JOB
Do you thrive on analyzing complex financial data, leading teams, and guiding key decisions that positively impact higher education in Alaska? Do you enjoy turning challenges into actionable solutions, collaborating with boards and executives, and have a desire to make a real difference in the financial future of ACPE and ASLC? If so, this is your opportunity to lead.The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) is seeking a strategic and experienced financial leader to serve as Chief Finance Officer for both ACPE and the Alaska Student Loan Corporation (ASLC). Reporting to the Executive Director, this position leads the Finance Division and oversees critical financial functions including accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, contracting, and investment performance evaluation. The Chief Finance Officer plays a key leadership role in managing the Corporation’s banking and financing activities, coordinating complex financing initiatives, and providing financial expertise to the Commission and ASLC Board in support of the organizations’ missions and long-term financial stability.Benefits of joining our team, our mission, organization and culture: ACPE is Alaska’s postsecondary education agency, dedicated to providing sustainable solutions for college, career, and technical training. As the State’s trusted postsecondary education agency; our purpose is to serve Alaskans with integrity in everything we do. Our Finance Team manages accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, and investment oversight to support the missions of ACPE and ASLC. We strive to be a reliable, strategic partner that State leadership and education stakeholders can trust for sound financial guidance. At ACPE, we value continuous learning and growth. We provide training and support of the upward mobility for our employees. We seek engaged candidates who are eager to expand their knowledge and skills, and we’re willing to invest in training for the right individuals. You will have significant autonomy in your work, while being part of a collaborative, strategic team that supports one another. Our core values – service, quality, innovation, empowerment, and accountability - guide everything we do.Our Juneau office is conveniently located in the Vintage Business Park area of Mendenhall Valley, near the bus line, with ample parking available. Positions with the Commission are eligible for all State of Alaska health care, leave, and retirement benefits. For more information about ACPE, our mission, and services, visit: http://acpe.alaska.govWhat will you do: Lead the Finance Division, including supervising professional, technical, and support staff; establishing priorities; evaluating performance, and supporting staff development.Provide strategic financial leadership to the Corporation; including identifying opportunities for revenue growth, cost minimalization, and long-term financial sustainability.Lead the preparation of ASLC Financial Statement reports and annual auditManage cashflow and liquidity Develop, implement, and direct accounting policies, procedures, and financial controls to ensure compliance with GASB, GAAP, bond documents, and other legal or regulatory requirements.Propose annual interest rates for ASLC loan products based on analysis of internal finances, economic and market conditions, management goals, and mitigation of financial and operational risks.Develop and maintain financial forecasts, models, and projections to support management objectives, in consideration of legislative, regulatory, or policy changes.Assess and recommend strategic opportunities for increased revenue, investment policy amendments, monitoring national models of non-profit state education lenders.Plan, develop, and oversee operating and capital budgets for ACPE and ASLC, coordinating with other state departments as needed.Assist in the development and implementation of new or amended education loan programs.Coordinate Corporation financing activities, which include, but are not limited to: collaboration with financial advisors and legal counsel, investment proceeds outcomes, and debt issuance.Serve as the primary financial liaison with state agencies, financial institutions, and other external financial stakeholders.Testify before legislative committees on financial and budget matters as requested or in the absence of the Executive Director.Serve on agency senior management teams and Participate in agency-wide strategic planning initiatives in coordination with senior management to support continued advancement and evolution of ACPE and ASLC.Serve in acting status in the absence of Executive Director when needed.The ideal candidate will possess some or all of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: Knowledge of: Financial Statement preparation including Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Statement of Cashflows, footnotes and Management Discussion and Analysis.Financial analysis techniques and applicationsAccounting & Budgeting theories and practiceFinance and investment conceptsInvestment managementProcurement managementCashflow and liquidity managementPersonnel management/Management theories, principles, and techniquesBoard (FASB) rulings and pronouncementsGenerally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and Financial Accounting StandardsSkills in: Interpret and comply with state statutes, regulations, rules, procedures and practices,Interpret and comply with federal Internal Revenue Service regulations,Applying accounting and management theories, practices and techniquesGathering facts and information; conducting research and analysis; developing recommendationsWriting business correspondence, testimony, executive summaries, reports, requests for proposals and contractsNegotiating and administering contractsStrategic planning and goal settingEvaluating program effectivenessStrong interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with co-workers, supervisors, the general public, etc.Strong ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, including the ability to articulate complex financial information to the Corporation Board of Directors, the Commission, the Legislature, and with the Governor’s Office in a manner that is clear, concise, informative and professional.Basic office equipment, computers, word processing, and spreadsheet software.Ability to: Manage and array of different technologies used by ACPE and its staffMulti-task and successfully meet strategic priorities and deadlines.Clearly and effectively communicate with managers and staff regarding project status and initiatives, as well as, security restrictions and reasoningAnticipate, monitor and meet the needs of customers responding in an effective, appropriate manner.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited college with major course emphasis in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Banking, Economics, or closely related field, which must include the completion of the intermediate accounting series and at least one theory related course;ANDat least seven years of professional experience in financial management or accounting, including three years of supervisory experience.Substitutions: Graduate study in an appropriate field may be substituted for two years of the required professional work experience. Preference: Preference given to applicants who hold a CPA designation or Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics or closely related fieldOther Information: This is a fully exempt job class under AS 39.25.110(11).
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
For specific information about this position, please contact the hiring manager at the following: Kerry Thomas, Executive DirectorKerry.Thomas@alaska.gov
