean of Finance (CFO) to join our executive leadership team. The Dean of Finance will serve as a strategic partner to the Chancellor, providing visionary leadership and oversight of the college’s financial and administrative functions.

The Dean of Finance reports directly to the Chancellor, serves as a senior cabinet member, and works closely with the Board of Trustees and its Finance and External Audit Committees. This role is critical to the institution’s financial sustainability and its capacity to support continued academic growth.

• Develop and implement financial strategies to ensure the long-term financial stability of the college.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, and analysis.
• Manage the preparation of financial statements, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies.
• Lead efforts to optimize financial resources, including investment strategies, fundraising support, and revenue-generating initiatives.
• Oversee institutional operating and capital budgets, multi-year financial modeling, cash flow management, and long-term financial sustainability planning.
• Direct the Business Office, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and student accounts.
• Serve as the primary financial liaison to external auditors, lenders, and financial institutions.

• Collaborate with senior leadership to develop and execute the college’s strategic plan.
• Provide insights and recommendations based on financial data to inform decision-making.
• Lead initiatives to improve institutional performance and drive continuous improvement.
• Serve as a strategic thought partner in enrollment growth, program expansion, and institutional transformation.
• Leverage data analytics to inform decisions related to pricing, tuition strategy, resource allocation, and sustainability.
• Assess the financial feasibility of new academic programs and delivery modalities.

• Identify and mitigate financial and compliance risks, including those arising under federal and state regulations and Title IV and Title IX requirements.
• Ensure the implementation of robust internal controls and audit processes.
• Oversee insurance and risk management programs to protect college assets, including property, liability, cyber, and employment practices coverage.
• Maintain financial oversight of vendor and third-party agreements, including data-handling and contractual protections.

• Lead financial compliance related to Higher Learning Commission (HLC) accreditation standards, and support new program approvals.
• Oversee Title IV financial stewardship, audits, and reporting in coordination with Financial Aid leadership.
• Ensure institutional compliance with federal, state, and accreditation requirements, including enrollment reporting, financial responsibility ratios, and audit readiness.
• Coordinate required external reporting, including IPEDS, the annual A-133/Single Audit, and Form 990.

• Lead and mentor a team of finance professionals, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.
• Promote professional development and continuous learning within the team.
• Act as a key liaison with the Board of Trustees, providing regular updates on financial matters.
• Model collaborative, service-oriented leadership across academic and administrative units.

• Master’s degree in business administration,…