Careers

Western Colorado University invites applications for the full-time position of Vice President for Finance and Administration (VPFA) / Chief Financial Officer (CFO).  The VPFA/CFO position provides leadership to areas of finance and administrative operations and reports directly to the President. The position serves on the senior administrative team, providing vision and helping establish and implement the strategic and operational direction of the University.

Duties

As a member of the senior administrative team, the VPFA/CFO plays an integral role in University-wide planning, in articulating vision, developing and implementing strategy, and developing policy and procedures to comply with laws, manage risk, and guide operations. Specific contributions are rooted in the expertise and specialties within the division.

Provides leadership to the areas of accounting and budget, facility operations and planning, information technology, human resources and institutional research. Establishes goals, strategic initiatives and objectives for these areas and provides support to the directors of these areas to accomplish initiatives and provide high levels of service to the campus community. 

The VPFA/CFO will monitor the University's financial health and the economic environment, communicating understandable information and decision points to the Board, President, and other university leaders.  Is responsive for development and implementation of University financial policy.   Facilitates Board and senior leadership budget discussions and chairs the budget committee, leading the university-wide budget development process. The position also works closely with the AVP of Finance/Controller to provide overall oversight of the accounting function.

Assists the President and senior team in preparing Board agendas and facilitating Board discussions and decision-making on key issues.  Works collaborative with the senior team in legislative strategy development and execution, tracks legislative proposals and testifies as necessary on key legislative initiatives. Serves and participates on the statewide CFO council and other local, regional, or statewide boards or committees.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or related field. Proven ability to lead effectively within and across units, using collaboration, strong listening skills, and persuasion to guide decision-making and influence critical operations. Executive level problem-solving and organizational skills and the ability to function in a complex, high demand environment, managing multiple priorities simultaneously. Demonstrated commitment to embracing and enhancing diversity, affirmative action, and equal opportunity. Five years of progressively responsible experience in finance and administrative management in an organization of similar size and complexity.

Preferred Qualifications:  Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Accounting or related field. Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Federal and State financial laws, regulations, and operating guidelines as they pertain to public institutions of higher education a plus. Significant experience with public higher education strategic planning, facilities master planning, information technology master planning and the ability to apply critical, conceptual and strategic thinking to important financial and administrative issues.