Vice President for Business and Finance

Vice President for Business and Finance

Georgia Southern University

 

Georgia Southern University seeks a visionary and dynamic leader to serve as its next Vice President for Business & Finance. Reporting directly to the President, the Vice President for Business & Finance is responsible for the administration of all financial operations of the University.

 

Position Summary

 

The Vice President for Business & Finance is responsible for the development of a financial strategy and setting metrics tied to that strategy, ongoing development and monitoring of internal control systems designed to preserve and protect university assets, reporting accurate financial information, monitoring adherence to the budget and developing long-term financial and operational strategies. The Vice President for Business & Finance provides the leadership, management and vision necessary to ensure that the institution has the proper operational controls, administrative and reporting procedures, and people systems in place to effectively grow the organization and to ensure operating efficiency. This position reports directly to the President and serves on the President’s Cabinet working collaboratively with all members of the Cabinet. The Vice President also works with officials of the University System of Georgia, other University System institutions, and local, state and federal government agencies. Units that report specifically to the Vice President for Business & Finance include: Financial and Business services, Housing Foundation, Human Resources, Auxiliary Services, Facilities Services, and Public Safety. As of 2018, the new Georgia Southern University comprises of three Georgia campuses. It is important that the Vice President is visible on each campus and this individual will be required to travel frequently.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

 

The Vice President for Business & Finance is responsible for the following:

 

• Perform related duties as assigned to support the mission of the University
• Develop and implement a financial vision for the University congruent with the mission and objectives of the campuses and institution
• Prepare and maintain long-term financial forecasts for all of the university’s funds.Monitor both short and long-term internal and external financial and operational developments to ensure that forecasts are current and accurate
• Contribute to the university meeting its strategic objectives by assisting administrators and department heads in conducting financial analysis of current and proposed activities
• Monitor and report the financial condition of the university to the Board of Regents, other governmental agencies, and the University president and administrators on a regular basis
• Oversee preparation of the annual budget whereby organizational needs are identified, consensus on priorities is obtained, and translate the consensus into a financial plan
• Develop procedures that integrate business and strategic planning into the annual budget process
• Monitor external events and developments to ensure that budget preparation incorporates the most current information
• Monitor cash flow. Oversee investment activities to ensure appropriate supply of cash at highest possible yield on idle funds while complying with statutory limitations on types of investments
• Coordinate and monitor debt issuance with external financial advisors, bond counsel, etc.
• Receive and have custody of all monies, which shall come to the University for the purposes of the University and shall be responsible for the proper handling of such funds in accordance with applicable state statutes and with the policies set by the Board of Regents
• Oversee the timely collection of all accounts receivable
• Monitor cash reserves to provide maximum practical protection
• Provide oversight and advice regarding financial risk
• Ensure that the university is in compliance with financial regulatory, legal, administrative, contractual, procedural, and accounting standards
• Remain current and knowledgeable of industry standards, trends, and emerging practices to position the University at the leading edge of higher education management
• Provide day-to-day leadership and management for service functions within the university
• Drive the administrative areas of the university to achieve and surpass service, efficiency and business goals and objectives
• Oversee the measurement and effectiveness of all processes internal and external
• Provide timely, accurate and complete reports on the operating condition of the university
• Spearhead the development, communication and implementation of effective growth strategies and processes related to university operations
• Collaborate with the university leadership team to develop and implement plans for the operational infrastructure of systems, processes, and personnel designed to accommodate the objectives of university
• Motivate and lead a high-performance management team
• Foster a success-oriented, accountable environment within the university
• Support the President in strategic analysis and planning, including advising the President on the operational and fiscal impact of planning alternatives
• Perform short- and long-term strategic and financial planning required to meet Georgia Southern University goals
• Manage facilities use and their development, including master and sustainability planning, public safety, transportation and parking
• Provide evaluation of and strategic advice on the impact of the introduction of new programs/strategies

 

Qualifications

 

It is required that the Vice President for Business & Finance possesses:

 

• A Master’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance or related field from an accredited institution
• Progressive administrative experience in a large and complex organization is required
• Experience working at a senior management role

 

In addition, it is preferred that the Vice President for Business & Finance possesses:

 

• Experience and knowledge in accounting and business processes in higher education and/or government agencies
• Professional certifications (Certified Public Accountant and/or Certified Management Accountant)
• Consistently engaging customer service
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusiveness by working well with diverse populations
• Effective communication and human relations skills
• Appropriate organizational skills as required for specific position
• Leadership to meet Institutional goals and support University's mission for student success

 

Application Procedure

 

The Search Committee invites applications, inquiries, and nominations for this position. Applications should be accompanied by a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and the names and contact details of at least five professional references. Applications and nominations will be accepted until the position is filled and review of applications will begin immediately. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit materials (electronic submissions preferred) prior to February 23, 2021 to the search firm assisting Georgia Southern University.

 

Laurie C. Wilder, President

Porsha L. Williams, Vice President

Jacob C. Anderson, Principal

Parker Executive Search

pwilliams@parkersearch.com || janderson@parkersearch.com

(770) 804-1996 x 111

 

Georgia Southern University, a unit of the University System of Georgia, is an equal opportunity educational institution and is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.