Assistant Vice President of Finance and Accounting

The Assistant Vice President of Finance & Accounting will report to the Vice President for Financial Strategies and Advancement. The Assistant Vice President of Finance & Accounting assists on all strategic and tactical matters as they relate to management of finance, strategic planning activities, investment analysis and implementation, accounting, and tax. The Assistant Vice President of Finance & Accounting provides organizational support and ensures necessary and effective controls and procedures remain in place to safeguard all institution assets and resources

The Assistant Vice President of Finance & Accounting will lead the day-to-day operations of the Accounting, Finance, and Student Accounts Teams, while supporting the Vice President for Financial Strategies and Advancement on strategic financial initiatives, and ensuring financial operations are efficient, accurate, and aligned with institutional priorities. They will have direct communication and support responsibilities on matters such as tax planning, compliance, debt structure, banking and cash management, audit and other financial matters.

This position will have three direct reports, the Executive Director of Financial Accounting and Budgeting, Director of Accounting, and Director of Student Accounts.

The primary responsibilities of the Assistant Vice President of Finance & Accounting include:

• Strategic Leadership: Effectively collaborate with the Vice President for Financial Strategies and Advancement and support institution-wide financial initiatives including bond refinancing, capital planning, major financial analyses, and other strategic projects. Provide operational leadership to ensure successful execution while maintaining continuity of daily financial operations.
• Financial Leadership: Collaborate with the Executive Director of Financial Accounting and Budgeting and engage with admissions, financial aid and other departments to provide financial analysis supporting tuition and fee pricing, enrollment strategies, financial aid optimization, and institutional planning. Develop meaningful financial insights and recommendations that improve student retention, operating performance, and long-term financial sustainability.
• Accounting Leadership: Provide leadership for all accounting operations, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls, compliance with accounting principles and institutional policies, and successful completion of audits. Partner with the Director of Accounting to establish efficient processes, improve financial close cycles, and strengthen the overall financial infrastructure.
• Student Accounts & Revenue Optimization: Lead the transformation of Student Accounts by improving billing, collections, payment processes, and communication with students and families. Develop student-centered processes that improve their experience while maximizing tuition collection, reducing receivable risk, and protecting the University’s primary revenue stream. Assist in the effective implementation of the Meadow student account platform.

The successful candidate will also:

• Maintain a high level of communication and collaboration across the Finance, Accounting, and Student Account teams.
• Identify operational and financial challenges proactively, analyze root causes, and recommend practical, sustainable solutions for implementation.
• Demonstrate sound judgment, data-driven decision making, and the ability to navigate complex issues while balancing institutional priorities and team dynamics.
• Manage and hold accountable the Finance, Accounting and Student Accounts teams while building a highly effective finance and accounting organization.
• Champion modernization of finance operations through process redesign, automation, and technology implementation.
• Work collaboratively with the relevant Board of Regent committees to provide financial information and presentations that enables effective Board oversight and strategic decision-making.
• Model the University’s mission and values through collaborative leadership, integrity, accountability, service, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance or related field from an accredited college or university, or related financial management experience is required.
• MBA and/or CPA considered a plus.

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience is required.
• Finance experience in higher education or non-profit considered a strong plus