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Eureka College invites applications for the Vice President for Finance and Facilities/Chief Financial Officer (VPFF/CFO). Reporting to the President of the College the VPFF/CFO serves as Chief Financial Officer, will be a member of the President’s Council, and provide strong, visionary leadership to the College in areas strategically aligned with the overall Mission and Vision. The candidate will drive organizational change, growth, and effectiveness and ensure the institution’s current and future financial strength and sustainability through innovative business, technology and revenue enhancing solutions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Oversight of the following functional areas within the College:
  • Business Office; student accounts, compliance, budgeting, financial aid, accounting and reporting
  • Physical Plant; planning, design, construction, maintenance/custodial
  • Human Resources
  • Procurement
  • Auxiliary Services; Depot/bookstore and mailroom
  • Risk Management
• Develop a financial planning model consistent with strategic initiatives.
• Administer the College’s investments, endowment spending, and other financial policies with emphasis on a strong stewardship of funds.
• Oversee all accounting, finance, budgeting, forecasting, cost benefit analysis, audit activities, property management, capital projects, contract and procurement analysis and negotiations, property acquisition and debt financing and management.
• Partner with relevant stakeholders in short- and long-term strategic financial management planning, practices, and modeling.
• Financial reporting to the President’s Council, Board of Trustees, Faculty and Staff as appropriate.
• Work closely with the Board of Trustees and its Finance Committee, Investment Sub-committee, Audit Committee, Facilities Committee and Real Estate Task Force.
• Serve as the College’s central repository for all historic, current, and proposed financial information to support effective financial communications for internal, regulatory, or other external purposes.
• Oversee and negotiate contracts for auxiliary services, financial services, and plant operations including construction and renovation projects.
• Exemplify the College’s core values through personal leadership, learning and service.
• Cultivate new and innovative campus technologies that attract and retain students.
• Development of facilities and spaces that drive student, faculty and staff collaboration.
• Provide operational excellence through change management and growth strategies.
• Promote a continuous improvement and customer service culture.

• Provide ongoing training, management, and professional development opportunities to areas of responsibility.
• Develop a strong Business Office staff capable of, and accountable for, delivering quality customer and financial services to the student body, budget managers and other constituencies.
• Interviewing, hiring, and training employees;
• Planning, assigning, and directing work;
• Appraising performance: rewarding and disciplining employees;
• Addressing complaints, resolving problems, and managing risks.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Essential: Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance from an accredited four-year college or university; Desirable: Master’s degree in Business Administration or related field
• Essential: Five to seven years of experience in senior level finance and administrative management positions in higher education and/or business; Desirable: Higher education and non-profit industry experience.
• Desirable: Certified Public Accountant “CPA” or Certified Management Accountant “CMA”
• Thorough knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles “GAAP”, Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) rules, the United States Department of Education “The Blue Book” “Accounting, recordkeeping and reporting by postsecondary educational institutions for federally funded student financial aid programs”.
• Exemplary supervisory and leadership skills, team building, analytical and problem-solving skills, and critical thinking and decision-making skills.
• Keen sense of excellence and execution with a commitment to best practices in developing administrative operating procedures and policies in areas of responsibility.
• Advanced level of emotional intelligence.
• High integrity and commitment to upholding high ethical and confidentiality standards.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Eureka College, located in Eureka, Illinois, and chartered in 1855, cultivates excellence in learning, service and leadership while providing students uniquely personalized and custom educational opportunities. Originally founded by abolitionist members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Eureka College holds the unique distinction of being the first college in Illinois to admit men and women on an equal basis. The college, which is located on nearly 70 wooded acres in central Illinois, is the smallest of only 23 colleges and universities to ever award a bachelor’s degree to a future President of the United States.

Eureka College is being assisted by the partners of Hyatt-Fennell. Submit nominations and applications to eureka@hyatt-fennell.com. Applications include a focused cover letter, a resume/CV, and contact information for 3 professional references. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and will be accepted until the position is filled.  Applications and nominations will be considered highly confidential.

Eureka College is an equal opportunity employer committed to achieving diversity within its administration, faculty, staff, and students.