Vice President for Fiscal Affairs and Chief Financial Officer

Company: Commonwealth University
Location: Bloomsburg
Posted on: June 29, 2025

Job Description:

Posting Details Posting NumberS253Classification TitleVice President for Fiscal Affairs and Chief Financial OfficerWorking Title Vice President for Fiscal Affairs and Chief Financial OfficerDepartmentFiscal Affairs - DEPTHome Campus BloomsburgCityBloomsburgStatePennsylvaniaZip Code17815Bargaining UnitNon-representedWork LocationHome CampusPosition TypeManagementTemporary/ PermanentPermanentFull-time/ Part-timeFull-TimeIf Part-time, specify percentage (Examples: 0.75; 0.50; 0.25)Benefits The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education provides a comprehensive package of employer benefits to eligible employees and their enrolled dependent(s), which include*:Medical and prescription drug benefits.Generous retirement plans, two options:Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP)State Employees’ Retirement System (SERS)Tuition benefits for employees and dependents.Paid time off.Employer-paid dental and vision benefits.Employer-paid life insurance.Voluntary insurances and additional retirement programs.*Specific benefits may vary based upon university, employee group and/or collective bargaining unit. Visit: http://www.passhe.edu/inside/HR/syshr/healthcare/Pages/Summary-of-Benefits.aspx for additional information regarding benefits.To be eligible for most benefits, you must be a permanent, full-time employee (including temporary, full-time faculty with at least an academic year contract) or a permanent, part-time employee (including temporary, part-time faculty with at least an academic year contract) who is scheduled to work every pay period for at least 50% of full-time hours.Start Time8:00 AMEnd Time4:30 PMHours Per Week37.5 hours per week Days Worked (Check all that apply)Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, FriSalaryAnticipated Start DateNo later than July 1, 2025Anticipated End DateN/A Position Summary Information Position PurposeCommonwealth University of Pennsylvania invites applications for the position of Vice President for Fiscal Affairs & Chief Financial Officer. This role offers a unique opportunity to be a part of a dynamic institution committed to fostering academic excellence, enhancing student success, and driving innovation in higher education.The university is seeking an experienced fiscal affairs leader with the management qualities to build on the institution’s reputation for innovation and student-focused approaches, leveraging the excellent reputations of its legacy universities to take CU to even higher levels of student success and financial sustainability. The exceptionally qualified and committed faculty and staff take pride in delivering outstanding academic and life experiences to students through personalized attention and small classes, all taught by faculty members. Students also benefit from the flexibility to leverage faculty expertise across CU’s multiple locations through innovative technologies that support hybrid modalities.The next Vice President for Fiscal Affairs & Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will express a passion for the mission of public education and will understand and embrace the important social, cultural, and economic roles public education plays in the region and state. Equally important is the need for the VP & CFO to uphold the highest standards for intellectual inquiry and be an enterprising and collaborative leader committed not only to the success of Commonwealth University, but also to shaping the future of higher education.The Vice President for Fiscal Affairs & Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is responsible for providing leadership, oversight, strategic planning, and direction for all fiscal affairs for Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, inclusive of the Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield campus locations.The Vice President for Fiscal Affairs & Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as a key advisor and thought partner to the university President. The VP & CFO plays an integral role with the university senior leadership team and will lead the offices of: Accounting Services, Budget, Organizational Management and Position Budget Management (PBM), and Student Billing. The VP & CFO must be an accomplished strategic finance leader, possess the skill set to lead across multiple financial and administrative areas, possess the ability to communicate effectively in public, implement a broad vision for FA and the comprehensive fiscal plan of the university, handle many competing interests and details, and supervise a large and diverse staff.Description of DutiesLeadership:Advise the university President on all university fiscal matters and the financial impact of business issues and decisions;Maintain continuous lines of communication, keeping the university President informed of all critical issues related to finance;Adhere to, and foster high standards of ethical conduct, compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, and appropriate financial oversight and controls; andEstablish trust, open communication, and the development of shared goals within the university Fiscal Affairs Division and across the broader organizational structure.Operations:Orchestrate a unified finance strategy and its administration across a complex organization to ensure alignment, collaboration, and effective support of the university in both current and future initiatives;Partner with university leadership, especially fellow vice presidents, to identify strategic fiscal opportunities;Coordinate the development of the university operating budget and Comprehensive Planning Process (CPP) submissions to the Office of the Chancellor in support of long-range financial planning.Conduct financial analysis and planning to best position the university for long-term financial sustainability and delivery of programs that optimize student success; andDeliver timely and accurate university budget (CPP) and financial statements.Other:Represent all university matters of finance and administration interest to the Office of the Chancellor;Serve as administrative liaison to the Council of Trustees Administration and Finance Committee. Effectively communicate and present critical financial matters at Council of Trustees meetings;Serve as administrative liaison to the University Senate Fiscal Affairs Committee;Support risk assessment and compliance;Provide supervision and guidance to direct reports in Accounting Services, Budget, Organizational Management/PBM, and Student Billing. Provide financial guidance to and collaborate with other divisions, including but not limited to Academic Affairs, Enrollment Management & Student Affairs, University Advancement, University Affairs, the President’s Office, Facilities, Police & Safety and Auxillary Operations;Serve as a member of the campus emergency response staff within, and part of, the University emergency operations center (EOC), a central command responsible for carrying out the principles of emergency preparedness, emergency response, support and emergency or disaster management functions at a strategic level during a high-level planned campus events or emergencies. Role includes participation in trainings and annual exercises related to the assigned incident command (IC) role, and the needs of the University to ensure the continuity of operational capabilities during any significant event;Exemplify commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion that is visible and actualized;Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality; andMentor and develop staff using a supportive and collaborative approach, assign accountabilities, set objectives, establish priorities, and monitor/evaluate results.Decision MakingThe VP & CFO makes numerous decisions across all spectrums of responsibility on a daily basis, many strategic and some tactical. Key decisions center around resource allocation, proper incurrence of expenditures, and initiatives/actions that minimize risk.Fiscal ResponsibilityThe VP & CFO has overall responsibility for management of the university budget and is integral to ensuring that resources are properly allocated, and expenditures controlled in a way that leads to long-term financial sustainability and student success. In addition, the VP & CFO, along with the university’s senior leadership team, is responsible for ensuring that proper strategies are identified and executed to maximize revenue and provide resources for strategic investment and capital stewardship.Supervisory ResponsibilityThe VP & CFO provides supervision and guidance to direct reports in Accounting Services, Budget, Organizational Management/PBM, and Student Billing.Provides financial guidance to and collaborates with other divisions, including but not limited to Academic Affairs, Enrollment Management & Student Affairs, University Advancement, University Affairs, the President’s Office, Facilities, Police & Safety and Auxillary Operations.Minimum Requirements ProfileA master’s degree in accounting, finance, business, public administration, or a related field;Extensive executive-level leadership experience in the areas of finance/accounting and/or budget;Ten (10) years progressively responsible administrative experience in accounting, budgeting, and strategic planning in a complex organization;A minimum of five (5) years of supervisory experience;A minimum of three (3) years of experience in a unionized environment;CPA/CMA is highly preferred;Substantial experience with strategic planning, including a readiness to provide leadership for institutional planning, and the ability to articulate a shared leadership vision and engage others in its implementation;Experience in effective servant leadership through strong interpersonal skills, including the capacity to actively listen and respond effectively, display eagerness to cultivate robust working relationships with colleagues across all areas of the University, and demonstrate an open communication style that fosters trust and mutual respect.Preferred QualificationsCPA/CMA is highly preferredExecutive-level accounting and budget experience at a public institution of higher education and knowledge of the laws and regulations of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, as they apply to higher education, are preferred;Applicant Rating CriteriaKnowledge, Skills & AbilitiesHigh integrity and trustworthiness, as evidenced through providing sound, consistent, and ethical financial counsel based upon the knowledge aof financial and legal best practices and PASSHE requirements;The ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with students, faculty, staff, Trustees, and the public;The ability to apply budgetary and fiscal planning and prioritization techniques within financial constraints without sacrificing quality;Comprehensive understanding and proven success in navigating the complex challenges of higher education, encompassing aspects such as ensuring affordability and student access, implementing enrollment management and retention strategies, and creating a student-centric information technology environment that enhances the student experience through technology-driven solutions for learning, communication and support services;Strong communication and active listening skills, in addition to an ability to demonstrate decisiveness and the capability to effectively lead complicated and difficult discussions, guiding them to a prompt resolution;Possess a profound understanding and respect for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, recognizing their significance in fostering academic excellence. The candidate should demonstrate a track record of working effectively with diverse communities and exhibit a strong commitment to Commonwealth University’s mission and values, with the ability to articulate its mission and goals persuasively;Consistent dedication to the promotion of a high-performance culture and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality.Essential Functions1. Sitting – 80%; walking – 10%; standing – 10%2. Working indoors – 95% and Outdoors (for errands) – 5%3. Advanced math, reading, writing, and analytical skills4. Keyboard skills—Extensive abilities required in use of MS office software (e.g., Excel, Word, PowerPoint), data manipulation, and enterprise-wide information systems.5. Travel—Must be able to travel to all university campus locations and for professional & PASSHE meetings as required. Posting Detail Information Open Date mm-dd-yyyy02/28/2025Close Date mm-dd-yyyyOpen Until FilledYesSpecial Instructions to ApplicantsApplications should include a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in this profile. Submit applications via the online recruitment system by the full consideration date. References are not requested at this time.For full consideration, application materials must be received by March 23, 2025.Questions and inquiries can be directed to: VPFASearch@commonwealthu.eduFinalists for this position must communicate well and successfully complete an interview process.Completing this search is contingent upon available funding.Background ClearancesOffers of employment are conditional, pending successful completion of the background clearances mandated by Act 153 of 2014 and Board of Governors Policy 2014-01-A: Protection of Minors. In order to qualify for a provisional appointment, the Applicant Acknowledgement Consent Form, Provisional Hire Form, Pennsylvania State Police and Justifacts portion of the clearance process must be successfully completed prior to your start date. The remaining PA Child Abuse History Clearance and FBI Clearance must be successfully completed and returned as soon as possible within the first 90 days of employment.Diversity StatementAt Commonwealth University we recognize our responsibility to continuously support a living, learning, and working environment that values the diverse contributions from all members of our campus community. Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion enriches our campus community and is instrumental to our institutional success. Commonwealth University strives to cultivate a campus climate that allows all members to embrace diversity, equity and inclusion as we achieve success both in and out of the classroom, in our work responsibilities, and in our professional lives beyond Commonwealth University. We uphold our commitment to DEI by:• Actively supporting and promoting the intellectual and personal growth of our students, inside and outside of the classroom.• Providing workshops, trainings, programs designed to broaden the knowledge and understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion within our campus community.• Ensuring that all learning and living environments throughout our campus are welcoming and capable of serving all individuals.Title IX/CleryThe University prohibits any form of discrimination or harassment on the basis of sex, race, color, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, marital or family status, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, or disability in any decision regarding admissions, employment, or participation in a University program or activity in accordance with the letter and spirit of federal, state, and local non-discrimination and equal opportunity laws, such as Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendments Act, the Equal Pay Act, and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.The University also complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crimes Statistics Act, as amended by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Title IX prohibits retaliation for asserting or otherwise participating in claims of sex discrimination. VAWA imposes additional duties on universities and colleges to investigate and respond to reports of sexual assault, stalking, and dating or domestic violence, and to publish policies and procedures related to the way these reports are handled. The University has designated the Title IX Coordinator (Jennifer Raup, Elwell Hall, ORL, 570-389-4808, jraup@commonwealthu.edu or titleixcoord@commonwealthu.edu), to coordinate the University’s compliance with Title IX and VAWA and to respond to reports of violations. The University has directed the Police Department to coordinate the University’s compliance with the VAWA-related Clery reporting requirements. For information on the University’s crime statistics, which is available in a publication called “Annual Security Report”, please contact Commonwealth University – Bloomsburg Police at 570-389-2211, Commonwealth University – Mansfield Police at 570-662-4900, or Commonwealth University – Lock Haven Police at 570-484-2278 or by accessing the following website: https://www.commonwealthu.edu/offices-directory/university-police/annual-security-report. Additionally, inquiries concerning Title IX and its implementing regulation can be made to the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, Region III, The Wanamaker Building, 100 Penn Square East – Suite 505, Philadelphia, PA 19107; Phone: (215) 656-6010; Fax: (215) 656-6020.About Commonwealth University of PACommonwealth University of Pennsylvania (CU) was formed in March 2022 through the integration of Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield Universities that are part of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) to become one of the largest universities within the PASSHE system. This integration has been groundbreaking in Pennsylvania and has received national recognition. The Vice President for Fiscal Affairs & Chief Financial Officer will be at the forefront of continuing to shape the future of this university with a unique opportunity to lead transformational change at CU and across higher education.Commonwealth University is a high-achieving, nationally recognized, comprehensive university that delivers a personal and challenging academic experience. Under the leadership of President Bashar Hanna, CU has entered a phase of renewed excitement and commitment to its mission, which is centrally focused on students and providing a learning environment where both undergraduate and graduate students can grow in a supportive environment that promotes exploration and discovery.Commonwealth University’s innovative and accredited academic programs are the sum of three distinct academic colleges: the Zeigler College of Business; the College of Arts, Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences; and the College of Health, Science, and Technology.______________________________________________________________________________________________________Fall 2023 Enrollment? Undergraduate Students: 9,989? Graduate Students: 1,119? Total Students: 11,108? Underrepresented Minority (URM): 14%2023-2024 Admissions? Freshman Completed Applications: 7,741? Acceptance Rate: 94.8%? Percent Accepted Enrolled: 33.3%? Mean SAT 1080? Mean GPA 3.5? Median Class Rank 38.5%? First Generation First-Years: 27.1%? First-Year Underrepresented Minority (URM) : 15%Retention? First to Second-Year Retention: 74.8%Graduation Rates? 4-Year: 41.3%? 5-Year: 52%? 6-Year: 55%Faculty? Student/Faculty Ratio: 18-1? Average Class Size of Organized Class Sections: 25? Number of Tenured/Tenure Track Faculty: 76%? Tenured/Tenure Track Faculty with Terminal Degree: 85%? Percent of Permanent Faculty who ae Tenured/Tenure track: 99%Affordability? Students Who Receive Financial Aid: 95%? Financial Aid Awarded Annually: $40M? Recent Grads Employed, In the Military, or In Graduate School Within 6 Months: 97%______________________________________________________________________________________________________The Power of ThreeThe integration of Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield universities was a bold investment in the communities and people of Pennsylvania to provide a world-class education that includes real-time technology to support new collaborative learning environments in addition to program-based field study, semester residency, and other multi-campus experiences.The mission of Commonwealth University is to expand high-quality, affordable academic opportunities to support the needs of all learners. Integration allowed each campus to continue to deliver robust residential experiences that let students choose their home campus, having full access to the complement of the home campus NCAA Athletic programs, but take advantage of courses and experiences at other locations.Powerful ideas start at Commonwealth University, carried by dynamic stories and voices that empower students and provide financially responsible degree options that maximize experiential learning, career preparation, and efficient time to degree completion.Commonwealth University honors the history of its universities and communities by preserving the founding principles of each campus and continuing their vibrant on-campus student experience, serving as pillars of their communities, and supporting students and their neighbors alike.Commonwealth University is investing in its students by answering the most significant challenges facing higher education: accessibility, cost, quality, and relevance through the combined strength of its storied institutions.Commonwealth University is building a powerful tomorrow by boldly changing the trajectory of public higher education to position themselves for growth, increased access, and meet economic and workforce development needs in their region across Pennsylvania and beyond.Commonwealth University is committed to honoring its alumni and donors be continuing to recognize and partner with foundations and alumni associations at each location, allowing donors to designate funds to support programs or a campus/campuses of their choosing.______________________________________________________________________________________________________The CommunitiesAll locations of Commonwealth University are situated in beautiful rural regions of central Pennsylvania. CU – Bloomsburg is the largest of CU’s campus communities with nearly 7,200 students. Bloomsburg is located two hours west of Philadelphia off Interstate 80. CU – Lock Haven is home to more than 2,600 students and is located along the picturesque Susquehanna River, just south of Williamsport off U.S. Route 220. CU – Mansfield, located in the rolling Endless Mountains of the Northern Tier of Pennsylvania between Williamsport, PA, and Corning, NY, is the smallest of CU’s campus communities with an enrollment of 1,300 students. CU also has a campus in Clearfield, approximately one hour to the east of CU – Lock Haven.Bloomsburg, PennsylvaniaAffectionately known as the “university on the hill,” CU’s Bloomsburg campus overlooks the vibrant town of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. Known for its scenic landscape, cultural tradition, and quality healthcare and education, Bloomsburg is a community rich in history. It serves as the county seat of Columbia County, is considered the only incorporated town in Pennsylvania, and its downtown is a national historic district which includes Carver Hall, an original building on CU-Bloomsburg’s campus and the icon of the institution. Included in the National Register of Historic Places, Carver Hall continues to house the office of the President and the Provost.While the town of Bloomsburg and the surrounding region offer plenty of outdoor activities throughout all four seasons, the proximity to major metropolitan areas also allows for weekend excursions, including easy drives to Philadelphia (2 hours), New York City (2.5 hours), Baltimore (2.5 hours), and Washington, D.C. (3.5 hours).Lock Haven, PennsylvaniaLocated near the confluence of the West Branch Susquehanna River and Bald Eagle Creek, Lock Haven is the principal city of the Lock Haven Metropolitan Statistical Area, itself part of the Williamsport–Lock Haven combined statistical area. At the 2010 census, Lock Haven’s population was 9,772.Their downtown offers a welcoming and vibrant commercial district in and around Downtown Lock Haven. The improvement of their community and its history create a center of activity and ensure economic stability for the heart of their historical city. Located near the major intersections of Interstates 80, 99, and Route 220 in the heart of Pennsylvania, Lock Haven is a Haven for outdoor recreation, art, and families.Mansfield, PennsylvaniaThe Borough of Mansfield is located at the intersection of Business Route 15, soon to be the I-99 Corridor, and Route 6. Mansfield is situated in the east-central portion of Tioga County. Tioga County, located in north-central Pennsylvania, is one of the State’s largest counties in the area and also one of the most rural. The area of the Borough is roughly 1216 acres. The Borough is located approximately 30 miles south of Corning, NY and 45 miles north of Williamsport. Mansfield has a 2020 U.S. Census population of 2,887 and contains 1.6 square miles of area. There are approximately 10.35 miles of Borough roads and 5.36 miles of State roads.Quick Linkhttps://commonwealthu.peopleadmin.com/postings/3529 Salary: . Date posted: 06/25/2025

Keywords: Commonwealth University, Trenton , Vice President for Fiscal Affairs and Chief Financial Officer, Administration, Clerical , Bloomsburg, New Jersey