Chief Financial Officer

University of Louisville; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a Chief Financial Officer to lead financial operations and strategy. This pivotal role requires a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in finance, accounting, and compliance. The CFO will ensure financial integrity, oversee budgeting processes, and engage with the Board and stakeholders to drive financial planning and reporting. This role offers the opportunity to work in a collaborative environment, supporting a mission-driven organization dedicated to higher education. If you are a strategic leader with a passion for finance and a commitment to excellence, this is the role for you.

Benefits

Heavily subsidized medical plan

Employer-paid life and disability insurance

Generous employer 403(b) contributions

Dependent tuition reimbursement

Voluntary dental and vision coverage

Generous time off (sick, vacation, holidays, winter break)

Qualifications

• 15+ years of finance experience with a strong background in accounting and compliance.
• Experience managing complex financial organizations and advising senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial operations, including reporting, budgeting, and compliance.
• Engage with stakeholders to develop financial plans and present metrics.

Skills

Financial Leadership

Accounting

Compliance

Investment Management

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Risk Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration

Master’s degree (preferred)

CPA designation

Job description

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Company Description
The University of Louisville Foundation (ULF) is an independent 501(c)(3) organization with its own board of directors that receives, invests, and stewards donor gifts for the benefit of the University of Louisville and UofL Health.

Our team of employees and Board members have a passion for UofL. We work to faithfully administer donors’ gifts in accordance with their philanthropic intent and partner with the University, donors, alumni, and friends to provide perpetual support to the University.

Our employees enjoy being part of a campus community while working in a caring and flexible team environment with the opportunity for continuous learning. We encourage an atmosphere of integrity, collaboration, teamwork, and professionalism where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

ULF offers a comprehensive benefits package including heavily subsidized medical plan, employer-paid life and disability insurance, generous employer 403(b) contributions, dependent tuition reimbursement, voluntary dental and vision coverage as well as generous time off (sick, vacation, paid holidays, paid winter break).

Job Description

The Chief Financial Officer reports to, partners with, and operates under the general direction of the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer (“ED/COO”). The CFO is responsible for the financial operations of the Foundation, including accounting, financial reporting, endowment accounting, bond financing, accounts payable, internal controls, annual audit, and tax compliance. The CFO provides strategic advice and assists the Executive Director and Board of Directors in establishing financial policies. They serve as the key liaison with the University of Louisville’s business office, external auditors, bankers, and the Finance and Audit Committees. They also provide financial services to the University of Louisville Real Estate Foundation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assess organizational performance against both the annual budget and long-term strategy; develop tools and systems to provide critical financial and operational information, and make actionable recommendations.
• Ensure the integrity of financial transactions and reporting for the Foundation and Real Estate Foundation. Prepare financial statements and analysis for the Board, ED/COO, and Finance Committee.
• Engage with the ED/COO and finance committee to develop financial plans and projections; deliver financial presentations to the Board and campus stakeholders.
• Serve as staff liaison to the Audit Committee, coordinate and prepare for annual audits.
• Oversee budgeting processes, monitor progress, and present financial metrics internally and externally.
• Manage tax compliance, including filing of tax returns for all entities, retirement plans, and payroll.
• Maintain banking relationships, cash management, and loan negotiations.
• Keep accurate financial records, including donor restrictions for endowments and restricted funds.
• Coordinate with real estate consultants on property management, taxes, insurance, and maintenance.
• Manage records related to tax-increment financing districts.
• Serve as legal liaison on bond issuance, debt financing, property transactions, gift acceptance, and planned giving.
• Ensure proper insurance coverage for the Foundation and its entities, working with insurance providers.
• Provide leadership, supervision, and development to staff, promoting a shared vision and organizational values.

Qualifications

Seeking an individual with broad financial leadership experience in accounting, compliance, investment, and management. The ideal candidate will have at least 15+ years of finance experience, including evaluating financial information and advising senior leadership.

The candidate should possess:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or equivalent; Master’s preferred.
• CPA designation with experience managing complex financial organizations.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Experience overseeing audits, reporting, budgeting, investments, and general ledger management.
• Proven leadership in developing financial strategies and managing risks.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interface with senior management, staff, board, and external partners.
• Experience in non-profit or higher education sectors is a plus; endowment experience is highly preferred.

Additional Information

Employment is contingent upon background checks, including criminal, reference, credit, and verification of credentials. No relocation assistance is provided; local applicants preferred. All information will be kept confidential per EEO guidelines.

Seniority level

• Executive

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Finance and Sales

Industries

• Higher Education