Job Summary
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a senior executive strategic financial leader responsible for managing the financial actions of the community college. This position will serve on the President’s Advisory Council (PAC). The CFO ensures the long-term health and financial stability of the college by providing leadership and oversight and is expected to foster excellent stewardship of funds and ensure fiscal stability and integrity. The CFO serves as a key advisor to the College President and is responsible for leading the financial departments, managing budgets, financial reporting, and capital planning. This position will oversee implementation of automation to create efficiencies where possible.
Typical Job Functions
Financial Leadership and Budget Management:
Develop, implement, and oversee the college's annual budget process, ensuring financial sustainability and alignment with institutional priorities.Prepare long-term financial projections and forecasts based on enrollment trends, state appropriations, and other revenue streams.Manage resource allocation to support strategic initiatives, program development, and student success while maintaining fiscal responsibility.Provide transparent financial reporting to the President, Board of Trustees, and other stakeholders.Serve as an Ex-Aficio member of the Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees.Collaborate with state agencies and community college counter-parts on budget and fiscal matters
Supervision and Team Leadership:Directly supervise the Controller and Director of Grants, providing mentorship and professional development opportunities.Oversee the preparation of financial statements, grant management compliance, and financial audits.Ensure collaborative and effective communication between finance, grants, and other college departments.
Compliance and Risk Management:Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies, including the Department of Education (ED) requirements, Idaho state laws, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).Oversee risk management strategies, including financial controls, audits, and grant compliance.Maintain knowledge of higher education finance regulations and recommend policy adjustments as needed.
Strategic Planning and Institutional Support:Serve as a key advisor to the President and Board of Trustees on financial matters and strategic planning.Collaborate with academic leadership to align financial strategies with academic program growth and student support services.Participate in institutional planning efforts to support the expansion of programs and campus facilities.
Grant Management:Work closely with the Director of Grants to ensure effective grant management practices, including the application process, budget oversight, and compliance monitoring.Oversee the financial administration of federal, state, and private grant funding.
Procurement and Resource Management:Oversee the development of policies for efficient procurement and responsible resource utilization.Promote sustainable financial practices, including energy-efficient operations and cost-saving initiatives.Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
Experience: Minimum of 5-7 years in financial management, with at least 3 years in a senior financial role, preferably in higher education or a public sector organization.
Skills:
- Strong understanding of fund accounting and public sector financial principles.
Substantial experience in strategic planning, budget management, financial reviews, policy review, financial analysis, and capital project planning and oversight.Expert ability to interpret and appropriately apply general accounting principles and regulations.Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.Strategic thinker with experience in budgeting, planning, and financial reporting.Ability to lead automation in the office of finance.Incumbent must reside in Idaho (Currently CEI doesn't sponsor H-1B Visas)Additional Desired QualificationsCPA or CMA preferredProficiency in financial software and ERP systems, specifically Ellucian/ColleagueUnderstanding of the post-secondary budgeting process in IdahoKnowledge of career technical education fundingExperience with Idaho Department of Public Works
Working Conditions:
The CFO works primarily in an office environment, with occasional meetings on campus or with community stakeholders. May require meetings occasionally in Boise, Idaho.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:Sitting, standing, walking, keyboarding, reaching overhead, pushing, pulling, lifting, carrying, gross manipulations (involves hands), and standing or sitting (combination). Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.
Onsite work is essential and regular predictable attendance is required. Employees may be required to work at occasional events and handle tasks outside of regular working hours.
Background Investigations:Employment at College of Eastern Idaho will be contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background investigation and may require a credit and/or motor vehicle background investigation depending on the position. Please refer to Policy 225: Background Checks.
AA/EOE/ADA - Hiring is done without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or disability. In addition, preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.