CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AND VICE PRESIDENT OF BUSINSES AND FINANCE

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AND VICE PRESIDENT OF BUSINSES AND FINANCE

Division of Business and Finance

East Tennessee State University (ETSU), located in the beautiful Appalachian Highlands region in scenic Johnson City, Tennessee, seeks an experienced and innovative academic leader to serve as Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Business and Finance (CFO).

East Tennessee State University pursues its mission based upon core values. An employee’s job performance must support and exhibit the university’s core values: PEOPLE come first, are treated with dignity and respect, and are encouraged to achieve their full potential; RELATIONSHIPS are built on honesty, integrity and trust; DIVERSITY of people and thought is respected; EXCELLENCE is achieved through teamwork, leadership, creativity, and a strong work ethic; EFFICIENCY is achieved through wise use of human and financial resources; and COMMITMENT to intellectual achievement is embraced.

 

The CFO is responsible to the University President for administering and managing university general, grant, and capital project accounting and financial services, budget and planning, procurement and contract services, and auxiliary fiscal management; supervising professional/administrative and classified personnel. The CFO oversees the institutional budget of approximately $400 million consisting of three separate appropriations for the General University Campus, College of Medicine, and Family Medicine units as well as the College of Pharmacy that does not receive an appropriation. In addition, the CFO will:

 

• Serve as member of the President’s Leadership Team, President’s Cabinet, and University Council;
• Coordinate business and finance functions with state agencies as required by the University President;
• Advise the University President in shaping institutional fiscal policies and financial planning;
• Serve as Chief Financial Officer for the ETSU Foundation and the ETSU Research Corp; and
• Perform other related duties as required.

 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

 

Candidates for the position should demonstrate:

 

• Knowledge of federal, state, and university laws, regulations and guidelines applicable to university business and finance;
• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and governmental accounting standards;
• Knowledge of university budgetary cycles, practices, and procedures;
• Knowledge of computer systems development and implementation;
• Knowledge of personnel development techniques;
• Knowledge of higher education environment and its relationship to the university community.
• Ability to manage complex budgets;
• Ability to exercise good judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions;
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and administrators;
• Ability to supervise employees in a fair and equitable manner; and
• Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral form.

 

Required Qualifications

 

Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field; seven years of experience relevant to accounting, finance, or budgeting; and five years of progressively responsible experience, preferably in higher education.

 

Preferred Qualifications

 

It is preferred that candidates possess a master’s degree in a related field and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

 

Description of Job Duties

 

The CFO will provide supervision and management of the Division of Business and Finance and must:

 

• Lead Division planning and coordinate Division budgets;
• Formulate university financial policies and procedures;
• Coordinate long-range planning for the Division of Business and Finance;
• Provide direct line supervision for Assistant Vice Presidents and Executive Directors in Business and Finance;
• Provide leadership oversight for Financial, Grant, and Foundation Accounting, Payroll, Bursar, Accounts Payable, Procurement and Contract Services, Central Receiving, Postal and Passport Services, Auxiliaries Fiscal Management, Budget and Financial Planning, and Financial Systems and Technology;
• Coordinate budget preparation, approval and submission for General University Campus, College of Medicine, Family Medicine, and College of Pharmacy;
• Work collaboratively with university units to optimize research-related financial policies and processes;
• Serve as member of the President’s Leadership Team, President’s Cabinet, and University Council;
• Coordinate business and finance functions with state agencies as required by the President;
• Advise the University President in shaping institutional fiscal policies and financial planning;
• Serve as Chief Financial Officer for the ETSU Foundation and the ETSU Research Corporation;
• Provide informational presentations to Board of Trustees and other state agencies;
• Assist staff in developing training and procedures for the Division;
• Ensure compliance with federal and state laws, policies, and guidelines; and
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

 

About the University

 

Founded in 1911, ETSU is a comprehensive, regional university, with total enrollments in excess of 14,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, ETSU provides a student-centered community of learning, reflecting high standards and promoting a balance of liberal arts and professional preparation, and continuous improvement.

 

The university conducts a wide array of educational and research programs and clinical services including a comprehensive Academic Health Sciences Center. Serving its students through 11 colleges and schools, ETSU offers 140 academic programs to choose from at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. The vision for ETSU is to provide a world-class environment to enhance student success and improve the quality of life in the region and beyond.

 

The University is situated in what is commonly known as the “Appalachian Highlands” region and Johnson City is ranked by Forbes as a “Best Small Place for Business and Careers” in the U.S. Surrounded by rivers, lakes, mountains, and parks, Johnson City is an outdoors enthusiast’s dream. ETSU is a sponsor of Division I athletics in the Southern Conference and a Center of Excellence in Sport Science and Coach Education. The area enjoys a moderate climate, a variety of festivals, and attractions, such as the Corazon Latino Festival, the Umoja Festival, Tri Pride, and the Birthplace of County Music. Additional information about the university can be found at https://www.etsu.edu/ehome/. 

 

Nomination and Application Process

 

The Search Committee invites letters of nomination, applications, (letter of interest, full resume/CV, and contact information of at least five references), or expressions of interest to be submitted to the search firm assisting ETSU. Review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is made.  It is preferred, however, that all nominations and applications be submitted prior to November 11, 2022, to:

 

Porsha Williams, Vice President

Jacob Anderson, Senior Principal

Parker Executive Search

Five Concourse Parkway, Suite 2875

Atlanta, GA 30328

678.775.4563 || 678.775.4564

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

ETSU is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce by ensuring all of our students, faculty, and staff work in an environment of openness and acceptance. Successful candidates should have a demonstrated commitment and contribution to fostering and advancing equity, diversity and inclusion. East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.