Job Description
 

The Vice President for Finance and Administration/Chief Financial Officer (VPFA/CFO) provides leadership to Winona State University's division of Finance and Administration. including oversight of the university's Financial, Facilities, Human Resources, Campus Safety, Environmental Health and Safety, and Emergency Management functions.  Reporting directly to the President and serving as a member of the President's Cabinet, the VPFA/CFO contributes business intelligence, insight, and expertise to the university's executive leadership team.  The VPFA/CFO is responsible for ensuring the fiscal and administrative integrity of the university.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Recommend and implement policies and strategies, build relationships, and provide expert management that will ensure the continued financial strength of the University. The VPFA/CFO has direct oversight of financial compliance issues and provides timely and accurate financial information on an on-going and as needed basis and prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

2. Administrative support of the University's mission and strategic plan; provide leadership in developing, monitoring, and communicating the University's plans for all buildings, grounds, and related operations. Provide administrative support for the University in a manner that consistently conforms to established statutes, policies, and procedures, to ensure the productivity, well-being, and integrity of the University.

3. Directly and indirectly supervise the operations of the various units within Finance & Administration. Direct responsibility for Financial and Facilities Management, which includes University Budget Office and Fiscal Planning, Business Office, University Investments and Scholarships, Bookstore, Facilities Planning and Construction, Physical Plant; Environmental Health and Safety, Risk Management and Insurance, Human Resources, Campus Safety, Parking and Emergency Management.

4. Serve as a member of the President's Cabinet and Council of Administrators. Collaborate with other executive officers of the university and share responsibility for the daily management of the university. Serve on meet and confer teams across the various bargaining units. Lead or serve on various university committees.

5. Participate in university planning both long-range and short-term operational including: short- and long-term financial planning and analysis, strategic direction for space planning, updating and implementing the comprehensive facilities plan, ensuring compliance with all audit related activities, and developing and adopting best practices in administrative departments.

6. Collaborate with the President and Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs to develop a clear strategic hiring plan consistent with the university's mission; align workforce planning and development with the University's priority of developing and supporting a strong culture of inquiry that supports collaborations, values differences and promotes a culture of civility and mutual respect.

7. Collaborate with the President and Vice President of Student Life and the Vice President of Enrollment Management to develop a plan for generating and allocating resources for students and enrollment and retention efforts consistent with the educational mission of the university.

8. Collaborate with the President and the Vice President of University Advancement to develop a clear relationship between the University and the WSU Foundation on matters of financial and administrative support in the areas of scholarships, joint facilities projects, and other University support.

9. Represent the University at the Minnesota State Board of Trustees and System Office level on matters pertaining to finance, facilities, and administration; includes the system-wide development and evaluation of business and administrative policies and practices.

10. Interact with individuals, institutions, and businesses in Winona, Rochester, and the rest of the University's service region to ensure that the mission and mandates of the University are met.

11. Perform other duties as assigned by the President.

The Key Accountabilities of the VPFA/CFO include:

1. Effective and efficient operation of finance and administration departments.
 

2. Timely, accurate, and complete reports to all stakeholders.

3. Contributing member of the President's cabinet.

4. Support other units of the University through business and financial insights which will assist them in achieving their goals.

5. Support of the university's strategic plan by providing, measuring, and maintaining adequate resources to accomplish the plan.

6. Development of financial and other reporting tools required to track and sustain the implementation of the university's strategic plan.

7. Continued professional development by staying informed of educational, financial, and management trends.

8. Trusted advisor to the President on all matters related to the financial and administrative health of the institution.

Salary Range: $159,339 - $254,829; Commensurate with qualifications and experience

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree from an accredited institution; accounting, finance, business administration, or related field. In lieu of a degree in accounting, finance, business administration or related field, relevant experience in finance and operations in higher education may be considered.
• Ten (10) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a large, complex organization. Professional experience in a combination of the following areas: financial management, annual and strategic budgeting, facilities management, capital project planning, human resource management, and emergency management.  Extensive experience in budgeting, financial planning and modeling as well as institution-wide planning and analysis.
• Knowledge of governmental accounting and financial reporting standards under the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Ability to project a strong positive image of the University with parents, students, faculty, staff and others, including community and government leaders and the media.
• Excellent writing, speaking, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively and collegially within a large, complex university system and to negotiate with a wide range of constituencies, including bargaining units.
• Demonstrated record of successful leadership while directing the efforts of professional staff.
   

Preferred Qualification 

• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic vision in complex organizations.
• Demonstrated success in organizing resources and creative problem solving to advance organization initiatives.
• Experience working in higher education and effectiveness within a system of higher education.
• Experience with environmental health and safety, campus safety operations, and emergency management.
• Experience in human resource operations.
• Experience in negotiating contracts including real estate.
• Experience in capital project planning/bonding and external financial relations.
• Evidence of continuing professional education, including remaining current on topics related to finance, facilities and sustainability.
   

Other Requirements

1. The successful candidate must be able to lawfully accept employment in the United States by the day employment begins. The University regrets that we are unable to offer H1-B sponsorship at this time.

2. A complete online application will include the following:

• A cover letter that addresses the qualifications listed previously
• Current Curriculum Vitae / Resume
• Transcripts (undergraduate and graduate)
• A list of professional references with contact information
   

Posting Information:

Application Deadline: Review begins immediately

Appointment Date: June 2026

Primary Location: Winona, MN

Type of Appointment: Administrator/At-Will

Telework (Yes/No) No

About Winona State University

Founded in 1858, Winona State University is a regional public university and the oldest member of the Minnesota State system. Offering more than 200 majors and programs, Winona State has the #1 Student Success Rate in the Minnesota State System with 96.97 percent of WSU graduates being hired in a field related to their degree. U.S. News recognized Winona State as having top-ranking undergraduate programs in nursing, engineering, psychology, business, and computer science. With campuses in both Winona and Rochester, Winona State offers the best of both worlds. Widely known for its stunning natural setting, the Winona campus is nestled between picturesque bluffs and the Mississippi River - meaning rock climbing, paddle-boarding, hiking, and kayaking are within a mile of campus. WSU's Rochester campus is located in Minnesota's third largest city - a dynamic hub for industry, arts, and culture, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. Winona State University's mission is to enhance the intellectual, social, cultural and economic vitality of the people and communities we serve: a community of learners improving our world. For more information, visit winona.edu.

Notice: In accordance with Minnesota State policy, employees driving on university business who use a rental or state vehicle shall be required to conform to Minnesota State's vehicle use criteria and consent to a motor vehicle records check. The Winona State University Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available for your review. This report is required by federal law and contains policy statements and crime statistics for the University. The policy statements address the school's policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security. Three years' worth of statistics are included for certain types of crimes that were reported to have occurred on-campus, or in other University affiliated locations. This report is available online at https://www.winona.edu/about/safety-security/. You may also request a paper copy from University Security by emailing security@winona.edu.

Winona State University is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

A member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. A community of learners improving our world!

About Winona State University

Founded in 1858, Winona State University is a comprehensive public university with close to 8,900 students. The oldest member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System, Winona State offers 80 undergraduate, pre-professional, licensure, graduate, and doctorate programs on its three campuses: the original Main Campus in Winona, the West Campus in Winona, and Winona State University-Rochester.

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