Core Values
As stewards of Thomas More University, it is expected that your work and contributions to our community will reflect the mission, values, and integrity of the University. We are committed to being a student-ready University and aspire to facilitate an interconnected community of excellence. In doing so, we will foster a sense of responsibility to others, act with respect, tolerance and compassion towards others, and care for God’s creation. Through this engagement, Thomas More University is a thriving and dynamic institution that espouses the values of a Catholic Liberal Arts education committed to the students that we serve today, those that we will serve tomorrow, and the communities our graduates will serve.
Basic Purpose
The Executive Vice President & CFO (EVP&CFO) directs all the financial affairs of the University to ensure that Thomas More University operates according to sound legal, financial, and business processes. The EVP&CFO provides financial oversight and the strategic positioning of the University assets, including the endowment and real estate. In addition, the EVP&CFO provides oversight of the University’s operating budget, financial statements, investment management, debt issuance and compliance, loan collateral positioning, and audit process. The EVP&CFO serves as the principal administrator for the University’s for-profit health and wellness center, Five Seasons. In addition, provides leadership to the Bursar Office, Controller, Financial Aid, and Five Seasons and serves as the Treasurer to the Board of Trustees.
Core Competencies
- Excellent management and strategic leadership skills
- Strong analytical analysis of financial trends and forecasts; budgets; and the strategic positioning of the University’s financial and real estate assets
- Outstanding oral and written communication skills
- Strong negotiation and team building skills
- Ability to multitask and attention to detail and accuracy
- Strong organizational and project management skills
Principal Duties & Responsibilities
- Be a key strategic partner with the President of the University to ensure that financial resources are appropriately aligned with mission, people, and purpose.
- Recommend all financial policies for the institution to the President of the University.
- Assume responsibility for the planning, organization, and ongoing evaluation of all administrative and financial programs with approval from the President and when necessary, the Board of Trustees.
- Convene quarterly and other meetings of the Finance, Business, and Capital Planning Committee of the Board of Trustees with outside investment advisors (Atlanta Consulting Group). Ensure that financial assets are invested to support the strategic direction of the University. This includes the strategic alignment of assets to maximize the University’s endowment and endowment draw to support the operational effectiveness of Thomas More.
- Oversee the preparation of the capital budget for the University. Coordinate with faculty, facilities, athletics and information technology to ensure strategic and equitable distribution of funds to meet the needs of the University.
- Ensure the completion of a timely and accurate annual audit. Ensure compliance with all accounting regulatory changes.
- Develop and present an annual capital budget to the Board of Trustees for approval upon consultation and recommendation of the Finance, Business, and Capital Planning Committee.
- The EVP&CFO is responsible for the management and recommendations of short- and long-term debt to maximize the strategic position of the University.
- The EVP&CFO will make financial and operational recommendations to ensure that the University is complaint with US Department of Education and SACSCOC financial standards, and at a minimum present an annual budget is balanced.
- Review financial performance with Cabinet on a monthly basis to identify short- and long-term financial strategies to minimize loss and maximize institutional revenue for current fiscal year performance and impact on the strategic financial position of the University.
- Work collaboratively with the President to identify and support new revenue initiatives for the University, Five Seasons and other enterprises.
- Work collaborative with University Legal Counsel to manage and assess institutional risk, insurance, and other means to mitigate internal and external factors that could challenge the institution’s ability to deliver its mission.
- The EVP&CFO will work strategically with the Director of Financial Aid to leverage the financial aid expenditure to maximize enrollment and net tuition revenue. This will require the EVP&CFO to work in collaboration with the Vice President & Director of Athletics and the Dean of Enrollment to maximize net tuition revenue.
- In collaboration with the Director of Human Resources, has oversight of insurance, insurance claims, and has fiduciary responsibility for the employee 403(b) retirement plan.
- Supervises the Bursar, Controller, Director of Financial Aid, and Five Seasons.
- The EVP& CFO will provide executive leadership in the University’s strategic planning process and will be responsible for all financial performance outcomes of the plan.
- At the request of the President, the EVP&CFO will represent the University in external organizations, such as but not limited to SACSCOC.
- Perform tasks as assigned by the President of the University.
Education, Specialized and/or Technical Knowledge Requirements
MBA/MS in Finance preferred, terminal degree recommended. An active CPA license is recommended.
Minimum five years’ experience in financial administration. Experience in higher education preferred.