Chief Financial Officer

Central State; United States; On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Central State University seeks an accomplished Chief Financial Officer to direct the institution's fiscal strategy and fiduciary operations. The role reports to the COO and requires collaboration with the president and senior leaders to align financial planning with strategic goals.

The CFO will lead short- and long-term budgeting, revenue planning (tuition, state funds, grants), and financial reporting while ensuring compliance and robust financial controls across the division of finance.

Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal relationships with all stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills verbal and written.
• Ability to manage several priorities and departments.
• Knowledge of public finance policies for state universities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain yearly plans and forecasts; allocate fiscal resources.
• Lead development of annual operating budget with deans, chairs, units.
• Provide budget information to President and Board of Trustees.
• Represent the university to state education and budget offices on budget matters.
• Perform complex budgetary and financial analysis.
• Oversee audits for university and affiliated organizations.
• Manage cash flow, investments, and capital structure.
• Lead centralized financial functions including accounting, reporting and payroll.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Verbal & written communication

Multi-tasking

Collaboration

Problem solving

Public finance knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Banner ERP

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Work Authorization: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and throughout their employment. The University is not able to sponsor employment visas for this position now or in the future.
Background Check: All offers of employment at Central State University are contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background check. This may include, but is not limited to, verification of education and employment history, criminal history check, driving record (if applicable), drug screening, and tax compliance review.

Certain positions may require additional screenings based on job responsibilities, regulatory requirements, or funding sources.

Failure to successfully complete the required background check or provide accurate and complete information may result in withdrawal of an offer or termination of employment.

Posting Number 0801858

Department Administration & Finance

[e-mail]

Job Summary

The Chief Financial Officer provides strategic direction for the University and ensures the financial health of the institution as well as oversight of the fiscal planning and fiduciary operation of the University through proper management, direction, control and coordination for all financial activities of the Division of Finance. The position reports to the Chief Operating Officer, however it will require substantial collaboration with the president and other senior leaders of the organization.

The CFO will develop and execute short- and long-term strategic budgeting and financial planning efforts related to university revenue including tuition, fees, room and board, state appropriations, Land Grant funds and all other revenue for the University.

This is a full-time, exempt, senior leadership position.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain yearly plans and periodic forecasts; allocate fiscal resources and manage the elements of fiscal accountability.
• Lead development of the annual operating budget in collaboration with deans, department chairs, and administrative units.
• Provide annual budget and periodic information as necessary to the president and Board of Trustees regarding all financial matters.
• Represent the institution to the Ohio Department of Higher Education and Ohio Office of Budget and Management on budgetary matters and participates in statewide committees and initiatives.
• Assesses financial impact of policy, fiscal and operational issues; perform complex budgetary, management and financial analysis.
• Lead all financial audits for university and university affiliated organizations.
• Ensure timely preparation and accuracy of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Overall managerial oversight of all University financial operations, from daily payments and student account receipts, to working capital cash position, short-term and long-term investments, debt issuance and overall capital structure.
• Report on financial results and key metrics against appropriate base comparison (prior year budget forecast, in-depth analysis to prepare and present projection and deviations from plan).
• Provide administrative management to the following offices: Budget and Controller.
• Manage institutional cash flow, banking relationships, and short-term investments.
• Oversee endowment reporting in coordination with the investment committee and/or outside investment managers.
• Evaluate debt financing options, manage existing debt obligations, and maintain favorable credit ratings.
• Provide overall leadership and management responsibility for the centralized financial functions, including, but not limited to, monetary asset management (cash management), financial accounting, financial reporting, external audit, accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets accounting, capital budgets, and financial statements.
• Participate and collaborate in the negotiation of major contracts for services, lease of property or facilities, major construction and renovation projects with diverse vendors, sale or purchase of real estate, and other key transactions relevant to the fiscal status of the University.
• Lead the evaluation and enhancement of the University’s risk management framework, identify and mitigate financial risks.
• Oversee and evaluate current insurance programs, ensure adequate coverage and compliance.
• Perform other duties assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive responsibility within high-level public-sector finance and administration
• Experience in managing both financial and capital budgets and projects
• Extensive knowledge of public sector budget processes, accounting principles, and practices.
• Strong budgetary, financial, and statistical expertise

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE , SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Excellent interpersonal relationships with all internal and external stakeholders, staff, faculty, students, professional colleagues, and others within the community.
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written
• Ability to manage several priorities and departments
• Ability to maintain an atmosphere of cooperation, sharing, and tolerance
• Ability to define problems and recommend alternative solutions
• Extensive knowledge of public finance policies and procedures related to the fiscal activities of a state university or other public sector institution with complex financial responsibilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior CFO or VP of Finance experience in a higher education institution, preferably at a small or mid-size college or university.
• Extensive knowledge of state of Ohio budget processes and state of Ohio accounting principles and practices
• Familiarity with Title IV federal financial aid regulations and related compliance requirements
• Familiarity with Higher Education Enterprise Resource management system, specifically Banner

Posting Date 10/27/2026

Open Until Filled Yes

Position Category Staff - Monthly (Exempt)

Budgeted Annual Salary Commensurate with experience

Supplemental Questions

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