Vice President for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer

Illinois Institute of Technology is seeking candidates for the position of Vice President for Finance and Administration, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (VPFA). Founded in 1890, Illinois Institute of Technology is a private, Ph.D. granting university that awards degrees in engineering, the sciences, architecture, law, design, humanities and business. This position is on the Mies campus, which is located minutes from downtown Chicago and its beautiful lakefront and was designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, one of the 20th century’s most influential architects.

Reporting directly to the President, the VPFA is a member of the President’s Council, and is responsible for the overall finances of Illinois Institute of Technology (“Institute” or “Illinois Tech”), including, but not limited to, budget, financial reports, cash management, financial and accounting operations and management, and regulatory compliance.  The VPFA is responsible for the overall financial performance of the Institute and all aspects of its daily fiscal management.  This position also works closely with the Provost of the Institute in order to ensure that the Institute has adequate financial management support to achieve its strategic academic and operational goals and to monitor current year operations and the development of future years’ operating and capital budgets. The VPFA is a highly visible position within the Institute and serves as an advisor to the President regarding the financial management of the institution and its support of the Institute’s strategic priorities. In addition to the President and Provost, the VPFA communicates with external finance professionals, leadership of the Institute, and the Board of Trustees and its related committees.

Specifically, the VPFA is responsible for proactively managing, planning, and organizing the financial operations of the Institute, including, without limitation, financial planning, budgeting and analysis, controllership, taxation, cost management, financial reporting, and revenue cycle functions. The VPFA will establish and maintain objectives and strategies for the finance organization that are linked to the Institute’s strategic plan, and provide timely reports and financial and administrative advice regarding the strategic plan, especially strategies related to cash flow projections, funding of depreciation and debt servicing. In collaboration with the Provost, the VPFA will oversee budget planning and development, business prioritization, and resource allocation processes.

The VPFA will also be responsible for developing, interpreting, coordinating, and communicating the Institute’s policies on finance, accounting, budgeting, personnel, financial/accounting systems, internal controls and auditing. The VPFA will play a leading role in communicating financial information across the Institute and to the Board of Trustees and its related committees and serves as the primary liaison to the Finance, Audit and Compliance, and Investment Committees of the Board. The VPFA is expected to provide efficient and effective management of the Institute’s various financial offices, including, but not limited to the controller, budget, student accounting, purchasing, payroll, and grant and contract accounting offices, with particular emphasis on quality and customer service. The VPFA also serves as the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Institute and IIT Research Institute, a controlled, not-for-profit, corporate affiliate of the Institute. The VPFA serves as the Institute’s liaison to its external Chief Investment Officer.

The successful candidate must have a master’s degree, with ten or more years of progressively responsible experience with management and financial oversight, and it is preferred that such experience have been in an academic, educational, institutional or research environment (private research university preferred) in which grants and contract management is a significant area of responsibility ($100M annually). CPA certification is preferred but not required. In addition, the candidate must have a high degree of personal initiative and proven leadership, interpersonal and team skills, as well as the ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with trustees, deans, other vice presidents and managers of the Institute and key external partners.  We invite you to view the full leadership profile at www.wittkieffer.com.

Inquiries, nominations and applications are invited. Review of applications will begin immediately, and will continue until the position is filled. For fullest consideration, applicant materials should be received by April 17, 2017. Candidates should provide a resume, a cover letter that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described in the Leadership Profile, and the names and contact information of five references. References will not be contacted without prior knowledge and approval of candidates. Confidential inquiries or application materials may be sent electronically via e-mail to Illinois Institute of Technology’s consultants Dennis M. Barden, Ann A. Yates and Jane E. Courson at IITCFO@wittkieffer.com.

Illinois Institute of Technology is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA employer committed to enhancing equity, inclusion and diversity within its community.  It actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans and other underrepresented groups.  All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment.