Chief Financial & Administration Officer, Higher Education

Gardner-Webb University; Shelby (NC); On-site; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement matching

Tuition remission

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Short term/long term disability

Life insurance

Paid time off

Paid sick leave

17 paid holidays

Wellness opportunities

On-campus health center

Job summary

Gardner-Webb University in North Carolina invites applications for the Vice President for Finance and Administration (VPFA), the chief financial officer reporting to the President. The VPFA leads financial planning, budgeting, accounting, reporting, compliance, and long-range forecasting, and oversees HR, Technology Services, and other administrative operations.

The role requires strategic leadership, sound judgment, and collaboration with senior leaders to sustain private higher education,

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, higher education administration, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible professional experience in financial management with leadership responsibility for budgeting, accounting, reporting, and planning.
• Knowledge of higher education finance, enrollment revenue dynamics, financial aid, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience with federal grant financial management, compliance, and reporting.
• Ability to develop multiyear financial projections and long-range strategies.
• Strong understanding of internal controls, audits, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience providing executive leadership of administrative functions including HR and technology services.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to ethical leadership and the Christian mission of Gardner-Webb University.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership and oversight of the University’s financial operations and related administrative functions.
• Lead development and monitoring of annual operating budget in collaboration with President and Cabinet.
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of financial records, policies, compliance, and stewardship of resources.
• Oversee cash flow, debt, liquidity, and endowment accounting and reporting.
• Coordinate annual financial audit and other required examinations.
• Provide leadership for HR and Technology Services and contractual partnerships.
• Report financial forecasts and scenarios to inform presidential and institutional decisions.
• Collaborate with leadership to align finances with academic and strategic priorities.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Financial acumen

Executive collaboration

Budgeting and forecasting

Regulatory compliance

Organizational governance

Communication skills

Change management

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Master's degree in accounting/finance/Business administration or higher education administration

Job description

Gardner-Webb University in North Carolina invites applications for the Vice President for Finance and Administration (VPFA), the chief financial officer reporting to the President. The VPFA leads financial planning, budgeting, accounting, reporting, compliance, and long-range forecasting, and oversees HR, Technology Services, and other administrative operations.

The role requires strategic leadership, sound judgment, and collaboration with senior leaders to sustain private higher education,