Chief Financial Officer

Description

Position Overview:

The Chief Financial Officer serves as a cornerstone of the senior leadership team at Stephens College. Reporting directly to the President, the CFO plays a pivotal role in enhancing the college’s mission and strategic objectives through the judicious management of college resources. The CFO is responsible for developing and overseeing the financial strategies and operations of the institution and ensuring financial models and analyses are aligned with strategic decision-making. This role demands the capacity to translate complex financial data into actionable insights accessible to a diverse audience, fostering an environment of collaboration and transparency.

The CFO designs and implements a financial strategy tailored to the unique dynamics of the higher education sector, overseeing multiple facets of the College’s processes, including budget management, financial reporting, risk forecasting, and cost analysis. The CFO will provide leadership and executive oversight for a broad range of financial and support operations, including accounts payable, auditing, budgeting, cash and investment management, contracts, controller functions, endowment management and investment, financial administration of donor gifts and grants, financial planning, human resource management, payroll, procurement, and risk management, including leadership and management of the offices of Accounting and Human Resources. The CFO also serves as the College’s liaison with the Finance Committee and the Investment Committee of the Board of Trustees.

The CFO at Stephens College is not only a steward of financial management but also a key collaborator and strategic leader dedicated to the institution’s mission and its community’s success. Hybrid/remote considered.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategy, Planning, and Management:

• Evaluate the financial performance of the institution against long-term goals, budgets, and forecasts.
• Play a significant role in institutional strategic planning as a member of the President's leadership team.
• Enhance operational efficiency and accuracy across managed departments, advocating for innovative processes and technologies.
• Establish clear financial objectives that support the college’s growth and development, consistent with its strategic plan.
• Maintain strong relationships with financial partners, and lead in high-level financial negotiations and partnerships.
• Lead recruitment, management, and development of staff in relevant departments.
• Develop and implement appropriate policies and procedures across areas of reporting responsibility.

Financial Analysis, Budgeting, and Forecasting:

• Prepare, present, and review quarterly financial reports, including budget forecasts and cash flow analyses.
• Conduct monthly reviews of financial results and offer strategic recommendations.
• Lead the analysis and evaluation of new business initiatives or services.
• Maintain ongoing and annual budgeting processes.
• Oversee financial planning and the deployment of related reporting tools and software.
• In collaboration with the Finance Committee and the Investment Committee of the Board of Trustees, provide support in the strategic management of the College’s endowment, consistent with all legal, ethical and regulatory requirements.
• In collaboration with Human Resources, ensure compliance and accuracy in the management and monitoring of the College’s 403(b) retirement plan.

Accounting, General Ledger, Administration, and Operations:

• Uphold rigorous internal controls and financial procedures to ensure compliance.
• Guarantee the accuracy and timeliness of financial and management reports for stakeholders including government funders, donors, and the Board of Trustees.
• Manage the preparation and dissemination of financial statements.
• Collaborate with Human Resources, Financial Aid, and Advancement to maintain legal and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee monthly and year-end financial reconciliation and closure processes.
• Update and enhance financial and accounting systems, processes, and controls.
• Stay updated with best practices in audits and regulatory changes affecting college operations.

Financial Management:

• Direct the planning of cash flow and ensure the availability of funds.
• Manage areas of cash handling, investments, and asset management.
• Sustain excellent relationships with financial institutions, vendors, and business partners.
• Employ advanced forecasting models to provide insight into the organization's financial planning and budget management.
• Oversee accounts receivable management and optimize collection strategies.

Requirements

Educational and Professional Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA highly preferred; MBA or related Master’s degree beneficial.
• At least seven years of senior financial leadership experience, preferably in the higher education sector.
• Extensive experience with NACUBO standards, GAAP, and compliance regulations.
• Essential skills in forecasting, financial modeling, and budget management.
• Demonstrated experience with external audit management and internal control implementations.

Personal and Professional Characteristics:

• Commitment to ethical standards and professional integrity.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience with complex contractual agreements.
• Proven leadership capabilities with a focus on staff development and motivation.
• Superior analytical, strategic, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities, designed to engage to meet the information needs of varied audiences.

Founded in 1833, Stephens College is the second-oldest women's college in the United States, dedicated to providing innovative, experiential, and career-focused education across various disciplines. Located in Columbia, Missouri, Stephens College continues to be a leader in women's education, fostering a community where students are empowered to lead, innovate, and excel. The college also provides flexible, co-educational master’s degrees and certificates for working professionals, and is home to a co-educational Conservatory for the Performing Arts.

Ranked (over and over again) as one of the best college towns in America, Columbia, Missouri, is home to 36,000+ college students and 118,000 residents. Columbia — conveniently located approximately 100 miles from both Kansas City and St. Louis — has it all: big-time college sports, film, music and arts festivals, a high-energy arts community, amazing recreation, and a great downtown with lots of places to eat, shop, snack and check out the latest bands. The Columbia community offers outstanding health care options, as well as excellent educational opportunities for every level of student (including our own Children’s School).

Stephens offers an attractive benefits package that includes health insurance, an Employee Assistance Program, Supplemental Retirement Annuity, Faculty/Staff Grants, tuition waivers and tuition paid undergraduate classes for dependents.

Be a part of this amazing community of innovative thinkers, doers and dreamers.

Stephens is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will recruit and employ qualified personnel without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or status as a veteran.