Chief Financial Officer

Spalding; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Spalding University seeks a Chief Financial Officer to lead financial strategy and oversee critical administrative functions. The CFO will be pivotal in advancing the university’s financial health and strategic direction, aligning with institutional values of service and transformational education. Candidates should have a strong background in finance and leadership within educational settings.

Benefits

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plan with employer match

Generous vacation and holiday schedule

Tuition remission for employees and dependents

Work-life balance and professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in finance leadership.
• Proven experience managing complex financial systems.
• Direct experience in higher education preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead all financial operations including budgeting and financial reporting.
• Drive long-term financial planning aligned with strategic priorities.
• Supervise Finance, IT, Dining Services, Facilities, and Purchasing.

Skills

Financial Acumen

Strategic Thinking

Analytical Insight

Problem Solving

Leadership

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Master’s degree in finance or business administration

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Spalding-McClure Academic Center (MAC) - Louisville, KY

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: Master's

Salary Range: Undisclosed

Job Category: Finance

Description

Chief Financial Officer

ABOUT SPALDING UNIVERSITY

Spalding University, located in the heart of downtown Louisville, Kentucky, is a diverse community of education, compassion, and innovation. As a private, Catholic institution with a rich 100+ year history, Spalding is committed to holistic education and career preparation that emphasizes leadership, service, and the arts & sciences. Our vibrant urban campus creates an energetic environment where students thrive, and our commitment to community engagement enriches both our educational experience and our city.

Faculty, staff and students are united by the institutional mission: Spalding University is a diverse community of learners dedicated to meeting the needs of the times in the tradition of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth through quality undergraduate and graduate liberal and professional studies, grounded in spiritual values, with an emphasis on service and the promotion of peace and justice.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Spalding University seeks an experienced and forward-thinking Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead the university’s financial strategy and oversee several critical administrative functions. Reporting directly to the President and serving as a key member of the President’s leadership team, the CFO plays a pivotal role in advancing Spalding’s financial health, strategic direction, and operational excellence.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a mission-driven institution by aligning financial stewardship with institutional values of service, equity, and transformational education.

POSITION IMPACT

The CFO provides strategic leadership across multiple operational areas, including:

• Finance and Accounting
• Purchasing
• Information Technology
• Dining Services
• Facilities Management

As a member of the senior leadership team, the CFO serves as a strategic advisor to the President and Board, supports the academic mission of the university, and works collaboratively across departments to foster innovation, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial & Strategic Leadership

• Lead all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting
• Drive long-term financial planning and scenario modeling aligned with strategic priorities
• Serve as a thought partner to the President and Board on financial matters and risk assessment
• Oversee capital planning and infrastructure investment
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and accounting standards

Operational Oversight

• Supervise Finance, IT, Dining Services, Facilities, and Purchasing
• Promote efficiency, innovation, and cost-effective management across departments
• Implement and monitor annual budgeting processes, reporting, and analysis

Leadership & Engagement

• Build strong relationships across the university to foster cross-functional collaboration
• Mentor and develop staff across financial and administrative units
• Serve as the primary contact for external auditors and financial partners
• Provide transparent, timely reports to the President, Board, and university stakeholders

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in finance, business administration, or a related field (MBA/CPA preferred)
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in finance and administration leadership
• Proven experience managing complex financial and operational systems
• Direct experience in higher education preferred, with knowledge of tuition-driven models
• Strong communication and collaboration skills

Demonstrated success in strategic planning, team leadership, and systems implementation

CORE COMPENTENCIES

• Financial Acumen: Deep expertise in financial operations, accounting, and reporting
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align financial strategy with institutional priorities
• Analytical Insight: Skilled in interpreting complex data to drive informed decisions
• Problem Solving: Forward-looking with the ability to anticipate challenges and implement solutions
• Leadership: Empowers teams and cultivates a culture of innovation and integrity
• Communication: Translates financial data for diverse audiences, including non-experts
• Collaboration: Values inclusive leadership and cross-campus partnership

WHY SPALDING UNIVERISTY?

• Join a mission-driven leadership team committed to student success and institutional growth
• Play a critical role in shaping the university’s future during a period of transformation
• Work in a collaborative, urban environment that values innovation and service
• Enjoy strong benefits including:
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Retirement plan with employer match
  • Generous vacation and holiday schedule
  • Tuition remission for employees and dependents
  • Work-life balance and professional development opportunities

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit the following in PDF or Word format:

• Letter of interest addressing your alignment with Spalding’s mission and the CFO role
• Resume
• Names and contact information of three professional references (to be contacted later with your approval)

Spalding University is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. The University complies with all federal, state and local equal employment opportunity laws. It is the University’s policy not to discriminate against any individual or group of individuals and to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, veteran status or other protected status. All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.