Vice President of Finance and Administration

Pacific University achieves excellence and distinction by investing in exceptional people to think, care, create, and pursue justice in our world. We embrace discovery in a close nurturing environment that leads to genuine transformation. Our community is diverse, sustainable, and dedicated to discovery and excellence in teaching, scholarship and practice. 

 

At Pacific University we thrive in an extraordinary environment, surrounded by the beauty of the great Pacific Northwest, with campus locations in Forest Grove, Hillsboro, and Eugene. We humbly acknowledge and thank the original caretakers of the lands on which we live, work, teach, acquire and share knowledge.

 

 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION:
The Vice President of Finance and Administration reports to the President and serves as the lead Financial Officer of the University. They actively support the mission of the university and their primary responsibility is the University’s financial and administrative management including the reporting and monitoring of business functions. In addition, the Finance and Administration team provides support, financial reports and analysis to the campus community, the President’s Council, and the Board of Trustees. The departments that fall under Finance and Administration include the Business Office, the Budget Office, Facilities and Public Safety, Capital Projects Management, University Information Services, General Counsel, Emergency Management and Business Continuity, Clinical Compliance and HIPAA Privacy.
 

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
Reporting directly to the President and sitting on the President’s Council, the Vice President for Finance and Administration acts as the lead Financial Officer of the University and plays a key advisory role to the President and the Board of Trustees. The Vice President:

• Facilitates the development of the University’s annual operating budget, including budget modeling, program assessments, and financial risk assessments, in collaboration with the President and the President’s Council;
• Prepares the annual budget for presentation to and approval of the Board of Trustees;
   
• Monitors the annual budget to ensure spending by all departments and budget units is within their allocation of resources;
• Staffs and administers the Audit, Finance, Investment, and Campus Property Committees of the Board of Trustees;
• Serves as a University Director and Secretary for the Oak Tree Foundation, an independent non-profit that supports Pacific University by providing on-campus housing and facilities;
• Coordinates, directs, compiles, and oversees all financial reporting internal and external including the annual financial audit, OMB Circular A-133 Compliance audit, 403b audit, Form 5500, 1099 and 1098T filings, the 990 and 990T tax return and other tax returns;
• Works with committee chairs and senior administrators to ensure that the University Finance Committee and Benefits Advisory Committee serve as effective forums for faculty and staff input into budget and benefit issues facing the University;
• Is responsible for investing, debt issuance, bond compliance, and bond reporting for the University;
• Is responsible for creating and implementing University policies related to security and safeguarding financial information, record retention and fraud prevention. Ensures that policies and procedures are followed and appropriate controls are in place.
• Oversees the physical plant operations of the University. Is responsible for monitoring property management (including acquisitions and leases) and approves budgetary and management aspects of new construction projects;
• Directs the operations and long-term planning for the University Information Services;
• Serves as the University risk manager for property and liability insurance coverage;
• Oversees emergency management and business continuity operations;
• Oversees Clinical Operations and compliance as well as HIPAA privacy compliance;
• Promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the University; supports an environment of equity, sensitivity, understanding and respect for the diversity, inclusion of students, faculty and staff of varying social, economic, cultural, ideological, racial and ethnic backgrounds
• Collaborates with Vice President of Human Resources on negotiating healthcare costs with vendors and on administration of payroll, salary, and benefits;
• Collaborates with the offices of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, and University Advancement on the awarding of financial aid and other grants and bequests.

 

 

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:

• Serves on various committees, including ad-hoc committees and working groups;
• Attends ceremonial and official functions;
• Completes numerous requests for information for both internal and external sources;
• Provides service to community organizations;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

 

JOB SCOPE:
The Vice President for Finance and Administration makes high level decisions that can impact the assets and financial integrity of the University. They develop a vision and create and execute an innovative and scalable roadmap reflective of evolving contemporary standards. The Vice President is expected to be a steward of the financial resources of the University in partnership with the President, President’s Council, and the Board of Trustees. They are expected to demonstrate an exceptional ability to make sound decisions, work collaboratively with others on campus, and develop controls and/or establish new policies and guidelines to ensure financial integrity to mitigate risk. The Vice President is responsible for communicating assurances clearly and frequently presenting to both internal and external groups. The Vice President is required to provide clear leadership, direction, and support to the Finance and Administration staff; ensures staff relations based on trust, respect, and teamwork; and demonstrate inclusive leadership.

 

 

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY:

The following areas report directly to the Vice President for Finance and Operations:

• Business Office including Student Accounts, Accounts Payable, Investments and Cash Management, Grants and Contract Management, and Accounting and Financial Reporting
• Capital Projects and Project Management
• Facilities and Safety Management including the Mailroom and Campus Public Safety
• University Information Services including Enterprise Data Systems, Technical Operations, Technology Helpdesk, and Healthcare Clinic Information Technologies.
• Legal Affairs
• Emergency Management and Business Continuity
• Clinical Operations and Compliance and HIPAA Privacy
• Budget Operations and Reporting

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree and MBA and CPA preferred
• A minimum of ten years’ experience leading financial and accounting functions, in a complex organization, including fiscal management; financial systems development, modeling, planning, and budgeting; fund accounting; investing and debt issuance; capital planning and facilities operations; and technology systems development.
   

 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES & BEHAVIORS:

• Respect and exemplify the values of the University in all interactions with faculty, staff, trustees, and the public
• Superior problem-solving abilities to meet ambiguous and multicultural needs
• Ability to think conceptually and strategically while also focused on executing and delivering results; right balance of strategic business acumen and functional expertise
• Superior independent judgment, sensitivity, discretion and flexibility in interactions and initiatives involving controversial, confidential, or privileged information
• Ability to handle high stress situations in a calm manner; ability to listen intently, think clearly, and respond empathically to a variety of challenges
• Ensure DEIA are front-and-center in decision-making; commitment to inclusive practices
• Knowledge of and ability to champion the University’s Advancement initiatives
• Proficient understanding of financial and business acumen
• Superior time management skills with a proven ability to efficiently manage multiple, concurrent, time-sensitive projects and priorities
• Versatile project management ability; capable of navigating change and its impact on people, policies, processes, and systems
• Extremely organized with meticulous attention to detail
• Commitment and passion for promoting diversity, inclusion, and justice in the workplace
• Excellent leadership and management skills with ability to motivate all stakeholders to seek equity and inclusion across organizational and cultural boundaries
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality
• Advanced knowledge of psycho-social, leadership concerns, and evidence-based practice around equity, diversity, and culture in a complex organizational setting
• Advanced knowledge of compliance related laws and regulations
• Advanced writing and documentation experience with demonstrated success in strategic messaging, legal documentation, policy and program development
• Advanced presentation and public speaking
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, facilitation, and conflict resolution skills
• Proficient understanding of Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite and related software
• Proficient expertise in Excel and analytical analysis and reporting

 

 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Most work occurs at physical university campus environments during typical business hours, with some opportunities for hybrid working. Occasional evening, weekend, and holiday work required; flexibility in hours necessary. Travel required between campuses and for local, regional, and national events, conference, meetings, and the like.

 

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• General office environment
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk, working on a computer
• Communicate effectively via phone, email, online meetings, and in person

 

 

APPLICATIONS: Please upload your Resume and Cover Letter/CV. Application review will begin December 4, 2023. The position will remain posted until filled.

 

 

At Pacific University we are dedicated to providing experiences that are authentic, holistic, equity minded, and responsive. We continue to develop our equity practices with a particular focus on racial equity.

 

For qualifying employees, our benefits include generous paid time off for vacation, holidays (including winter break) and sick leave. We offer medical coverage with alternative care (in-network services covered at 100% after payroll deduction), comprehensive dental, vision plans, 9% contribution to retirement after one year of service with no match required, free mental health appointments, and tuition remission for employees and their dependents. We cover employer paid life, short term disability, and long term disability insurance. On campus benefits include free access to our sports facility and library, with discounts on campus food, bookstore purchases, clinic services, and gear rentals through our outdoor program (kayaks, snow shoes, bikes and more).

 

Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.  Studies have shown that candidates that are female and/or BIPOC are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet all of the qualifications they find in the job description. We are seeking the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be a person who comes from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every minimum qualification described or are unsure if your experience could be considered related experience.

 

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY

 

It is the policy of Pacific University not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion or religious creed, disability, sex or gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, military, veteran or Vietnam Era status, or any other protected classification recognized by applicable law, in admission, access to, or treatment in employment, educational programs or activities as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, or any other applicable state or federal law, or city ordinance. Questions or complaints may be directed to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, 2043 College Way, Forest Grove, OR 97116, provost@pacificu.edu.

 

Application materials will be screened and interview candidates will be selected and notified by telephone.  The hiring process normally consists of several interviews and can last several weeks depending on the position.  All applicants will be notified once the position is filled.  Employment is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.