Executive CFO & Strategic Financial Leader Higher Education

PHILANDER SMITH COLLEGE; Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 160,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Short-term and Long-term Disability

Flexible Spending Accounts and Health

Employee Assistance Program

403B Retirement Savings Plan

Life Insurance

Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Philander Smith University seeks an experienced Vice President for Fiscal Affairs & Chief Financial Officer to lead financial strategy, budgeting, and long-term sustainability. The role reports to the President and serves on the Executive Cabinet, guiding budgeting, reporting, treasury, and capital planning.

The CFO oversees accounting, internal controls, procurement, and financial systems, partnering across the university to align resources with priorities and ensure transparent financial

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration; master's preferred.
• CPA strongly preferred and 10+ years of financial leadership experience.
• Experience in higher education, audits, treasury, and financial reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial strategy, budgeting, and long-range planning for sustainability.
• Direct accounting, financial operations, and timely reporting per GAAP.
• Oversee cash management, treasury, debt, investments, and liquidity planning.
• Develop multi-year forecasts and enrollment-revenue modeling with campus partners.
• Provide executive dashboards and regular reporting to President and Board.
• Drive system modernization, controls, and process improvements.

Skills

Strategic Thinking

Financial Stewardship

Ethical Leadership

Transparency

Accountability

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration

CPA

Tools

Ellucian Colleague

ERP systems

Job description

Philander Smith University seeks an experienced Vice President for Fiscal Affairs & Chief Financial Officer to lead financial strategy, budgeting, and long-term sustainability. The role reports to the President and serves on the Executive Cabinet, guiding budgeting, reporting, treasury, and capital planning.

The CFO oversees accounting, internal controls, procurement, and financial systems, partnering across the university to align resources with priorities and ensure transparent financial