Chief Financial Officer

PARKER UNIVERSITY•Dallas, TX

About The Position

Are you interested in building a career that makes a difference and creates a legacy? Parker University, the fourth-fastest growing college in Texas and the fastest-growing college in Dallas, is currently searching for a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join our rapidly expanding team! We are seeking individuals who desire to use their unique skills to innovate and make an impact. The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as the institution’s senior financial strategist and steward, responsible for the financial integrity of the university. The CFO provides strategic leadership across finance, accounting, budgeting, treasury, risk management, payroll, and procurement. The CFO partners closely with President’s Cabinet and campus leadership to align financial resources with the institution’s mission and long-term strategic goals. The CFO serves as a key advisor to the Board of Trustees and a liaison to the Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees. The CFO will lead the implementation and effectiveness of financial information systems and other control systems; affirming compliance with contractual financial obligations; and managing the liquidity and investment of university funds to optimize cash flow and minimize financial risks. This role is also directly involved in managing the University's endowment and investments, the employee retirement plan, bond financing and subsidiaries such as the Parker Performance Institute.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field.
Minimum 10 years of progressive financial leadership experience, preferably in higher education.
Demonstrated experience in budgeting, financial reporting, audit, and strategic planning.
Strong understanding of higher education finance, enrollment economics, and accreditation requirements.
Proven ability to communicate complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
Strategic and analytical thinking
Financial stewardship and integrity
Executive leadership and collaboration
Data-driven decision-making
Change management and innovation
Clear communication and transparency
Visual acuity to use a keyboard and view a computer terminal.
Requires good hand-eye coordination, arm, hand and finger dexterity, including ability to grasp.
Ambulatory skills sufficient to visit other locations; or the ability to stand and walk.
Ability to occasionally lift, carry and/or move light to medium weight up to twelve (12) pounds and/or exert up to twelve (12) pounds of force.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree (MBA, MPA, or equivalent).
CPA, CFA, or similar professional certification.
Experience working directly with Boards of Trustees.
Experience with capital projects, and debt financing
Background in tuition-dependent or complex revenue environments.
Proven ability to communicate complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership Serve as the primary financial advisor to the President, Cabinet, and Board of Trustees.
Lead long-range financial planning, multi-year forecasting, and scenario modeling.
Align financial strategy with enrollment trends, academic priorities, and institutional growth plans.
Support strategic initiatives including new academic programs, capital projects, and partnerships.
Budgeting & Financial Planning Oversee development and execution of the annual operating and capital budgets.
Ensure budget transparency, accountability, and alignment with institutional priorities.
Monitor financial performance against budget and provide regular variance analysis.
Develop financial dashboards and KPIs for leadership and Board review.
Accounting, Audit & Compliance Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting in accordance with GAAP and regulatory standards.
Oversee annual audits, tax filings, and regulatory compliance (federal, state, accreditation).
Maintain strong internal controls and risk mitigation practices.
Serve as primary liaison with external auditors and regulatory agencies.
Review and approve all accrediting body and SACSCOC annual Financial Reports prior to submission.
Responsible for annual insurance renewals and on-going day-to day insurance claims; this includes a risk assessment associated with the University's coverage.
Ensure adequate Insurance protection is in force to protect the human and material resources of the University.
Treasury, Cash & Investment Management Manage cash flow, liquidity, banking relationships, and debt financing.
Oversee endowment, reserves, and investment strategies.
Support bond issuances, refinancing, and debt covenant compliance.
Ensure prudent financial risk management and insurance coverage.
Enrollment, Tuition & Revenue Strategy Partner with Provost and EVP|COO to analyze tuition pricing, discount rates, and net tuition revenue.
Monitor enrollment KPIs and their impact on institutional financial health.
Support financial aid strategy to balance access, affordability, and sustainability.
Leadership & Organizational Management Lead and develop finance, accounting, budgeting, and procurement teams.
Foster a culture of collaboration, service, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Support shared governance and communicate financial information clearly to diverse stakeholders.
Board & Governance Support Prepare and present financial reports, forecasts, and analyses to the Board of Trustees.
Support Board finance committee.
Ensure institutional financial decisions align with fiduciary responsibilities.