Job Title: Chair - Accounting and Financial Studies Program
Academic Enterprise(s): School of Business
Reports To: Dean - Business and Education
University Mission: Rochester Christian University is a Christ-centered institution that empowers students to lead lives of personal and professional significance while serving God in a changing world.
Position Summary: Supports the Dean of Business and Education by providing internal oversight of the Accounting and Financial Studies Program. This includes strategic, curriculum, and budget planning; engaging faculty in program review; and managing personnel, including the hiring, training, and oversight of adjunct instructors. Teaches 21 credit hours per academic year and advises approximately 20 students.
Desired Qualifications:
It's preferred that the ideal candidate will have an earned Ph.D. or D.B.A. in an accounting or finance-related discipline from a regionally accredited institution.
Candidates with a Master of Accountancy (M.Acc.) or M.B.A. from a regionally accredited institution combined with a CPA license and substantial industry experience will be considered.
Record of successful higher education teaching and administrative experience.
Three plus years of professional experience in public, corporate, governmental, or non-profit accounting/finance.
Previous experience as a department/program chair or director or leading curriculum and accreditation efforts (e.g., ACBSP, AACSB).
Experience with modern accounting software, data analytics, or AI-integrated financial tools.
The faculty member upholds RCU's EPIC Academic Philosophy - Exploring, Preparing, Integrating, and Calling - ensuring that even a single-course role reflects the university's commitment to student formation, Christian mission, and purposeful learning.
EPIC-Aligned Competency Responsibilities:
Exploring
Intellectual Curiosity, Breadth of Learning, and Study Skills Formation
Promotes connections between general education, RCU virtues for the formation of students, and vocation, across the School of Business and the Accounting and Financial Studies Program.
Expand contextual understanding and intellectual breadth across programs (liberal arts foundation).
Design learning activities that help students explore diverse ways of knowing, problem-solving, and engaging with academic content.
Connect course content on study strategies to students' broader academic goals and intellectual curiosity.
Stay current with best practices in college success pedagogy and learning strategies research.
Research and pursue grants and outside funding to support the School of Business and the Accounting and Financial Studies Program.
Preparing
Academic Readiness, Skill-Building, and Professional Competency
Manage classes and curriculum, which includes: preparing and presenting changes to the School of Business, assessing program effectiveness, preparing reports for accreditation agencies, adjusting class offerings to match demand, and ensuring efficient scheduling of classes.
Facilitate engaging, effective learning activities appropriate for college students in-person and online.
Provide knowledge and skill instruction tailored to diverse learners, including adult learners and first-generation college students.
Collaborate with School of Business and Accounting and Financial Studies faculty to ensure consistent delivery and quality across all course sections.
Engage faculty in strategic planning, program review, and quality improvement initiatives for majors offered by the program.
Use current technology effectively to support instruction and student engagement in both seated and online learning modalities.
Integrating
Applied Learning, Feedback, and Connection to Campus Resources
Represent the department to external stakeholders, including businesses, governments, and nonprofits, and actively seek external partnerships for the School of Business.
Act as a brand ambassador for the School of Business and the Accounting and Financial Studies Program.
Hold regular program and advisory board meetings.
Help students connect academic study skills to real-world application across their disciplines and future careers.
Grade assignments and provide timely, constructive feedback that supports student growth and self-awareness.
Guide students in accessing campus academic resources and support services as an integral part of the course.
Contribute to School of Business team meetings and course alignment discussions to support program coherence and student success outcomes.
Evaluate transfer courses within 48 hours or less.
Provide academic advising to students, as assigned by the dean or advising services.
Calling
Faith Integration and Vocational Discernment
Uphold and model the university's Christian mission in all teaching, feedback, and student interactions.
Help students connect academic goal-setting and learning strategies to a broader sense of purpose, calling, and service.
Create a classroom environment that reflects Christian values of dignity, encouragement, and care for the whole person.
Encourage students to view their academic development as part of their formation as persons of faith and vocation.
Participate in scholarship and service, and maintain a strong presence on campus as outlined in the faculty handbook.
Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes
Ability to manage program budget and personnel, including faculty evaluations and workload, as well as hiring, training, and oversight of adjuncts.
Experience and skill in teaching diverse learners, and the ability to use current technology.
Ability to manage time independently and to collaborate with campus partners.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with others.
Deep understanding of how students learn, leveraging innovative curriculum and support strategies to drive student success and employability.
Insight into industry trends, job market opportunities, and the evolving education landscape.
Leadership style that emphasizes collaboration, teamwork, and facilitation.
Supportive of the University mission. Indicators of this support include a demonstrated personal faith in Jesus Christ and being active in a local church.
REQUIRED WITH APPLICATION
Cover letter - Explicitly highlight your leadership philosophy and explain why your experience fits the specific needs of the Accounting & Financial Studies Program and a Christian university
Curriculum Vitae