| Vice President for Business & Finance Canisius College Position Overview Duties & Responsibilities of the Vice President for Business & Finance Reporting directly to the President of the College, the Vice President for Business and Finance serves as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team and as an integral part of the college’s decision-making process. The vice president is responsible for all financial and administrative functions of the College, including finance, audit, facilities, information technology services, human resources, and business services. They will work closely with the President to formulate the institution’s overall fiscal strategies and will serve as liaison to several Board of Trustees committees, including the Audit, Finance & Facilities, and Investment Advisory Committees. As the College’s chief financial officer, this position provides collaborative financial management for the College; ensures the short and long-term fiscal health of the College; oversees the business practices of the College; and ensures that the budget is linked to and supports the College’s strategic plans. It is essential that this person be a thoughtful transparent communicator and listener in order to earn the trust and respect of the Canisius College community and serve the college effectively as its chief financial officer in support of its educational priorities. Financial Reporting: - Monitor the College’s financial condition and oversee the preparation and timely closing of monthly and annual financial statements.
- Report the financial condition of the College to the Board of Trustees, the President and administrators on a regular basis.
- Work with outside parties to manage and provide endowment accounting and reporting. Monitor the endowment spending policies.
- Oversee all of the college’s investment funds.
- Contribute to the College meeting its strategic objectives by assisting administrators and department heads in conducting financial analysis of current and proposed activities.
- Monitor, review and update all internal controls, as needed.
- Provide future period student enrollment forecasts and use as a foundation for revenue projections.
Long Term Strategic Planning and Budget Preparation: - Oversee preparation of the long term strategic financial plan (5 yr.) and annual budget and identify organizational needs from the college’s strategic planning process. Build consensus on priorities and translate the consensus into a financial plan.
- Chair the College Budget Committee and oversee the preparation of the institutional operating and capital budgets.
- Contribute to the strategic planning process and decision-making by developing financial projections and scenarios.
- Develop procedures that integrate business and strategic planning into the annual budget process.
- Monitor external events and developments to ensure that budget preparation incorporates the most current information.
- Manage and monitor a long-term capital plan and associated budgets.
Investment, Cash & Debt Management: - Monitor cash flow and line-of-credit facilities.
- Coordinate and monitor debt issuance with external financial advisors, bond counsel, etc.
- Monitor cash reserves to provide maximum practical protection.
Information Technology Services - Oversee the Information Technology Services department and develop strategic plans for capital needs, services and cybersecurity.
Facilities and Maintenance: - Oversee the Facilities Management department, external service providers, and the daily maintenance of the college’s physical plant.
- Oversee the budgeting, planning and execution of all capital projects.
Human Resources: - Oversee the Human Resources department with responsibility for all employee policies and benefits, including the college’s pension plan and health plan.
- Primary representative of the college in collective bargaining with SEIU Local 1199 representing the Facilities Management personnel.
Business Services: - Serve as primary contact with outside vendors for auxiliary services such as the college’s foodservice operator and bookstore operator.
- Oversee all insurance coverage and enterprise risk management for the college.
- Primary coordinator of legal services for the college.
- Coordinate the purchasing activities of the College, including contract management.
- Continually assess and manage internal resources vs. outsource functions of the College.
General Supervision and Management: - Assist others to be more productive, grow professionally, and meet the needs of the College.
- Identify, recommend, and implement appropriate/necessary training and professional development for self and staff reporting to the position.
- Practice continuous improvement; conduct and oversee work activity to increase efficiency of and improve the effectiveness and productivity of assigned areas.
Desired Qualifications of the Vice President for Business & Finance - Master’s Degree in accounting, business, or related field.
- Accounting experience required, CPA strongly preferred.
- Ten years of experience in a supervisory role in a public or private business, or university business office, or combination of education and experience commensurate with the requirements of the position.
- Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with the broad and diverse constituencies of the college.
- Experience in operational and strategic planning, policy development, and financial analysis.
- Advanced proficiency in the use of financial systems and related technology.
- Ability to effectively communicate ideas and information in written and oral format to administrative staff, professional colleagues, governing boards, and the general public in large or small group settings.
- Strong commitment to promoting the college’s Jesuit mission, focusing on the whole person--mind, body and spirit. This includes a commitment to academic excellence, social justice, racial equity, and developing an inclusive community.
The Office of Human Resources at Canisius College utilizes an online recruitment management system. Individuals who need reasonable accommodations under the ADA in order to participate in the search process should contact the Office of Human Resources at (716) 888-2240. To apply, go to https://www.canisius.edu/about-canisius/employment-canisius. Nominations and applications are invited. Review of credentials is underway and will continue until the position is filled. Interested individuals should provide a letter of application, a curriculum vitae, and the names of five references who will not be contacted without permission. For full consideration, applications should be received by April 2, 2021. Canisius College, a Catholic and Jesuit University, has as its foundation the fundamental values of academic excellence, leadership, faith and social justice. Canisius is committed to educating and preparing men and women to become leaders in their professions and their communities, and in service to humanity. The college is an equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting, supporting, and fostering a diverse community of outstanding faculty, staff and students. Compensation and Benefits: This is a full-time position. Benefits are available the first of the month after the full-time employee’s date of hire and include – health, dental and vision insurance, life and long term disability insurance, and retirement plan enrollment is available to full-time employees with contribution from College after one year. Paid holidays, vacation, personal leave and sick leave. Tuition benefits are also available for full-time employees and their qualified dependents. |
