Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer

Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM

The Texas A&M University System is one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a budget of $4.55 billion. Through a statewide network of 11 universities and seven state agencies, the Texas A&M System educates more than 152,000 students and makes more than 22 million additional educational contacts through service and outreach programs each year. System-wide, research and development expenditures exceeded $972 million in FY 2016 and helped drive the state’s economy.

THE UNIVERSITY

Chartered in 1917 but not opened until 1925 because of America's entry into World War I, Texas A&M-Kingsville is the oldest continuously operating public institution of higher learning in South Texas. Shortly after beginning life as South Texas State Teachers College, its role was expanded to embrace a wider array of programs. As its mission has expanded, its name has changed to reflect its wider scope. Its first name change, to Texas College of Arts and Industries, came in 1929. In 1967 the name changed to Texas A&I University. The University became a member of the Texas A&M University System in 1989 and in 1993 changed its name to Texas A&M University-Kingsville to reflect that membership.

Texas A&M-Kingsville is South Texas' greatest university, offering more academic programs and degrees, providing better learning and living facilities, doing more research, awarding more scholarships and producing more successful graduates than any other college or university in the region.

Texas A&M-Kingsville seeks to provide quality undergraduate and graduate programs for students of all ages through a judicious blend of liberal and career education programs. The emphasis is on providing an intellectually challenging education reflecting high standards of academic performance.  Texas A&M-Kingsville is dedicated to serving an ethnically and culturally diverse population and is designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution. The University is committed to its mission of teaching, research, and service in South Texas for the advancement of knowledge and of regional development. Texas A&M University-Kingsville recently advanced to the second-highest tier of research universities, making them now recognized as a Carnegie Classified Doctoral University with High Research Activity.

Texas A&M-Kingsville is committed to being a renowned, diverse community of learners and innovators. The mission of Texas A&M University-Kingsville is to enrich lives through education, discovery, and service in South Texas and beyond.

THE POSITION

Reporting to President Mark Hussey, the Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer is responsible for the executive management of all financial affairs of the University. The University seeks a VP/CFO who is an experienced financial professional who demonstrates the ability to be creative and innovative when developing and reviewing programs in a rapidly changing funding and regulatory environment. The VP/CFO is responsible for financial planning and leadership in the management of all financial activities of the University. Reporting to the VP/CFO are the offices of Budget & Student Business Services, Disbursements, Travel & Property Management Service, Financial Accounting, Reporting & Payroll, Human Resources, Information Technology, Strategic Sourcing & General Services.

The position requires interaction with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, The Texas A&M University System, and other university chief financial officers throughout the State of Texas.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Successful candidates for the position will have significant demonstrated financial administrative experience, with a record of increasing responsibility in the leadership and management of a wide range of business affairs activities (preferably within higher education with administrative experience at a doctoral level institution). The candidate should have direct experience in the areas of budgeting, accounting, other aspects of financial management and human resources.

Desired qualifications and characteristics also include:

  • Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred;
  • Extensive financial and budget management experience in an institution of higher education;
  • Strong leadership and strategic planning abilities;
  • Strong ability to lead and manage teams of people, and the ability to partner with and influence senior management, peers and others using a collaborative mentality and style;
  • The ability to project a strong positive image of the University through interaction with all constituencies conducting business with the University;
  • Executive problem-solving skills and the ability to organize and manage complex functions;
  • Ability to drive and manage change in an academic environment;
  • Exceptional aptitude in financial activities management;
  • Demonstrated skills in forecasting budgets;
  • Must be skilled in using financial management software commonly used in higher education;
  • Understanding of business intelligence and data analytics to inform decision making;
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
  • Demonstrated commitment and success in working with persons from diverse backgrounds;
  • Successful track record of innovation.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The Search Committee invites nominations, applications (a letter of interest, resume, and the names and contact information of at least references) or expressions of interest to be submitted to the search firm assisting Texas A&M-Kingsville.  Review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.  It is preferred, however, that all nominations and applications be submitted to the search firm by April 12, 2019. For a complete position description, please visit the Current Opportunities page at www.parkersearch.com.

Porsha L. Williams, Vice President
Rich McNeal, Associate
Parker Executive Search
Five Concourse Parkway, Suite 2900

Atlanta, GA 30328
Phone: 770-804-1996 x109 or x112
pwilliams@parkersearch.com | rmcneal@parkersearch.com

Texas A&M University-Kingsville is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Committed to excellence through diversity, the university particularly invites applications from minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities.