Chief Financial and Operations Officer

Bethany Seminary; Richmond, Northern (IN, KY); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Bethany Theological Seminary seeks a Chief Financial and Operations Officer to lead financial strategy, investment stewardship, and administrative operations. As Treasurer to the Board, you will sign legal documents and shape the Seminary’s governance and long-term sustainability.

The CFOO will manage accounting, payroll, HR, facilities, and student financial services, collaborating closely with the President and leadership team to advance the mission and financial health of the institution.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressively senior financial leadership experience, including CFOO/Controller or Treasurer roles.
• Demonstrated accounting, investment management and institutional financial strategy experience.
• Proven ability to supervise a multi-function team (3-4 staff) across payroll, accounts payable, student accounts, financial aid, and HR.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic financial leadership and partner with President and Board on financial sustainability.
• Lead budgeting, reporting, annual audit support, and tax/compliance.
• Oversee investment portfolio and risk management; ensure internal controls and financial technology adoption.
• Direct Human Resources, facilities, and student financial services within the Business Services Office.

Skills

Financial leadership

Accounting

Investment management

Institutional financial strategy

People management

Education

Bachelor in Business or Accounting

MBA

CPA

Job description

Bethany Theological Seminary's Chief Financial and Operations Officer (CFOO) serves as a hands-on, strategic, and trusted member of the President's Leadership Team and Treasurer to the Board of Trustees. This senior executive role oversees all financial strategy, investment stewardship, risk management, and administrative operations for the Seminary, with a seat at the table on institutional strategy and long-term sustainability. The CFOO partners directly with the President and Board to guide the Seminary through the financial realities facing theological education today, while overseeing a team responsible for accounting, payroll, human resources, facilities, and student financial services.

Title

Chief Financial and Operations Officer

Function

The Chief Financial and Operations Officer provides executive-level financial leadership for the Seminary, oversee all business services functions, and serves as Treasurer to the Board of Trustees, signing legal documents and acting in legal and fiduciary capacities on behalf of the institution. The CFOO is both a strategic advisor to institutional leadership and the operational leader of the Business Services Office.

Reportability and Accountability

Reports directly to the President of Bethany Theological Seminary, as a member of the senior leadership team. As Treasurer to the Board, reports to the Bethany Board of Trustees, signing legal documents and acting in legal and fiduciary capacities on behalf of the Seminary. Business Services staff report to the CFOO and participate in Board reporting when requested. The office functions collegially and meets regularly to coordinate priorities.

Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Serve as principal financial advisor to the President and Leadership Team on financial analysis-forecasting, planning, budgeting, cost management, cash flow, investment priorities, and policy matters; maintain continuous communication on critical issues.
• Lead short- and long-term financial planning for the institution, aligning financial strategy with enrollment trends, capital needs, and long-term institutional sustainability.
• Manage the Seminary's investment portfolio according to Board and Investment Committee guidelines, in consultation with the investment consultant (currently Concord Advisory Group).
• Identify financial risks and opportunities and develop well-considered, agreed-upon risk management strategies.
• Evaluate and adopt financial technologies, including accounting software, ERP systems, and cloud-based financial management tools, to strengthen institutional financial operations.
• Foster a culture of financial accountability and responsibility across the institution.

Financial Operations, Budgeting & Reporting

• Plan, coordinate, and execute institution-wide annual budget process.
• Prepare monthly financial and budget statements with commentary; prepare and present financial reports and annual budgets to the Board of Trustees.
• Support the annual audit by providing financial information and audit schedules for all funds, including investments, depreciation, and restricted and endowment accounts; prepare tax forms and other auditor-required reports.
• Oversee bank and cash reserve accounts, initiating fund transfers and maintaining inter-fund balances.
• Supervise the Accounting Assistant and Accounts Payable Clerk; sign all accounts payable checks.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director of Student Services in overseeing student financial services.

Institutional & Operational Leadership

• Direct the Seminary's human resources function, including insurance and risk management, employee and faculty handbooks, and benefits programs. Organize, implement and evaluate institution-wide HR strategy.
• Supervise housekeeping and maintenance staff, and non-work-study students, overseeing routine and emergency maintenance for Bethany Center and the Bethany Neighborhood.
• Manage long-term maintenance and capital needs for the Bethany Center building, including furniture and equipment purchasing for the Center and the six houses comprising the Bethany Neighborhood.
• Lead vendor engagement through a competitive bid process balancing cost, quality, and timeliness.
• Oversee lease agreements for Seminary housing and act as landlord on housing matters and program changes.
• Serves as an Officer of the Seminary

Committee Involvement

The CFOO currently serves on, or attends meetings of:

• Leadership Team/Administrative Team
• Bethany Board of Trustees (including the Investment Committee, Business Affairs Committee, and Audit Committee)
• Financial Aid Committee

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressively senior financial leadership experience, including at least 3-5 years in a CFOO, Controller, or Treasurer capacity.
• Business or Accounting degree required; MBA and/or CPA strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in accounting, investment management, and institutional financial strategy.
• Proven ability to supervise a multi-function team (3-4 staff) spanning payroll, accounts payable, student accounts, financial aid, and human resources.
• Track record as a strategic partner to executive leadership and governing boards, ideally within nonprofit, higher education, or religious institutions.
• Commitment to furthering the mission of the Seminary by removing every financial barrier that stands between a student feeling called to Seminary and enrolling, while ensuring the long-term sustainability of Bethany.

Abilities and Experience

The CFOO should have the abilities and experience needed to carry out the above responsibilities, including:

• Excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills, with the ability to operate at both strategic and tactical levels.
• Strong administrative, leadership, and interpersonal communication skills, including comfort presenting to governing boards.
• Willingness to continue growing professionally in areas relevant to nonprofit higher education finance.
• An entrepreneurial, collaborative approach that drives positive outcomes across finance and administration.
• Ability to supervise a staff of 3-4 and oversee an office handling payroll, accounts payable, student accounts, financial aid, student services, and human resources.

Other Details

Start Date - On or before January 1, 2027

Bethany Theological Seminary's policy prohibits discrimination in employment opportunities or practices regarding race, gender, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, or religion.