VP/Director of Finance

Description We are looking for an experienced finance leader to provide strategic oversight for a university-based finance function in Kalamazoo, Michigan. This Long-term Contract position is ideal for someone with deep accounting and financial management expertise who can guide an established team, strengthen reporting accuracy, and translate financial results into meaningful insights for leadership. The role is fully onsite and will play an important part in budgeting, forecasting, fiscal-year planning, and overall financial stewardship.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and support a finance organization by directing key managers and fostering accountability across the broader team structure.

• Oversee monthly close activities to ensure financial records are timely, well-supported, and aligned with sound accounting practices.

• Review reports and statements for accuracy, consistency, and relevance before presenting information to senior leadership.

• Interpret financial results and communicate budget performance, emerging risks, and operational trends to a range of stakeholders.

• Partner on the development of annual budgets, forward-looking projections, and fiscal-year planning activities.

• Maintain strong internal controls by reinforcing compliance with established financial policies and procedures.

• Provide high-level guidance on year-end reporting and help ensure a smooth handoff during the transition period with outgoing leadership.

• Support conversations with executives, trustees, auditors, and campus partners by presenting financial information in a clear and practical manner. Requirements • Strong background in finance and accounting, with the ability to exercise sound judgment in a leadership capacity.

• Demonstrated experience managing budget development, financial reporting, forecasting, and month-end close processes.

• Proven ability to lead experienced professionals and collaborate effectively with an already established team.

• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to explain complex financial information to varied audiences.

• Experience analyzing financial statements and identifying meaningful trends, variances, and performance concerns.

• Familiarity with fiscal-year planning and reporting in an environment with structured annual budget cycles.

• Higher education or nonprofit finance experience is highly valued, particularly exposure to regulated funding sources or program-based financial oversight.

• Working knowledge of systems such as Ellucian Colleague is helpful.

Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.

Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/mobile-app) and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more.

All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information.

© 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking “Apply Now,” you’re agreeing to Robert Half’s Terms of Use (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/terms) and Privacy Notice (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/privacy) .