Vice President of Financial Operations

Overview

The Chief Financial Officer advises the Chancellor on all matters pertaining to the management and operation of accounting, accounts receivable, accounts payable, budget management and control, bursar, student aid disbursement, budget preparation, financial information systems, credit management, collections, fiscal planning, financial statement preparation, investing, and payroll. The Chief Financial Officer exercises a major responsibility for the accounting of the college.

Responsibilities

Promotes a customer-oriented service attitude and serves as the executive officer directly responsible for providing leadership and general management of all financial operations

• Promotes the financial well-being of the University by providing budget management, monitoring appropriate investments of temporary cash balances, exercising executive control over college budgets, and safeguarding all financial assets of the University.
• Advises the Chancellor, senior college administration officers, and members of the College Board on issues relating to the financial status of the college by serving as a member of the President’s Administrative team, reporting financial information at Board meetings, and by preparing reports, recommendations, findings, and other correspondence as required.
• Helps to ensure achievement of the goals and objectives of the college by overseeing the preparation of an annual appropriations request to the State of Illinois and overseeing the preparation of an internal budget using budget models to project future revenue and following established policies for expenditures.
• Facilitates an effective working relationship with state officials by ensuring college compliance with state fiscal policies and accounting procedures, maintaining open channels of communication with appropriate state officials, facilitating an exchange of information on these subjects, and implementing all relevant state policies regarding fiscal operations.
• Ensures compliance with professional accounting standards, rules, regulations, and laws by directing, supervising, and facilitating the preparation and maintenance of required and appropriate financial records, monthly and annual financial reports, and all other financial reporting as may be required by federal, state, local agencies, or established accounting standards.
• Facilitates the governance of the college by providing financial information to the Board of and implementing the Board’s decisions through the establishment of policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Prevents institutional liability in financial operations by facilitating the access of the independent auditors to requested records during the conduct of the college's annual audit.
• Ensures compliance with the institutional mission of the college by working with unit managers to develop and review unit plans, goals, and objectives, assuring development of effective business processes incorporating automation with appropriate technologies, designing systems of effective controls to guide work toward expected outcomes, and evaluating progress towards their accomplishment.
• Ensures that Financial Services has the resources necessary to provide financial information to support the academic program, such as preparation of financial reports and the development of incentive funding and cost recovery models that support innovation and growth.
• Ensures efficient and effective operation of the procurement function by overseeing procurement services, property and receiving as well as all college real estate transactions and risk management/insurance analysis and transactions.
• Enables division employees to perform their assigned tasks by overseeing the preparation and implementation of the annual budget.
• Facilitates a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
• Remains competent and current by reading professional journals and literature, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses as appropriate.

Basic UPH Methodist College Performance Criteria   

• Demonstrates the UnityPoint Health Values and Standards of Behaviors as well as adheres to policies and procedures and safety guidelines.
• Demonstrates the Methodist College Values and Standards of Behaviors as well as adheres to policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates ability to meet business needs of department with regular, reliable attendance.
• Employee maintains current licenses and/or certifications required for the position.
• Practices and reflects knowledge of HIPAA, TJC, DNV, OSHA and other federal/state regulatory agencies guiding healthcare.
• Practices and reflects knowledge of FERPA with respect to protecting the privacy of student education records.
• Completes all annual education and competency requirements within the calendar year.
• Is knowledgeable of college compliance requirements.  Brings any questions or concerns regarding compliance to the immediate attention of leaders.  Takes appropriate action on concerns related to compliance

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree required. CPA or Master's Degree preferred.

Experience: Extensive financial and budget management experience in an institution of higher education is required. 

License(s)/Certification(s): N/A

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Strong leadership and strategic planning abilities
• Ability to project a strong positive image of the college through interaction with all constituencies conducting business with the college, including the media
• Executive problem-solving skills and the ability to organize and manage complex functions
• Exceptional aptitude in financial activities management
• Skilled in using financial management software commonly used in higher education
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated success in working with persons from diverse backgrounds