POSITION TITLE: Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”)
DIVISION: Administration
DEPARTMENT: Administration
REPORTS TO: Nerman Family President
PAY TYPE: Exempt
WORKER TYPE: Full-Time
UPDATED: February 2026
PAY: $165,000
The CFO is responsible for the strategic administrative, business, and fiscal management of the college. This position serves as a key member of the President’s senior leadership team and Cabinet, providing high-level oversight of the institution’s financial health and human capital.
Essential Functional Responsibilities:
Financial & Budgetary Leadership
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Direct the establishment of a collaborative and transparent budget process.
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Provide strategic budget updates and financial presentations to appropriate stakeholders.
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Maintain high-level oversight of the accounting and financial reporting systems to ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
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Lead the institutional relationship with independent auditors for annual audits and the completion of Form 990.
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Oversee the management of institutional lending, banking relationships, and 2018 bond offering covenants and payments.
Investment & Board Liaison
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Serve as the primary administrative liaison to the Board of Trustees committees for Finance & Audit, Investments, and Retirement and Benefits.
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Oversee the relationship with outsourced CIO firms to ensure the proper management and growth of endowment funds.
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Review investment activities and strategies with the President and the Board's Investments Committee.
Advisory Responsibilities
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Provide financial oversight of employee benefits and compensation, with the support of the VP of People & Culture.
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Support the administration of the institutional insurance program and comprehensive risk management strategies.
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Collaborate with the VP of Enrollment Management to guide enrollment targets and financial aid models relevant to the annual budget.
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Advise the EVP of Advancement & Strategic Communications on the management and reporting of endowed and designated funds.
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Coordinate with General Counsel on all legal matters and compliance requirements related to college administration.
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Other duties as assigned.
Supervises the following:
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Vice President of Administration
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Associate Vice President of Finance and Accounting (Business Office)
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Administrative Coordinator
Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications:
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In-depth knowledge of financial management principles, practices, and procedures specific to educational institution auditing and reporting.
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Thorough understanding of federal and state regulations related to higher education finance, accreditation reporting, and Form 990 completion.
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Advanced knowledge of endowment fund management, investment strategies, and the oversight of outsourced investment activities.
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Expertise in collaborative and transparent budget processes, including the ability to oversee complex enrollment targets and financial aid projections.
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Broad understanding of wage and salary administration and the strategic oversight of employee benefit programs.
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Proficiency in risk management principles and the administration of institutional insurance programs.
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Exceptional skill in presenting complex financial information to relevant stakeholders.
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Advanced proficiency in SIS, ERP, and Financial Management Tools, as well as expert-level Excel skills for budget spreadsheets and charts.
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Demonstrated honesty, integrity, and high ethical standards in all professional dealings.
Required Experience/Education:
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Bachelor’s degree required in Business/Finance or other related field
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CPA Designation
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Strong accounting and fiscal management skills, including budget modeling and forecasting
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Ability to effectively manage others
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Strong communication and problem-solving skills
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Adept at the following:
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Microsoft Office Suite
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Gmail/Google Suite
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Advanced Excel skills including charts and budget spreadsheets
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SIS, ERP, and Financial Management Tools
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Ability to work in a collaborative and transparent team environment, with strong collegial characteristics
Preferred Experience/Education:
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10 years of accounting/management experience.
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Experience in Higher Education
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Experience working in a Not-for-Profit
