Chief Financial Officer

Lakeland University seeks an accomplished and forward-thinking Chief Financial Officer to provide strategic financial leadership during an important period of innovation and growth.

• 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.

• 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