CFO & VP Administration

Friends University; Wichita (KS); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Friends University seeks a Chief Financial Officer/VP of Administration to lead the university's financial operations and serve on the President’s Cabinet. The role provides executive direction for budgeting, forecasting, accounting, controls, and reporting, and guides long‑term campus planning and capital projects.

You will oversee investment management, endowment activities, debt management, and vendor contracts, while ensuring compliance with accounting standards and financial health.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 to 10 years of experience in finance and/or accounting management with supervision.
• Higher education and nonprofit experience is a plus.
• Bachelor's degree in accounting and/or finance, business, higher education administration or related area.
• Masters and/or CPA preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversees day-to-day operation of the finance department and the budgeting/forecasting systems.
• Oversees investment and endowment activities, debt management, and vendor contracts for university services.
• Provides tools for financial benchmarking and presents key data and trends to leadership and the Board.
• Ensures compliance with accounting standards and maintains the university's financial health.
• Supervises Finance, Student Account Services, Information Technology and Physical Plant; leads staff development.
• Acts as primary liaison for legal, accounting, audit, and tax services; reports to the Board of Trustees.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Financial analysis

Budgeting

ERP systems (higher ed)

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance/business/higher ed admin

Masters and/or CPA preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Ellucian Banner

ERP systems

Job description

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 will also guide long-term planning for 30 buildings on 54 acres, working with architects, engineers, and contractors to protect and improve the campus.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.Knowledge and Skills: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.