Associate Vice President for Finance

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Vice President for Finance and Treasurer, the Associate Vice President for Finance serves as the senior operational leader for the Finance Division and is responsible for the effective day-to-day management of the University’s accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, purchasing/procurement, audit coordination, tax and regulatory compliance, and related finance operations. The Associate Vice President translates institutional financial strategy into disciplined processes, reliable forecasts, timely reporting, strong internal controls, and effective financial management across the University. The position works closely with the Vice President for Finance and Treasurer to implement the annual budget, long-range financial plan, scenario analyses, and the financial components of strategic initiatives and partnerships. In a challenging higher education environment, the Associate Vice President is expected to be a hands-on leader who strengthens accountability, develops staff, improves processes and systems, and provides responsive, decision-useful financial support while maintaining appropriate stewardship and control.

Required Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree required in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field. CPA certification required; Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.

2. Minimum of eight years of progressively responsible accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, or financial management experience required, including significant supervisory or management responsibility. Experience in higher education, a not-for-profit organization, or public accounting serving complex not-for-profit or higher education clients strongly preferred.

3. Demonstrated knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, financial statement preparation, audit requirements, internal controls, budgeting, forecasting, cash management, tax and regulatory compliance, and financial reporting in a complex organization.

4. Demonstrated ability to manage an annual budget process, develop forecasts and financial models, analyze variances and trends, and translate financial information into practical recommendations for operating leaders.

5. Demonstrated success improving financial processes, controls, reporting, and systems. Experience with enterprise financial systems, preferably Ellucian, and advanced proficiency with Excel and financial reporting/analytics tools required.

6. Strong leadership, communication, and management skills, including the ability to develop staff, establish accountability, manage competing priorities, and work effectively with diverse academic and administrative constituencies in a resource-constrained and changing environment.

7. Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply policies, procedures, laws, regulations, accounting standards, and institutional guidelines; ability to identify risk and exercise sound judgment in complex situations.

8. Ability to handle matters of a highly confidential and sensitive nature with discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment.

9. Valid driver’s license and accessibility to transportation for travel between campuses.

10. Employment is contingent upon a satisfactory background check. Candidates for hire will be required to sign a waiver authorizing the background check.

Status: Full-Time

Campus: Metropolitan Campus, Teaneck, NJ