Chief Financial Officer (ACPE) (PCN 05-0209)

State of Alaska

Juneau (AK)

Hybrid

USD 120,000 - 180,000

Full time

25 hours ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Paid leave and holidays

Job summary

State of Alaska is seeking a strategic Chief Finance Officer to lead the Finance Division for ACPE and ASLC. The role reports to the Executive Director and oversees accounting, budgeting, reporting, contracting, and investment performance evaluation.

The CFO will guide long‑term financial stability, coordinate financing activities, and provide expert financial input to the Commission and ASLC Board. The position offers a flexible/hybrid schedule with in‑person requirements during probation and

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Banking, Economics, or closely related field; must include intermediate accounting courses.
At least seven years of professional experience in financial management or accounting, including three years in supervisory roles.
Preference for CPA designation or Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics or closely related field.

Responsibilities

Lead the Finance Division, supervising staff and setting priorities.
Provide strategic financial leadership to ACPE and ASLC, identifying revenue growth and cost sustainability.
Coordinate ASLC financial statements, audits, and financial reporting.
Manage cashflow and liquidity; develop accounting policies, procedures and controls.
Oversee budgeting for ACPE and ASLC and coordinate with other state departments.
Coordinate financing activities, including advising on debt issuance and investment outcomes.

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Banking, Economics, or closely related field

Job description

Job Description

Do you thrive on analyzing complex financial data, leading teams, and guiding key decisions that positively impact higher education in Alaska? Do you enjoy turning challenges into actionable solutions, collaborating with boards and executives, and have a desire to make a real difference in the financial future of ACPE and ASLC?

Position Summary

The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) is seeking a strategic and experienced financial leader to serve as Chief Finance Officer for both ACPE and the Alaska Student Loan Corporation (ASLC). Reporting to the Executive Director, this position leads the Finance Division and oversees critical financial functions including accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, contracting, and investment performance evaluation. The Chief Finance Officer plays a key leadership role in managing the Corporation’s banking and financing activities, coordinating complex financing initiatives, and providing financial expertise to the Commission and ASLC Board in support of the organizations’ missions and long‑term financial stability.

Why Join Our Team

Mission: ACPE provides sustainable solutions for college, career and technical training. We are a collaborative team that supports one another. We actively support and model ACPE’s values: Service, Innovation, Empowerment, Quality, and Accountability.

For more information about ACPE, our mission and our services, visit our website at: http://acpe.alaska.gov

Culture: We value continuous learning and growth. ACPE is the State’s postsecondary education agency, promoting access to, and success in, education and career training after high school. We are Alaska’s trusted higher education agency; our purpose is to serve Alaskans. We operate with integrity in everything we do.

Professional Growth: We support training for employees and have opportunities for upward mobility. ACPE seeks engaged candidates who are eager to expand their knowledge and skills. We are committed to providing the training and support needed for the right candidate to succeed.

Office Location: This position is located in either Anchorage or Juneau. ACPE’s Juneau office is located in the Vintage Business Park area of Mendenhall Valley, and our Anchorage office located on Bragaw Street near Northern Lights. Both locations are conveniently close to public transportation and have ample parking available.

Flexible/Hybrid Work Schedule: This position offers a flexible/hybrid work schedule. However, during the probationary period, employees are required to work full‑time, in person, at the Anchorage or Juneau office, Monday through Friday. For more information, please review the State of Alaska Telework Policy.

Upon successfully completing the probationary period, employees become eligible to telework from the Greater Anchorage area or Juneau, AK. Employees may telework up to four days per week and work in‑person at the Anchorage or Juneau office one day per week. Currently, all staff work in‑office on Wednesday; this schedule may change based on agency needs, operational needs, special projects, meetings, or other job responsibilities that may require employees to work in the office more frequently. Employees should be prepared to report to the office as needed.

Benefits

As a State of Alaska employee, you may be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package. Actual benefits vary based on bargaining unit, position type, and full – or part‑time status.

For complete information about insurance, retirement, and leave benefits, visit the State of Alaska Division of Retirement and Benefits website.

Insurance Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employer contributions
Employer‑paid Basic Life Insurance (additional optional coverage may be available)
Optional insurance plans, including long‑ and short‑term disability, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), long‑term care, and supplemental survivor benefits
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for eligible health care or dependent care expenses

Retirement Benefits

Membership in the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) or Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS), as applicable
Employer contributions to defined benefit or defined contribution retirement plans, depending on date of hire
Contributions to the Alaska Supplemental Annuity in lieu of Social Security
Optional participation in the Alaska Deferred Compensation Program

Paid Leave And Other Benefits

Personal leave that increases with years of service
Twelve paid State holidays each year

What You’ll Do

Lead the Finance Division, including supervising professional, technical, and support staff; establishing priorities; evaluating performance, and supporting staff development.
Provide strategic financial leadership to the Corporation; including identifying opportunities for revenue growth, cost minimalization, and long‑term financial sustainability.
Lead the preparation of ASLC Financial Statement reports and annual audit
Manage cashflow and liquidity
Develop, implement, and direct accounting policies, procedures, and financial controls to ensure compliance with GASB, GAAP, bond documents, and other legal or regulatory requirements.
Propose annual interest rates for ASLC loan products based on analysis of internal finances, economic and market conditions, management goals, and mitigation of financial and operational risks.
Develop and maintain financial forecasts, models, and projections to support management objectives, in consideration of legislative, regulatory, or policy changes.
Assess and recommend strategic opportunities for increased revenue, investment policy amendments, monitoring national models of non‑profit state education lenders.
Plan, develop, and oversee operating and capital budgets for ACPE and ASLC, coordinating with other state departments as needed.
Assist in the development and implementation of new or amended education loan programs.
Coordinate Corporation financing activities, which include, but are not limited to: collaboration with financial advisors and legal counsel, investment proceeds outcomes, and debt issuance.
Serve as the primary financial liaison with state agencies, financial institutions, and other external financial stakeholders.
Testify before legislative committees on financial and budget matters as requested or in the absence of the Executive Director.
Serve on agency senior management teams and
Participate in agency‑wide strategic planning initiatives in coordination with senior management to support continued advancement and evolution of ACPE and ASLC.
Serve in acting status in the absence of Executive Director when needed.

What We’re Looking For – Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

Financial Statement preparation including Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Statement of Cashflows, footnotes and Management Discussion and Analysis.
Financial analysis techniques and applications
Accounting & Budgeting theories and practice
Finance and investment concepts
Investment management
Procurement management
Cashflow and liquidity management
Personnel management/Management theories, principles, and techniques
Board (FASB) rulings and pronouncements
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and Financial Accounting Standards

Skills

Interpret and comply with state statutes, regulations, rules, procedures and practices,
Interpret and comply with federal Internal Revenue Service regulations,
Applying accounting and management theories, practices and techniques
Gathering facts and information; conducting research and analysis; developing recommendations
Writing business correspondence, testimony, executive summaries, reports, requests for proposals and contracts
Negotiating and administering contracts
Strategic planning and goal setting
Evaluating program effectiveness
Strong interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with co‑workers, supervisors, the general public, etc.
Strong ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, including the ability to articulate complex financial information to the Corporation Board of Directors, the Commission, the Legislature, and with the Governor’s Office in a manner that is clear, concise, informative and professional.
Basic office equipment, computers, word processing, and spreadsheet software.

Abilities

Manage and array of different technologies used by ACPE and its staff
Multi‑task and successfully meet strategic priorities and deadlines.
Clearly and effectively communicate with managers and staff regarding project status and initiatives, as well as, security restrictions and reasoning
Anticipate, monitor and meet the needs of customers responding in an effective, appropriate manner.

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited college with major course emphasis in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Banking, Economics, or closely related field, which must include the completion of the intermediate accounting series and at least one theory related course;

AND at least seven years of professional experience in financial management or accounting, including three years of supervisory experience.

Substitutions: Graduate study in an appropriate field may be substituted for two years of the required professional work experience.

Preference: Preference given to applicants who hold a CPA designation or Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics or closely related field

Additional Required Information

Other Information

This is a fully exempt job class under AS 39.25.110(11).

Cover Letter Required

In accordance with the State of Alaska Cover Letter Policy, this position is a Range 17 or higher. The duties of this position require the evaluation of competencies that cannot be fully assessed through the application alone; therefore, a cover letter is required and must be submitted with your online application. You cover letter should be no more than one page (2‑3 paragraphs).

In your cover letter, describe how your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience align with the key responsibilities and desired qualifications outlined in this job bulletin. If you reference work experience that is not already documented in your application, include the employer’s name, job title, dates of employment, whether the position was full‑time or part‑time, and a brief description of your responsibilities.

Applicants who do not submit a cover letter or who fail to adequately address the requested information may not advance to the next stage of the recruitment and selection process.

Education

If postsecondary education is being used to meet minimum qualifications, you must complete the Education and Training section of the application and attach your transcripts to your application. If you have not obtained a degree, please indicate the number of credit hours earned in the “Degrees Obtained” field.

Special Instructions for Foreign Education

Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements, if applicable. If utilizing this education you must show that the education credentials have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and that such education has been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs; or an accredited U.S. state university reports the other institution as one whose transcript is given full value, or full value is given in subject areas applicable to the curricula at the state university.

It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

Interview

List of three (3) professional references including current daytime phone numbers.
Copies of your two (2) most recent performance evaluations. Letters of reference may be substituted for evaluations.

THIS RECRUITMENT IS FOR ALASKA RESIDENTS ONLY

This recruitment is open to Alaska Residents only. Applicants must meet Alaska Residency Requirements to be considered for employment at this time.

Special Notice: Please Read Carefully.

An applicant’s response to the minimum qualification question must be supported by the job application.

This position is established as an exempt position Range 25.

This position is in the exempt service; therefore, it is not covered by the terms of a collective bargaining agreement. As a result, ACPE may choose to fill this position as soon as a qualified applicant is identified. While ACPE is in the Department of Education and Early Development for administrative support services only, the Commission and its staff are not subject to the direction of the Commissioner of Education and Early Development nor the State Board of Education.

Applicants with an educational loan through the Commission must be current in payments to be considered for employment. A routine background check will be conducted on those applicants interviewed and under serious consideration for the position.

Contact Information

EEO Statement

The State of Alaska complies with Title 1 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1-800-587-0430 or 465-4095 in Juneau or 907-465-3412(TTY) or correspond with the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations at P.O. Box 110201, Juneau, AK 99811‑0201. The State of Alaska is an equal‑opportunity employer.

WORKPLACE ALASKA APPLICATION QUESTIONS & ASSISTANCE

Questions regarding application submission or system operation errors should be directed to the Workplace Alaska hotline at 1-800-587-0430 (toll free) or (907) 465-4095 if you are located in the Juneau area. Requests for information may also be emailed to recruitment.services@alaska.gov. For applicant password assistance please visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/OnlineApplication/User/ResetPassword

Or call: 855-524-5627

For specific information about this position, please contact the hiring manager at the following:

Kerry Thomas, Executive Director

Kerry.Thomas@alaska.gov

Careers With The State Of Alaska Offer MANY Benefits

The following information describes typical benefits available to employees of the State of Alaska. Actual benefits received may differ by bargaining unit or branch of government, position type, or be prorated for other than full time work.

For a quick breakdown of the insurance, health, and retirement benefits available for State Employees you can view an orientation video from Division of Retirement and Benefits. (Please note this video is specifically designed for new State Employees.)

Insurance Benefits

Health insurance, which includes employer contributions toward medical/vision/dental
The following employee groups are under AlaskaCare Benefits administered by the State: See https://drb.alaska.gov/help/plans.html for additional information.

AVTEC
Confidential
Correctional Officers
Marine Engineers
Mt. Edgecumbe Teachers
Supervisory
Unlicensed Vessel Personnel/Inland Boatman's Union
Exempt employees (not covered by collective bargaining)

The following employee groups are covered by Union health trusts. Contact the appropriate Union for additional information.

General Government
Labor, Trades and Crafts
Public Safety Employees Association
Masters, Mates & Pilots

Employer paid Basic Life insurance with additional coverage available (amount depends on Bargaining Unit)

Optional Insurance Benefits

Group‑based insurance premiums for

Term life (employee, spouse or qualified same sex partner, and dependents)
Long‑term and short‑term disability
Accidental Death and Dismemberment
Long‑term care (self and eligible family members)
Supplemental Survivor Benefits

Employee‑funded flexible spending accounts for tax savings on eligible health care or dependent care expenses

Retirement Benefits

Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Teachers' Retirement System (TRS)
Matching employer contribution into a defined contribution program (new employees)
Employer contribution into a defined benefit or defined contribution program (current employees)
Contributions to the Alaska Supplemental Annuity Plan in lieu of contributions to Social Security
Option to enroll in the Alaska Deferred Compensation Program
Note: The Defined Contribution Plan, Supplemental Annuity Plan and Deferred Compensation Program offer a variety of investment options

See https://drb.alaska.gov/retiree/ for additional information

Paid Leave & Other Benefits

Personal leave with an accrual rate increase based on time served
Twelve (12) paid holidays a year

Have you carefully read the minimum qualifications for this position and do you certify that you possess the required education and/ or experience to meet the minimum qualifications as stated?