CFO & VP Administration

FRIENDS UNIVERSITY; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Friends University in Wichita, KS seeks a CFO/VP of Administration to lead the university’s financial operations and serve on the President’s Cabinet. Responsibilities include planning, budgeting, accounting, audits, and oversight of campus facilities and endowment assets.

The role requires 8–10 years in finance/accounting management, with preference for higher education/nonprofit experience, and a CPA or advanced degree is preferred.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 8 to 10 years of experience in finance and/or accounting management with supervision.
• Higher education and nonprofit experience, a plus.
• Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.
• Working knowledge of property and liability insurance, broker management, and claims.

Responsibilities

• Oversees the day-to-day operation of the finance department and budgeting processes.
• Oversees accounting functions, compliance, and financial reporting.
• Provides executive oversight of facilities, grounds, and property functions.
• Presents financial results to Board committees and senior administration.
• Hires, trains, and evaluates staff across departments.
• Assists in formulation and execution of university policies and budgets.

Skills

Executive leadership

Financial forecasting

Strategic planning

Budgeting & analysis

Staff supervision

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance

Masters and/or CPA preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Ellucian Banner

ERP systems

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: WICHITA, KS 67213 Position Type: Full Time Education Level: 4 Year Degree Job Category: Executive Role

Responsible for the leadership and management of the university's financial operations, is a member of the President’s Cabinet. The CFO/VP of Administration provides executive-level direction for financial planning, budgeting/budget analysis, accounting operations, finance controls and reporting, oversight of investment and endowment assets, and management of university audits. The CFO/VP of Administration assumes an active and collaborative role in strategic planning, policy development, forecasting, and resource analysis for the university. Provides oversight to the areas of Finance, Student Account Services, IT, and Physical Plant, including campus grounds, construction, residence halls, and university owned property. Persons serving in executive leadership are active in the Christian faith, support the university's mission, vision, and values, and are good stewards of resources.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• 30% Oversees the day-to-day operation of the finance department. Ensure the development, maintenance and dissemination of forecasting, budgeting, and reporting systems that support the strategic objectives. Facilitate the budget development process, work collaboratively to develop annual budget recommendations. Oversees and advises on investment activities. Supervises endowment and restricted fund activities, including appropriate use and monitoring. Oversees University debt and makes recommendations. Manage vendor contracts for the institution's global services, such as property and risk policy, utilities, housekeeping services, campus construction, food services, etc.
• 25% Maintains the integrity of University accounting functions through policy, procedure, and a relevant audit function. Provide tools for financial benchmarking; interpret, convey, and present key financial data and trends. Formulate, construct, and distribute comprehensive profit/cost models for purposes of analysis and evaluation. Primary liaison for legal and accounting/audit/tax services. Ensures compliance with all recognized accounting and financial standards. Ensures the short and long-term financial health of the university.
• 20% Provides executive oversight of the university's facilities, grounds, and property functions. Sets standards, priorities, and budget. Develop direct reports and builds their capacity to manage resources, plan work, and lead their teams. Owns the deferred maintenance plan, including the building condition assessment, the funding schedule, and the annual project list. Serves as the university's principal contact with architects, engineers, and contractors on capital projects from scope through closeout. Reviews bids, negotiates contracts, and monitors budget, schedule, and quality of work. Manages property and liability insurance in partnership with the broker, including annual renewal, property valuations, and claims.
• 10% Accountable to the Board of Trustees for financial reporting. Presents financial results to the Audit & Finance Committee, the Investment Committee, and the full Board. Oversees investment and endowment assets, including policy, manager selection, and due diligence. Provides analysis to support Board and university decisions.
• 10% Supervises Finance, Student Account Services, Information Technology and Physical Plant. Hires, trains, directs, and evaluates employee performance within each department.
• 5% Assists in the formulation and execution of the university policies, objectives, and programs. Meet and consult regularly with University department heads, administrators, and faculty members regarding matters of finance and budget administration.

Experience

A minimum of 8 to 10 years of experience in finance and/or accounting management with supervision. Higher education and nonprofit experience, a plus.

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting and/or finance, business, higher education administration or related area. Masters and/or CPA preferred.

Interpersonal Skills

Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with college faculty, staff, administrators, governing boards and students.

Other Skills

Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills. Effectively communicate complex information to all audiences. Working knowledge of property and liability insurance, broker management, and claims. Able to read construction documents, evaluate bids, and hold contractors accountable to contract terms. Strong computer acumen with experience using Microsoft Office applications, Ellucian Banner, and/or other ERP systems that support higher education.

Physical Requirements

Regular walking across campus and through buildings under construction or repair, including stairs, basements, roofs, and mechanical rooms with periods of prolonged desk work. Occasional lifting, up to 20 pounds.

Work Environment

People who thrive in this environment uphold the mission through the active demonstration of their Christian faith. Highly ethical. Cultivate trust-based relationships, empower staff, and maintain effective administrative support systems. Works cross-functionally and supports campus activities that can fall outside normal business hours. Flexible remote work opportunities.