Vice President of Finance & Administration Full-time Job

Job Description

Reporting to the University President, Tim Downs, the Vice President of Finance &

Administration (VPFA) is the chief financial officer of the University and provides strategic

and operational leadership for the financial and many administrative areas of university

life. The VPFA will be a motivating and inspiring change agent who will work with senior

leadership and financial stakeholders across the institution to assist in facilitating MSU

Moorhead’s strategic, financial, and operational visions and goals.

The VPFA provides strategic leadership and oversight to Business Services (Purchasing,

Accounting, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Travel, Contracts, Student Payroll),

Information Technology (Customer Support, Applications, Infrastructure, Institutional

Effectiveness), Public Safety, and Facilities Management (Power Plant, Building &

Grounds Maintenance, Building Services).

In addition to ensuring the successful operation of all the functional areas under their

supervision, the incumbent is part of a leadership team that will oversee the continued

growth and success of the university and supports a student-centered culture of

collaboration, active learning, engagement, and sustainability. Leading and representing a

large and diverse division, while partnering effectively with a wide array of stakeholders

to support the educational mission of the university is critical to success. The VPFA has

direct oversight over financial compliance issues and ensures that timely and accurate

financial information is provided and prepared within established Minnesota State Board

policies and procedures, state statutes and Federal law and regulations.

Serve as a member of the President’s Cabinet and other campus committees such as Senior Executive Team, Meet & Confer, and University Planning & Budget Committee. Collaborate with the President and Cabinet to participate in planning and decision making for the University regarding finance, facilities, grounds, and administrative services. Represent the University to the MinnState System Office, MinnState Board of Trustees, and legislative committees to present budget analysis information and assist in system-wide financial planning and development.

Develop the vision and strategic direction for financial and facilities management. Directly and indirectly supervise the operations of the various units within Finance & Administration including Business Services (Purchasing, Accounting, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Travel, Contracts, Student Payroll), Information Technology (Customer Support, Applications, Infrastructure, Institutional Effectiveness) and Facilities (Power Plant, Building & Grounds Maintenance, Building Services). Coordinate activities of the Finance Administration Division with the unit directors to discuss current issues and progress toward meeting division goals and objectives. Ensure that the financial affairs of the university are in order.

It will be important that the VPFA instill a culture of transparent communication and collaboration within and across teams, building productive working relationships throughout the campus community. Additionally, the VPFA will cultivate a spirit of innovation, shared governance, mutual respect, integrity, and shared accountability, motivating teams to continue to provide a high level of service to units across the University.

Create capital and asset preservation project proposals and assist in capital project funding. Oversee requests for proposals (RFPs) for capital projects and contracts to ensure compliance with MinnState policy. Represent the University to local, state, and federal legislators in the development of University facilities.

Recommend and implement budget and financial policies and procedures, build relationships, and provide expert project management to assure the continued financial strength of the University. Ensure policies are consistent with State and system laws, policies and procedures and clearly communicated to the university community. Prepare resource allocations and coordinate changes in the budget plan to align with the University’s strategic priorities.

Provide leadership and direction for all university financial functions; strategic direction for space planning and allocation; oversight for updating and implementing the facilities master plan; and responsibility for developing and adopting best practices in all administrative processes.

VPFA will be proactive and intentional about embedding DEI into all their work, including procurement, hiring, retention, promotion, safety, external partnerships, accessibility, and resource transparency.

Required Qualifications

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Master’s degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, or a related field

At least 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in Finance, Facilities, Business Administration, or a closely related field

Experience with organizational planning and associated financial planning and budgetary policies

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Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of the overall operations of higher educational institutions and/or governmental operations.

Successful experience with administering collective bargaining agreements.

Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with internal and external constituencies to establish strong, lasting and productive partnerships.

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Other Requirements

The ideal candidate will have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Broad working knowledge of financial management, contracting, and capital project and asset preservation budgeting and planning.

Knowledge of environmental safety, security operations, Clery reporting, and emergency response planning.

Demonstrate creative leadership, innovation, and a mindset of continuous improvement; enthusiasm; a style that is genuine, open, and engaging; good judgment in recognizing talent and assessing where improvements are needed; the ability to make appropriate connections and build synergies; and an open and creative approach to problem-solving and a willingness to address issues.

Effectively lead cross-functional work team efforts to accomplish the goals of the Finance & Administration division.

Executive competence in strategic fiscal planning and managing budgets

Ability to analyze a variety of data sources to accomplish strategic outcomes

Proven effectiveness with data-driven problem solving and decision making