Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration

NWACC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) provides quality and affordable higher education to empower lives and strengthen communities within Northwest Arkansas and surrounding areas. As the largest community college in Arkansas, NWACC is recognized as a leader in education. NWACC offers a full range of associate degrees, certificates and workforce training programs that prepare students for rewarding futures and careers. NWACC employees are dedicated to fostering a diverse educational community and cultural learning environment that supports student success. NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) seeks an experienced and results-driven Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration to lead the college’s administrative and financial functions. Reporting to the President of NorthWest Arkansas Community College, and serving as a member of the President’s Cabinet, the Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration (SVP FA) is the chief financial and administrative officer for the college and is responsible for the management, direction, control, and coordination of all administrative and financial activities of the college. The SVP FA provides leadership and direction for financial and administrative services including Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Operations, Purchasing, Policy, Risk Management, and Compliance. Cabinet leadership at NorthWest Arkansas Community College is expected to be highly visible, approachable, and effective in building strong connections with colleagues, students, and the broader community. This dedication to being physically present and engaged on campus is integral to enhancing the educational experience, supporting student success, and advancing the college's mission and strategic goals. Remote work is discouraged, as it can impede these crucial interactions and connections.

Requirements

Master's degree in business administration, finance, accounting, or related field from an accredited institution of higher education
At least five (5) years of executive- or cabinet-level experience leading financial and administrative operations
Significant supervisory experience
Knowledge and understanding of accounting principles, budgeting, financial analysis, and reporting
Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and best practices in financial management
Knowledge of higher education finance and administration issues and trends
Knowledge and understanding of the mission and role of a public two-year multi-campus college, its students, faculty, and staff
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
Ability to interact effectively with diverse constituencies
Ability to manage and motivate a large and highly diversified team

Nice To Haves

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation
Experience in strategic financial planning and forecasting
Experience with financial software and ERP systems such as Workday
Experience working at a community college or other institutions of higher education
Experience working with the financial aspects of a post-secondary athletic program, including budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance

Responsibilities

Oversees the development, implementation, and enforcement of policies and procedures through systems that will improve the overall operation and effectiveness of NWACC.
Recommends and develops policies, procedures, and systems to meet college objectives
Plans, develops, organizes, implements, directs, and evaluates the NWACC’s fiscal functions, including banking operations and investments
Ensures that financial resources support NWACC’s strategic plan and priorities
Provides strategic support to the President and the Board of Trustees regarding strategies and long range financial and organizational planning
Oversees the planning, development, and preparation of NWACC’s annual budget for presentation to the President and the Board of Trustees
Provides leadership and guidance to human resources to ensure that policies and procedures for classification and compensation, people relations, professional development, and recruitment adhere to state and federal laws
Ensures timely and accurate budget analysis and financial reporting for the President and NWACC’s leadership team, including recommendations for tuition and fee structure and rates
Directs all college investments and banking operations
Ensures compliance with appropriate state and federal regulatory agencies by continually monitoring operations, programs, and physical resources
Directs participation in state, federal and/or independent audits
Disseminates information within the college on budgetary processes and procedures related to operating and capital expenditures
Provides leadership and guidance for business continuity, risk management, and security, with executive oversight of risk identification and management to ensure the proactive assessment of risk in NWACC’s administrative, financial, and operational policies, processes, and procedures
Provides leadership and guidance regarding the development and implementation of capital planning and operations projects as well as the maintenance of the physical plant and grounds
Provides executive oversight for NWACC’s information technology infrastructure and operational requirements
Oversees the operation of auxiliary services, including food service and bookstore vendors
Evaluates the finance/administrative services structure and team plan for continual improvement of efficiency and effectiveness
Collaborates with internal departments and external agents and constituencies to provide financial information/reports in order to accomplish strategic initiatives
Represents the college at meetings and functions as requested by the President
Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others
Assumes responsibilities for other duties as required or assigned by the President