Strategic CFO — Higher Education, Hybrid (Newport)

Salve Regina University; Newport (RI); Hybrid; USD 195,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island, seeks a Chief Financial Officer to shape financial strength, strategic growth, and institutional innovation. Reporting to the President and serving on the President’s Cabinet, the CFO will advise and partner with senior leadership to advance the university’s mission and long-term sustainability.

The ideal candidate will bring 10+ years of senior financial leadership in higher education, CPA/CFA certification, and experience with budgeting,

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressively responsible financial leadership, including oversight of budgets, audits, reporting, treasury, debt, and financial systems.
• Senior finance experience in higher education, preferably private, with familiarity with enrollment economics, endowments, and capital projects.
• Expertise in GAAP, forecasting and modeling, internal controls, risk management; ERP experience (Ellucian Colleague preferred).
• Credibility with governing boards and committees; strong communication and collaborative leadership.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance or business; CPA or CFA required; master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the University’s financial enterprise and oversee a team of ~20 professionals in accounting, budgeting, treasury, payroll, procurement, student accounts, financial reporting, and contracted services.
• Create a forward-looking, multi-year financial strategy aligned with academic and institutional priorities.
• Modernize financial operations, systems, reporting, and processes to improve efficiency, transparency, data integrity, and decision-making.
• Strengthen and develop the Business Office team, fostering accountability, collaboration, service, and continuous improvement.
• Lead operating and capital budgeting, forecasting, liquidity planning, treasury, debt management, and capital financing strategy.
• Partner across enrollment, advancement, and other University functions to strengthen revenue modeling and resource allocation.

Skills

Financial leadership

Higher education experience

GAAP & forecasting

Board communication

Strategic collaboration

Education

Bachelor's in accounting/finance/business

CPA or CFA certification

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island, seeks a Chief Financial Officer to shape financial strength, strategic growth, and institutional innovation. Reporting to the President and serving on the President’s Cabinet, the CFO will advise and partner with senior leadership to advance the university’s mission and long-term sustainability.

The ideal candidate will bring 10+ years of senior financial leadership in higher education, CPA/CFA certification, and experience with budgeting,