University Treasurer

The University Treasurer is an officer elected by the Board of Trustees and reports to the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer. The Treasurer is responsible for all accounting, cash management, financial reporting, endowment investment reporting, financial audits and compliance, and other treasury functions. The Treasurer is also responsible for procurement services and risk management and is a member of the President’s financial leadership team. They also serve as the Treasurer for the University’s Research Foundation, which is a separate legal entity.

The Treasurer champions a culture of equity and belonging by providing leadership in an environment that actively promotes inclusion, diversity and engagement (IDE.) The successful candidate is also expected to contribute to the systemwide mission and fully embrace the systemwide Be One UT values.

Primary Responsibilities

The Treasurer will maintain processes and systems to determine daily cash position, forecast sources and uses of cash, manage debt obligations and lender relationships, manage fraud prevention functions, and ensure treasury activities are in compliance with  University and State of Tennessee  policies, develop and implement accounting guidelines, governance policies and internal controls. The Treasurer will assist in formulating investment policies including the establishment of risk parameters. Additionally, the Treasurer will serve on a five-person executive committee leading the University’s new cloud-based Enterprise Resource (ERP) system. Other responsibilities include:

• Ensures internal financial controls are in place that maintain financial compliance regarding both budget and regulatory oversight
• Ensures that sufficient funds are available to meet ongoing operational and capital investment requirements
• Develops strategic plans for new functionality needed for continuous improvement of university financial operations
• Arranges for indebtedness for the university, working with the state of Tennessee, bond counsel, bond underwriters and rating agencies
• Monitors and controls cash flow
• Oversees local, state, and federal government required reporting and tax filings
• Collaborates and advises the Tennessee Office of the Comptroller on financial and related audit matters
• Oversees receipt, disbursement, banking, protection and custody of funds, securities, and financial instruments
• Advises management on investments and loans
• Issues all financial reports that satisfy the institution’s fiduciary responsibility including the Annual Financial Report and presents it to the Board of Trustees
• Maintains a positive working relationship with the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury and all financial institutions
• Assists the President and SVP&CFO with state executive and legislative budget and finance hearing in association with the Assistant Vice President for Budget and Planning
• Oversee the University’s procurement and accounts payable operations and establishing the most efficient procure-to-pay procedures
• Oversee, in coordination with the State of Tennessee, the University’s risk management function and ensure that adequate insurance policies exist to mitigate risks
• Oversee the Controller’s Office including the preparation of annual financial statements, equipment inventories, grant accounting and bank reconciliations and support campuses’ accreditation financial reporting

Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, finance, or a related field is required. An active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is also required. An MBA is preferred.

A minimum of ten years of progressive work history to include a combination of skills and experiences that demonstrate a full understanding of complex higher education operations and organizations is required. Experience in a multi-campus university or system is preferred. Demonstrated knowledge of accounting and reporting issues, capital markets – both on the debt and equity sides, familiarity with internal revenue code, understanding of generally accepted accounting principles and personnel management are all required.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community
• Knowledge and understanding of the mission, goals, organization, and operational/financial infrastructure of a public university
• Highly developed and comprehensive financial/investment management skills gained in a large, multifaceted public institution
• Strategic planning skills
• Ability to develop, plan, and implement short- and long-range goals
• Knowledge of investment strategies and techniques
• Ability to review and assess the operational and financial viability of new and existing contractual arrangements and proposals
• Ability to foster a cooperative work environment
• Strong human resources development and management skills
• Knowledge and understanding of institutional policies and procedures and the regulatory environment within which they operate
• Knowledge of assets and funds management principles, methods, and techniques.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and decision-making skills
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Federal and State financial laws, regulations, and operating guidelines as they pertain to public institutions of higher education
• Organizational planning, structuring, and staffing skills
• Strong understanding of Governmental Accounting Standards

Application Process

For full consideration, candidates should apply electronically using the link below with a cover letter addressing their interest in and qualifications for the role, resume, and list of professional references. The deadline for applications is June 15, 2021.

https://ut.taleo.net/careersection/ut_system/jobdetail.ftl?job=21000000TQ

Compensation for the position will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits and much more. Additionally, Tennessee residents do not pay a state income tax. For more information on the University of Tennessee’s benefits, visit https://hr.tennessee.edu/benefits/

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the university. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), the ADA (disability), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the System Human Resources, 826B Andy Holt Tower, 1331 Circle Park Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996, telephone 865- 974-8170. Requests for accommodation of a disability may also be directed to this office.