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Vice President for Finance and Operations/CFO

Employer
Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
Location
Evanston, Illinois
Salary
Commensurate with experience
Date posted
May 24, 2023

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Position Type
Faculty Positions, Business & Management, Accounting & Finance, Executive
Employment Level
Executive
Employment Type
Full Time

Position Summary:
 

The Vice President for Finance and Operations/Chief Financial Officer acts as custodian of the institution’s funds, serves as financial advisor to the President and the Board, seeks additional revenue sources, protects the assets of the institution, and keeps the President apprised of the institution's financial condition. The role also manages and supervises the work of the Business Office, Information Technology, Housing, Buildings and Grounds, and the Department of Human Resources in a confidential and professional manner, ensuring in accordance with all applicable laws and generally accepted accounting principles for all funds of the institution. The role also monitors the financial information, ensure financial reporting to accreditors and other mandated entities, and is a resource for Garrett personnel in related financial and budgetary matters.

Required Education and Experience:

  • Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university, in a field related to finance, management, accounting, or other relevant area. 10+ years of accounting and financial experience, including experience in a senior leadership role leading financial operations at a non-profit and/or higher education setting. Extensive experience in debt management, budget development, and effective financial management practices. Experience in budget restructuring to manage beyond a break-even margin. Experience in treasury management, cash flow management, endowment management, and investments. Adept at negotiations and financing contracts in construction, real estate management, financial instruments, insurance, etc. Successful track record in accounting and financial operations (business office management) and auxiliary management (facility services, conferences, and events) Experience collaborating with leaders of administrative functions, such as Human Resources and Information Technology. Experience in the operational oversight of property, buildings, and grounds. Experience in leading system, operational, and process automation. Individual must be able to work with highly confidential information in a professional manner.

Preferred Education and Experience:

 

  • Commitment to the mission and values of Garrett and a commitment to equity, particularly racial equity, with a willingness to proactively learn about it and integrate it into all aspects of the work. Ability to foster teamwork and cooperation in a work environment. Ability and willingness to prioritize the student experience. Excellent organizational and time management skills in prioritizing workflow and managing resources. Ability to manage and maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information. Skilled in fiscal management. Ability to acquire knowledge about Garrett’s policies and procedures in a short period. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google apps, and other relevant software.  Ability to research, collect and analyze data, compile information, and prepare timely, accurate reports. Detail orientation in coordinating activities. Four years of progressive experience in an educational institution. Ability to multi-task and demonstrate sound judgment and discretion. Ability to travel locally and nationally as necessary. Ability to work evenings and weekends as necessary.

Essential functions and responsibilities:

 

  • Serve as a key member of the President's Cabinet and a strategic advisor to the President Responsible for the effective and innovative management of the following areas: Business and Finance, Budgeting and Forecasting, Maintenance and Facility Services, Mail Services, Information Technology, Housing, and Human Resources Lead the implementation of key aspects of Garrett's strategic plan with a focus on financial sustainability and stewardship Serve as a Chief Financial Officer for Garrett, including duties such as: Develop and lead the execution of Garrett's revenue growth strategy Deliver thoughtful leadership to build, lead, and manage high-performing teams by providing guidance, support, and development, while recruiting top talent Help establish best practices and processes to ensure operational efficiency across the institution while scaling Garett's revenue tentpoles Responsible for ongoing institutional assessment and identification of revenue generation strategies for long-term sustainability, including diversification of revenue streams and making full use of campus facilities

Act as the primary liaison to banks and funders, providing accurate reports as required to support the development and negotiation of contracts for Garrett Lead staff support for the Board of Trustee's Finance Committee and Audit Committee Provide institutional support for audit and risk management operations Provide guidance and serve as an advisor to Garrett’s Development Committee Responsible for the development of a comprehensive institutional contingency plan and revenue diversification strategy Accountable for timely tracking and reporting of sponsorship and gifts received through Institutional Advancement and supporting grant acquisitions and post-grant management and reporting Support the maximization of campus housing resources for revenue generation Provide leadership in preparing the Seminary's annual budget, implement budget/fiscal control functions, and develop long-term financial plan consistent with the Seminary's strategic plan and goals Responsible for budget forecasting and overseeing cash flow, leasing, and lending arrangements. Assure compliance with regulatory grant funding and higher education financial reporting standards and requirements. Serve as the lead on Corporate Casualty Liability and Directors and Officers Insurance & Risk Assessment Responsible for articulating and cultivating a clear understanding across the institution of financial conditions, trends, and alternative options; monitors and develops plans associated with major funding sources. Serves as CFO, in charge of the institution’s accounting books and records. Supervises the enforcement and maintenance of the classification of accounts and any other accounting rules and regulations that any regulatory agency may prescribe. Oversees the hiring, promotion and/or termination of employees in the Business & Accounting Office. Develop and oversee financial policies, procedures, and internal controls to safeguard assets, protect confidential information, and ensure accurate financial reporting. Strategically develop and administer the annual budget and multi-year forecasting process to align the institution’s goals and mission. Directs and manages a variety of projects and tasks including, but not limited to, the day-to-day financial management and maintenance of monetary funds, financial records and reports, database systems, and student accounts. Oversee all aspects of the independent audit process and other compliance audits. Maintains close working relationships with financial institutions, internal revenue service, and other agencies or service providers, as well as personnel of the GETS engaged in related duties. Responsible for annual tax levy including the receipts, entries, and reporting of these funds. Presents the monthly financial reports and other relevant financial information at quarterly Garrett Board meetings. Represent the Seminary at statewide, national, or sector-specific CFO meetings and conferences and report trending news and initiatives to the President’s Cabinet and/or Board meetings as appropriate. Performs other duties as may be requested by the President and Board of Trustees.

 

Physical demands and work environment:
 

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  
 

  • Physical demands:  Example: While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, bend, crawl, safely climb a step ladder up to 10 feet, and lift/move up to 40 pounds. Must be able to have repetitive wrist hand and/or finger movement to type and work on computer. Must have finger dexterity and hand-eye coordination to work on computer, telephone, and related office equipment. The individual will regularly be required to communicate professionally in person, over the phone, and through email; and to sit, type, and stare at a computer monitor for prolonged periods.

 

 

  • Work environment:  Employee occasionally may be exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time but work is primarily performed indoors.  The noise level in the work environment is usually minimal. Occasional evening/weekend work. 

 

Equal Employment Opportunity:


Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary is an equal opportunity employer and believes in equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. Accordingly, all employment decisions are based on the principles of equal opportunity. These decisions include recruitment, selection, promotion, transfer, discipline, compensation, benefits, training, and other personnel actions involving persons in all job titles and shall occur without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship status, order of protection status, homelessness, arrest record, victim of domestic violence, common conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, or any other characteristic protected by law.

 

No individual will be denied nor receive special employment opportunities based on membership status in any protected category. Every employee of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary is expected to support this equal opportunity and nondiscrimination commitment by conducting themselves in a manner consistent with the intent and spirit of this policy.

 

General sign-off: 

 

The employee is expected to adhere to all company policies while employed. Furthermore, this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

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