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

Direct the establishment of a collaborative and transparent budget process.
Provide strategic budget updates and financial presentations to appropriate stakeholders.
Maintain high-level oversight of the accounting and financial reporting systems to ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Lead the institutional relationship with independent auditors for annual audits and the completion of Form 990.
Oversee the management of institutional lending, banking relationships, and 2018 bond offering covenants and payments.

Investment & Board Liaison

Serve as the primary administrative liaison to the Board of Trustees committees for Finance & Audit, Investments, and Retirement and Benefits.
Oversee the relationship with outsourced CIO firms to ensure the proper management and growth of endowment funds.
Review investment activities and strategies with the President and the Board's Investments Committee.

Advisory Responsibilities

Provide financial oversight of employee benefits and compensation, with the support of the VP of People & Culture.
Support the administration of the institutional insurance program and comprehensive risk management strategies.
Collaborate with the VP of Enrollment Management to guide enrollment targets and financial aid models relevant to the annual budget.
Advise the EVP of Advancement & Strategic Communications on the management and reporting of endowed and designated funds.
Coordinate with General Counsel on all legal matters and compliance requirements related to college administration.

Other duties as assigned.

Supervises the following:

Vice President of Administration
Associate Vice President of Finance and Accounting (Business Office)
Administrative Coordinator

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications:

In-depth knowledge of financial management principles, practices, and procedures specific to educational institution auditing and reporting.
Thorough understanding of federal and state regulations related to higher education finance, accreditation reporting, and Form 990 completion.
Advanced knowledge of endowment fund management, investment strategies, and the oversight of outsourced investment activities.
Expertise in collaborative and transparent budget processes, including the ability to oversee complex enrollment targets and financial aid projections.
Broad understanding of wage and salary administration and the strategic oversight of employee benefit programs.
Proficiency in risk management principles and the administration of institutional insurance programs.
Exceptional skill in presenting complex financial information to relevant stakeholders.
Advanced proficiency in SIS, ERP, and Financial Management Tools, as well as expert-level Excel skills for budget spreadsheets and charts.
Demonstrated honesty, integrity, and high ethical standards in all professional dealings.

Required Experience/Education:

Bachelor’s degree required in Business/Finance or other related field
CPA Designation
Strong accounting and fiscal management skills, including budget modeling and forecasting
Ability to effectively manage others
Strong communication and problem-solving skills
Adept at the following:
Microsoft Office Suite
Gmail/Google Suite
Advanced Excel skills including charts and budget spreadsheets
SIS, ERP, and Financial Management Tools
Ability to work in a collaborative and transparent team environment, with strong collegial characteristics

Preferred Experience/Education:

10 years of accounting/management experience.
Experience in Higher Education
Experience working in a Not-for-Profit

Kansas City Art Institute Jobs

Chief Financial Officer