Dean of Finance (CFO)

Nacubo; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Attractive medical benefits

Generous paid vacation

Collaborative and inclusive work环境

Job summary

Generations College, located in downtown Chicago, seeks a Dean of Finance to lead the college’s financial and administrative functions. The role partners with the Chancellor, Board of Trustees, and Finance Committee to guide financial sustainability and strategic growth.

The Dean of Finance will oversee budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, risk management, and revenue initiatives, shaping institutional performance and accreditation readiness.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in business administration, finance, accounting, or a related field.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in finance, including at least four (4) years in higher education or nonprofit financial management.
• Proven proficiency with online banking platforms and accounting software; Sage experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement financial strategies for long-term financial stability.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, and analysis.
• Manage the preparation of financial statements and regulatory/compliance reporting.
• Lead fundraising support and revenue-generating initiatives.
• Oversee operating and capital budgets, multi-year modeling, cash flow, and sustainability planning.
• Direct the Business Office (AP/AR/payroll/student accounts).
• Serve as financial liaison to external auditors, lenders, and financial institutions.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to execute the college’s strategic plan.
• Provide data-driven insights to inform decision-making and resource allocation.
• Ensure internal controls and audit readiness; manage risk and compliance.

Skills

Financial leadership

Strategic thinking

Analytical

Communication

Cross-stakeholder collaboration

Education

Master’s degree in business administration, finance, accounting, or related field

Tools

Sage

Job description

Position: Dean of Finance / Senior Administrative Officer

Institution: Generations College

Location: On-Campus — Chicago, IL

Employment Type: Full-Time (3:2 Work Model)

Reports To: Chancellor

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Job Summary

Generations College seeks a dynamic and experienced Dean of Finance (CFO) to join our executive leadership team. The Dean of Finance will serve as a strategic partner to the Chancellor, providing visionary leadership and oversight of the college’s financial and administrative functions.

The Dean of Finance reports directly to the Chancellor, serves as a senior cabinet member, and works closely with the Board of Trustees and its Finance and External Audit Committees. This role is critical to the institution’s financial sustainability and its capacity to support continued academic growth.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership

• Develop and implement financial strategies to ensure the long-term financial stability of the college.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, and analysis.
• Manage the preparation of financial statements, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies.
• Lead efforts to optimize financial resources, including investment strategies, fundraising support, and revenue-generating initiatives.
• Oversee institutional operating and capital budgets, multi-year financial modeling, cash flow management, and long-term financial sustainability planning.
• Direct the Business Office, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and student accounts.
• Serve as the primary financial liaison to external auditors, lenders, and financial institutions.

Strategic Planning

• Collaborate with senior leadership to develop and execute the college’s strategic plan.
• Provide insights and recommendations based on financial data to inform decision-making.
• Lead initiatives to improve institutional performance and drive continuous improvement.
• Serve as a strategic thought partner in enrollment growth, program expansion, and institutional transformation.
• Leverage data analytics to inform decisions related to pricing, tuition strategy, resource allocation, and sustainability.
• Assess the financial feasibility of new academic programs and delivery modalities.

Risk Management

• Identify and mitigate financial and compliance risks, including those arising under federal and state regulations and Title IV and Title IX requirements.
• Ensure the implementation of robust internal controls and audit processes.
• Oversee insurance and risk management programs to protect college assets, including property, liability, cyber, and employment practices coverage.
• Maintain financial oversight of vendor and third-party agreements, including data-handling and contractual protections.

Compliance and Accreditation

• Lead financial compliance related to Higher Learning Commission (HLC) accreditation standards, and support new program approvals.
• Oversee Title IV financial stewardship, audits, and reporting in coordination with Financial Aid leadership.
• Ensure institutional compliance with federal, state, and accreditation requirements, including enrollment reporting, financial responsibility ratios, and audit readiness.
• Coordinate required external reporting, including IPEDS, the annual A-133/Single Audit, and Form 990.

Leadership and Development

• Lead and mentor a team of finance professionals, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.
• Promote professional development and continuous learning within the team.
• Act as a key liaison with the Board of Trustees, providing regular updates on financial matters.
• Model collaborative, service-oriented leadership across academic and administrative units.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in business administration, finance, accounting, or a related field.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in finance, including at least four (4) years in higher education or nonprofit financial management.
• Demonstrated proficiency with online banking platforms and accounting software required; experience with Sage (or similar financial management systems) strongly preferred.
• Proven track record of effective financial management and executive leadership.
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience working with Boards of Trustees, Finance Committees, or Audit Committees.
• Familiarity with student information systems (Ellucian is a plus) and financial aid systems preferred.
• Self-starter with an entrepreneurial spirit and strategic orientation, demonstrating resourcefulness, innovation, and the ability to translate goals into measurable results.
• AI adaptability and experience a plus

Benefits

• Competitive salary: 100,000-125,000 based on experience
• Attractive medical benefits
• Generous paid vacation
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment

About Generations College

Generations College, located in downtown Chicago, has a distinguished history and an exciting future. Founded in 1904, Generations College has been committed to providing its diverse student population with an exceptional education, while building students' self-confidence and encouraging lifelong learning. Our campus is conveniently located in the historic Heyworth Building, just steps away from Millennium Park and excellent transport links.

In all programs of study, students receive a comprehensive, practical education unparalleled by any other two-year college. The College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and holds numerous program approvals by certified national agencies, including the American Bar Association and the National Court Reporters Association. As the nation's third-oldest two-year, private, nonprofit institution, Generations College offers both campus-based and online Associate Degrees in Court Reporting, Criminal Justice, Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, and Paralegal Studies.

Why Generations College is a Great Place to Work

This is a hands-on leadership opportunity for a mission-driven finance executive who wants to shape the future of a historic institution at a pivotal moment of growth and transformation. Generations College supports and promotes its staff to grow and develop as lifelong learners. Our small yet dynamic team is comprised of passionate individuals who possess a collaborative spirit. We work together to encourage our diverse student population by building their self-confidence and teaching the skills necessary to excel in our ever-changing, complex society. We are looking for talented individuals to join our team and help fulfill our mission to promote student success and challenge students at all levels of academic and personal preparation to achieve their greatest potential.

Generations College is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds and experiences.