Chief Financial Officer at Virginia Union University – Richmond, Virginia

About Company:

Virginia Union University (VUU) is a distinguished private institution founded in 1865 that proudly upholds a legacy of academic excellence and community engagement. With a historic 86-acre campus, it offers a dynamic and nurturing environment for its 1,568 undergraduate and graduate students. Virginia Union University is recognized in the 2024 edition of U.S. News & World Report, holding a prestigious position as #39 among Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

VUU provides a robust array of academic programs, including 35 Bachelor's, 11 Master's, and one Doctoral degree. Virginia Union University remains steadfast in its commitment to offering accessible, high-quality education, instilling a sense of assurance and confidence in its students. It fosters a vibrant intellectual community dedicated to the holistic development of future leaders.

Five fundamental principles (core values) guide Virginia Union University. Each principle is essential to our ability to provide a Best-In-Class educational experience for students, faculty, and staff. These principles help our community understand the right path to fulfilling our institution's mission. The principles are Innovation, Spiritual Formation, Integrity, Diversity & Inclusion, and Excellence.

About the Role:

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for steering the financial strategy and health of the organization. This role demands a visionary leader who can develop and execute comprehensive financial plans that align with the company’s long-term objectives. The CFO will oversee all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, risk management, and financial reporting, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. By leveraging data-driven insights and strategic profit models, the CFO will drive sustainable growth and optimize organizational performance. Ultimately, this position is critical in safeguarding the company’s assets while enabling informed decision-making to support business expansion and shareholder value.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive financial leadership experience, including executive-level roles.
• Proven expertise in financial governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic financial plans and cost management strategies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with experience in measuring organizational performance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) or Finance.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
• Experience working in a publicly traded company or a highly regulated industry.
• Familiarity with advanced financial modeling software and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
• Proven track record of leading successful audit processes and managing relationships with external auditors.
• Must be able to lift 10 pounds.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and implementation of financial strategies that support the company’s overall business goals.
• Oversee financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and analysis to provide actionable insights to the executive team and board of directors.
• Manage financial risk by establishing robust controls, compliance frameworks, and governance policies in accordance with audit regulations.
• Drive strategic cost management initiatives to improve operational efficiency and profitability across all departments.
• Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to measure organizational performance and develop strategic profit models that inform decision-making.

Skills:

The CFO will utilize executive presence and leadership skills daily to inspire confidence and guide the finance team and broader organization. Strategic planning and execution skills are essential for developing long-term financial roadmaps and ensuring alignment with corporate objectives. Analytical problem-solving abilities enable the CFO to interpret complex financial data, identify risks, and implement effective solutions. Expertise in developing strategic profit models and measuring organizational performance supports data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement. Additionally, knowledge of financial governance, audit regulations, and strategic cost management ensures compliance and operational efficiency, safeguarding the company’s financial integrity.