Description

Chief Financial Officer

Job Description

Reporting to the President of the College, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) provides executive leadership and guidance for all financial aspects of the College.  

The CFO evaluates existing systems and plans, develops and implements modifications and/ or new procedures relating to the financial operations of the College and is accountable for all outcomes by ensuring proper legal and regulatory compliance. The CFO is responsible for all College budgets, accounting and financial analysis and reporting functions within the College.  While supervising the finance and accounting areas of the College, this position ensures the organization's financial statements adhere to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), industry practices and top management's directives.   As a financial services executive, the CFO also oversees tax reporting activities, and ensures that College actions and activities abide by all Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the State of Georgia requirements.  This position is also responsible for developing standards, policies and procedures relating to the financial operations of the College and ensuring proper legal and regulatory compliance. The CFO is also responsible for ensuring that the College financial reports are accurate and completed on time. 

As required by the College Bylaws, this officer of the College shall receive all monies due the College arising from fees, tuition, board, rents, leases and other sources, and to see that all monies due the College are systematically collected and accounted for and shall be the custodian of the monies, stocks, deeds, mortgages, notes and securities of the College.   

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership and accountability for the financial services functions of the College, including finance, payroll and accounting.
• Lead, guide and provide oversight of the College’s fiscal affairs with the College President and Executive Leadership Team including financial reporting to the Board of Trustees.
• Support and guide the development of the college’s current operating budget and provide appropriate oversight of the budget system to ensure the College finances and budgets are managed in accordance with the state law and generally accepted accounting standards.
• Provide financial analyses for funding formula variations, tuition and fee variations, fund balance and Board Reserve alternatives, and other variables affecting College finances.
• Assess organizational performance against both the annual budget and the College’s long-term strategy.
• Develop tools and systems to provide critical financial and operational information to College leaders and make actionable recommendations.
• Engage the President and Executive Leadership Team around finance, audit, and investment issues, trends, and changes.
• Prepare and maintain regular financial planning reports including a complete analysis of financial results to include develop and maintain the capital budget.
• Oversee cash flow planning and ensure availability of funds as needed.
• Oversee and management of cash, investment, surplus funds and asset management to ensure continued health and integrity of the College’s fiscal status.
• Oversee financing strategies and activities, as well as banking relationships. Coordinate the development and monitoring of budgets.  Develop financial business plans and forecasts.
• Engage the Board of Trustees in the development of short-, medium-, and long-term financial plans and projections.
• Represent the College to financial partners, including financial institutions, auditors, public officials, etc.  Arranges for approved debt financing and negotiates terms and conditions of borrowing with financial institutions.
• Oversee the accounting department to ensure proper maintenance of all accounting systems and functions.  Ensure maintenance of appropriate internal controls and financial procedures.
• Ensure timeliness, accuracy, and usefulness of financial and management reporting for federal and state funders, the College Foundation and the Board of Trustees; oversee the preparation and communication of monthly and annual financial statements.
• Oversee and coordinate all audits and audit functions. Cooperate with and respond to all auditor requests.
• Ensure proper filing of tax returns.  Ensure legal and regulatory compliance regarding all financial functions.
• Communicate and interpret information concerning college matters and supportive policies and procedures within areas of responsibility.  Direct, monitor, and evaluate programs and services in the areas of assigned responsibility.
• Develop and implement long and short-term financial goals and plans consistent with mission and goals of the College and act at all times consistent with the College’s values and distinctive attributes.
• Coordinate overall planning and management initiatives in conjunction with other college administrative officials.
• Monitor, evaluate, revise and/or develop College policies and procedures as necessary in assigned areas.
• Ensure that accreditation standards are maintained and that financial integrity and internal controls support timely and effective decision-making.
• Establish and maintain effective interaction and communications with other operational and functional areas of the college.
• Maintain current knowledge of information technology resources, either in use or proposed, for utilization by the College.  Evaluate and monitor areas under charge for production quality, cost effectiveness in resource allocation, and efficiency in operations.
• Represent the College at functions and activities as requested. Participate as a member of various College committees.
• Perform related duties as required.

Wesleyan College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The College supports equal employment opportunities for all persons without regard to race, color, creed, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, gender, national origin, status as a war veteran, age, disability, or any other status protected by law. Wesleyan College invites diverse applicants to consider our employment opportunities. We are also especially interested in candidates who have experience working with diverse populations and/or diverse initiatives.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree from an accredited institution supplemented with ten (7) years of related experience.
 

Preferred Qualifications
Additional certifications in the financial services area (CPA, CMA, etc); experience in fund accounting and strategic planning.