Description

The Vice President, Finance/Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a member of the college’s executive leadership team with responsibility for planning, directing and reviewing the financial activities and operations of the college. The Vice President, Finance/CFO will coordinate assigned activities with other college departments and outside agencies and provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the President of the college. The Vice President, Finance/CFO has responsibility for the areas of budgeting, purchasing, insurance, general accounting, fixed assets, accounts payable, financial compliance and reporting, payroll, the college bookstore and student accounts.

Examples of Duties

Essential and other responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
 
Essential Functions:
 

1. Provide leadership and oversight of the college’s financial operations including the business office and bookstore; evaluate and ensure that operations meet the goals and objectives of the college; establish and monitor program evaluation systems and procedures.
2. Forecast, prioritize, and communicate financial resources required to achieve the College’s strategic goals and maintain the essential functions of all operational units.
3. Develop, implement, and monitor sound fiscal management policies and practices for the College’s operations in accordance with all pertinent regulations and requirements.
4. Provide regular updates to the President and executive team on the College’s key financial indicators including budget overages, unanticipated costs and revenue, fund management, and areas of potential noncompliance. 
5. Direct the development and administration of the comprehensive college budget including budget-to-actual comparisons, budget changes, mid-year adjustments and year-end budget closeout.
6. Direct the development, planning, implementation and administration of goals and objectives as well as policies and procedures regarding college financial and business operations.
7. Review changes in Generally Accepted Accounting Procedures (GAAP), changes in accounting procedures promulgated by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), then plan and implement changes in college accounting procedures to implement those changes. Plan and implement changes mandated by the System Office, state and federal governments. 
8. Direct the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, capital projects, materials and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures; review all purchase requisitions. Ensure that cash flow supports the need and timing of planned expenditures. Manage the college’s investment programs.
9. Serve as liaison of fiscal affairs for the college with the Board of Trustees, county commissioners, architects, legal and grant consultants, agencies, other colleges, community groups and various organizations.
10. Compile financial data as needed; review pertinent local financial reports; maintain accountability of all revenues and expenditures.
11. Direct, oversee and participate in year-end process including financial statement preparation. 
12. Responsible for developing, implementing, maintaining and reviewing the internal control system for the college. 
13. Responsible for documenting, testing and correcting the system of internal controls in compliance with the statewide EAGLE program.
14. Responsible for the accuracy of student accounts, including charges, billing, posting of financial aid awards and write offs. Responsible for monitoring payment plan offered to students. 
15. Oversee the college’s insurance and risk management program, including risk assessment and the procurement of adequate insurance for the institution.
16. Communicate fiscal management policies and procedures to all budget managers and support staff and direct the provision of professional development opportunities to enhance budget management practices. 
17. Develop and maintain budget management, procurement, and accounts receivable information systems to support the management and decision-making processes of system end-users.  
18. Participate in decennial and five-year reaffirmation of accreditation processes.

 Marginal Functions:

1. Assist with the development, management, and compliance of institutional contracts and grants.
2. Participate in the selection of provider for college financial audit and other audit and review activities. Coordinate financial audits. 
3. Provide staff support on a variety of boards and committees; research and develop recommendations related to community college fiscal affairs. 

This position description covers the most essential functions and duties associated with this position. The President or appropriate supervisory personnel may assign additional duties. The College reserves the right to alter duties, responsibilities, conditions, working hours, and job title with or without notice.

Qualifications and Working Conditions

Knowledge of:

Organizational and management practices as applied to the planning and the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies and operational needs.

Principles and procedures of fiscal affairs administration.

Accounting principles and procedures.

Principles and practices of budget preparation and administra­tion.

Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation.

Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regula­tions.

Current trends, research and development in the area of fiscal affairs.

Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.

Advanced principles and procedures of record keeping and report preparation.

Modern and complex principles and practices of program administration.

Ability to:

Interpret and apply college goals, objectives, policies, procedures, rules and regulations.

Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommenda­tions in support of goals.

Select, supervise, train and evaluate assigned staff.

Effectively direct the provisions of college administrative services including fiscal activi­ties.

Prepare and analyze administrative and statistical reports, statements and correspon­dence.

Interpret and apply federal, state and local policies, proce­dures, laws and regulations.

Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for the business services function.

Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures and techniques.

Oversee the preparation and administration of the comprehensive college budget.

Identify and respond to public issues and concerns.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including a variety of college and other government officials, community groups and the general public.

Environmental Conditions:

The CFO should have the ability to effectively handle a work environment and conditions which involve an office workspace and working closely with others.

The CFO must preserve the office environment by maintaining equipment and supplies, ensuring overall cleanliness, functionality, and conformance to OSHA standards to provide a safe work environment. 

Physical Conditions:

Physical and marginal functions require the ability to maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities, which may include the following; standing, walking, or sitting for extended periods, moderate lifting and carrying, general manual dexterity, operating assigned equipment, and extended exposure to computer screens.

The CFO must maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception to observe, read and write, operate assigned equipment, communicate with others, and handle varied tasks simultaneously.

Additionally, the CFO must maintain mental capacity, make sound decisions, use good judgment, demonstrate intellectual capabilities, and evaluate program and personnel effectiveness.

Scheduling Conditions: 

This is a full-time, 12-month position, which requires the CFO to be on campus or at an approved alternate location for at least 36 hours per week, Monday through Thursday, 8:00am-5:00pm, and Friday, 8:00am-12:00pm. This position generally works daytime hours but has the potential for occasional evening or weekend hours.   

Traveling Conditions: 

Local travel between the Caldwell campus, Watauga campus, or any off-campus sites may be needed. Out-of-state travel is limited but may be required for training and conferences.