Lakeland University seeks an accomplished and forward-thinking Chief Financial Officer to provide strategic financial leadership during an important period of innovation and growth.
The Chief Financial Officer will lead the University’s financial administration and serve as a strategic partner to the President, senior leadership team, and Board of Trustees. This leader will bring innovation, structure, sound judgment, and a commitment to stewardship to Lakeland’s financial operations and long-term planning. The CFO will oversee the University’s accounting, budgeting, tax, audit, risk assessment, financial modeling, reporting, cash management, and internal control functions. The position will also help evaluate investments in innovation, new revenue opportunities, institutional growth, and Lakeland’s operations in Tokyo. Reporting directly to the President, the CFO will collaborate closely with the Board of Trustees and its committees and provide leadership to a team of leaders across finance, technology, dining services, and facilities.
CRITICAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Execute the University’s financial strategy and provide strategic financial leadership to support institutional goals, long-term sustainability, and effective stewardship of resources.
- Lead the University’s financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, cash management, investments, tax reporting, and audit activities.
- Develop, implement, and monitor annual and long-range budgets, financial plans, forecasts, key performance indicators, and cash-flow projections.
- Prepare and present timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, management reports, and financial information for University leadership and the Board of Trustees.
- Partner with the President and University leadership to evaluate strategic initiatives, new programs, revenue opportunities, investments, and operational decisions through financial analysis, cost-benefit analysis, and long-range projections.
- Advise the President, leadership team, Board of Trustees, and appropriate committees on the University’s financial position, emerging trends, risks, opportunities, and changes to the operating model.
- Maintain effective internal controls, financial policies, procedures, and reporting systems to promote accuracy, efficiency, compliance, and appropriate risk management.
- Coordinate external audits, tax filings, and other financial compliance requirements, maintaining current knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, accounting standards, and audit practices.
- Oversee cash management and investments in accordance with Board-approved policies and ensure appropriate liquidity and availability of funds.
- Recruit, lead, develop, and supervise finance and accounting staff, establishing expectations for accuracy, timeliness, service, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Maintain effective relationships with external financial partners, including auditors, banking partners, investment managers, and other vendors.
- Collaborate with academic and administrative leaders to analyze program and departmental budgets, identify efficiencies, strengthen processes, and evaluate opportunities for revenue growth and resource optimization.
- Provide leadership and oversight for assigned administrative or operational functions, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement across University systems and processes.
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
- BS in Accounting/Finance/Economics required; MBA is strongly preferred. CPA is desirable.
- 15+ years of accelerated finance experience; ideally in a university, educational, nonprofit environment; Board experience required; international finance experience desirable.
- Demonstrated leadership ability, team management and interpersonal skills.
- Exceptional management and supervisory skills; must be an innovative and empowering mentor that embraces integrity and ethical practices by providing accurate, responsive, detail-oriented financial results and goals.
- Possess high level of personal integrity, good judgment and maturity.
- Outstanding analytical and organizational skills, detail-oriented, ability to prioritize competing and multiple priorities with calm demeanor and sound judgment.
- Proven experience in principles, practices, procedures of financial planning, modeling and forecasting.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; leader who can build confidence with teams, leadership, Board and external entities; possess exceptional interpersonal skills and be service oriented.
- Possess ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Highly engaged, mission-driven and results-oriented, ability to build a high-performing team through delegation of responsibility and authority while challenging, motivating, stretching and supporting university leadership and the finance department; impacting a positive succession culture of engagement, accountability, innovation, empowerment and collaboration.
- A flexible working style, with a strong service mentality. Needs to be seen as a team player who is committed to continuous improvement and learning for themselves and their staff.
- Demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities, proposing new ways of creating efficiencies, and guiding investment in people and systems.
- Proficient in database and accounting computer application systems; high level of proficiency in financial tools.
- Experience in collaboration to manage finance and accounting software packages.
- Strong analytical skills and experience interpreting a strategic vision into an operational model; abstract reasoning skills; organizational skills.
- Proven skills in developing complex strategic or business models.
- Passion for the mission and vision of Lakeland University
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Lakeland University does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and in the future. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources. Lakeland University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Educator.
