Chief Financial Officer

The Opportunity

Along with many academic institutions in the wake of the global financial crisis of 2008, George Fox University experienced an enrollment shortfall and a financial crisis of its own in 2009. Through careful management and financial oversight, the institution is now in good shape financially, with sufficient cash reserves in the bank and significant annual margin. In addition to constructing a new dining hall, dorm and bridge on campus since 2015, the school has grown its endowment to roughly $21 million.

George Fox University is searching for a Chief Financial Officer and strategic leader to join the executive team. The CFO must become a part of the Newberg community through involvement in the Chamber of Commerce and a local church. He or she should also be visible in various social settings in and around the community. The CFO must be strategic in thinking and planning with the president and the board as it pertains to acquisitions, partnerships, and the best uses of the cash accumulation. This person must engage with and lead university constituencies to think in innovative, creative and constructive ways.

In serving as the senior executive responsible for financial planning, financial operations and risk management, the CFO will function as a wealth generator, not as a controller. The CFO is essentially a hands-on role that will require involvement with and understanding of all levels of the organization as it relates to financial oversight and well-being of the institution. This person will report directly to the president and serve on the executive leadership team, which includes the provost and vice presidents for student life, advancement and enrollment/marketing. The CFO will also work very closely with the finance committee of the board. The CFO will be committed to the success of George Fox as an institution and to its president as the leader of the organization. This senior administrator will fully embrace the mission, vision and values of the university.

Responsibilities

The Chief Financial Officer will develop short-term and long-term priorities and plans to ensure the financial health of the university by providing oversight and proactive leadership in the following areas:

• Accounting and the continuous improvement of financial systems and procedures
• Budget development and management of the overall process
• Development and management of the accounting and finance team
• Cash flow management and balance sheet integrity, including recommendations on mid-course corrections
• Debt management ensuring the university is in good standing with lending institutions p Multi-year expense forecasting and recommendations on cost savings Assessment of financial risks and development of mitigation plans
• Financial reporting and compliance including annual audit and credit reports
• Oversight of endowment investments in partnership with the board of trustees
• Grant accounting and reporting in partnership with the various recipients
• Refinement of the Financial Policy Manual to provide guidance for budget managers
• Management of restricted and designated funds to ensure consistency and integrity
• Real estate administration and assessment of further opportunities, and
• Other operational duties as assigned or delegated by the president

Qualifications and Attributes

Ideal Candidate Requirements/Attributes

• An advanced degree, with an MBA in finance and/or accounting strongly preferred
• CPA certification is also strongly preferred
• At least 10 years of executive finance leadership experience with a strong preference given to those with experience in higher education and/or organizations that have experienced transformational change
• Demonstrated leadership managing finance and related functions in a complex organization and significant experience in providing analytic and financial expertise supporting the organization's ability to achieve its strategies and produce bottom-line results
• Exceptional strategic thinking and analytical skills with the ability to add value in the interpretation of results, as well as solve problems and make decisions based on accurate and timely analyses
• A work ethic that sets an example for others to follow
• A high degree of initiative and tenacity, with a strong sense of urgency and a results-oriented approach
• Proven interpersonal and team-building skills with the ability to communicate and manage well at all levels of the organization
• Ability to be a full business partner to the president's executive team, proactively providing meaningful input on a broad range of issues to improve the performance of the university
• Ability to frame decisions in a holistic manner and articulate them to other leaders for discussion p
• Demonstrate understanding of business operations, including defined benefit and health care functions
• Proficient knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and tax issues for not-for-profit settings
• Ability to build and maintain solid banking relationships as well as partnerships with the board of trustees p
• Commitment to the Statement of Faith and the Community Lifestyle Statement

Critical Qualities

• Mature Christian faith
• Inspiring workplace leadership
• A high-performance, missionoriented leader
• A developer and coach of other highly effective leaders
• Creative and energetic problem solver
• A progressive thinker and dealmaker
• A professional with discreet and mature judgment
• Ability to relate to a wide range of stakeholders
  A person who works well under stress and deadline pressures
• An effective designer and implementer of procedures and systems
• A successful team playyer, partner and leader

Applications and Nominations
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but those received by May 15 will be given full consideration. An application includes both a letter of interest and a resume.

Current Openings for Chief Financial Officer Jobs at George Fox University - Faculty