Vice President for Administration & Finance and Chief Financial Officer

Vice President for Administration & Finance and Chief Financial Officer

Reporting directly to the University President and serving as a key member of the President's Cabinet, the Vice President for Administration and Finance / Chief Financial Officer (VPAF/CFO) is the University's chief administrative and financial officer. This executive provides strategic leadership, stewardship, and comprehensive oversight of the institution's administrative, financial, facilities operations, health and safety, compliance, and operational functions to ensure organizational effectiveness, fiscal integrity, regulatory compliance, and alignment with the University's mission, vision, and strategic priorities. The VPAF/CFO is responsible for fostering an integrated and service-oriented administrative infrastructure that supports the academic enterprise and enhances the overall student and employee experience.

The VPAF/CFO integrates financial management with administrative operations, serving as a senior advisor to the President and Cabinet on matters related to finance, human resources, facilities planning, business operations, compliance, procurement, and institutional risk management. This role requires a forward-thinking and results-oriented leader who can drive innovation, strengthen operational efficiency, and promote a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. The VPAF/CFO ensures that institutional decisions are supported by sound financial analysis, reliable data, and long-term planning, while maintaining flexibility to respond to evolving institutional needs and external challenges.

As a central member of the University's leadership team, the VPAF/CFO collaborates closely with academic and administrative leaders to advance institutional priorities, allocate resources strategically, and implement initiatives that support growth and sustainability. The position maintains strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external entities-including the Office of the Chancellor, Pennsylvania Department of General Services, legal counsel, regulatory agencies, and local municipalities-to ensure compliance with applicable laws and policies, facilitate efficient execution of capital and operational projects, and align institutional activities with broader system and governmental expectations.

The VPAF/CFO also serves as a visible and engaged leader, promoting transparency, open communication, and collaboration across the University community. This executive represents the University in external financial, administrative, regulatory, and governance matters, including interactions with system leadership and governing boards, and may act on behalf of the President in designated areas. Through effective leadership and stewardship of resources, the VPAF/CFO plays a critical role in advancing the University's long-term financial health, operational excellence, and institutional mission.

What Will I Do At ESU? (AKA Essential Duties)

Strategic Leadership and Institutional Stewardship

• Provide leadership in long-range financial and facilities planning, institutional effectiveness, and organizational improvement initiatives.
• Serve as a senior strategic advisor to the President and Cabinet on financial, administrative, operational, and capital matters.
• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous evaluation of the University's strategic plan as it relates to finance, administration, facilities, and resource allocation.

Financial Management and Fiscal Oversight

• Serve as the University's chief financial officer with responsibility for all fiscal services, including budgeting, accounting, procurement, financial reporting, cash and investment management, and internal controls.
• Provide financial analysis, forecasting, and modeling to support executive decision-making and institutional sustainability.
• Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP/GASB) and all applicable federal, state, and system regulations.
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting, audits, and external reporting requirements, including state system and federal reporting

Compliance, Risk Management, and Regulatory Affairs

• Serve as a primary authority on financial, administrative, and regulatory matters, interpreting complex policies, legislation, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee institutional risk management, insurance, claims administration, and safety programs to protect University assets and ensure campus well-being.
• Serve as the University's chief financial officer with responsibility for all fiscal services, including budgeting, accounting, procurement, financial reporting, cash and investment management, and internal controls.
• Oversee the development and administration of operating and capital budgets, including long-range financial forecasting, revenue and expense modeling, and position budget management.

Administrative Operations and Services

• Ensure effective operations, maintenance, and long-term stewardship of campus buildings, infrastructure, and physical assets.
• Lead capital planning, design, and construction initiatives, including alignment with the campus master plan and system-level priorities
• Provide executive oversight for administrative units including Human Resources, Labor Relations, Social Equity, Civil Rights/Title IX, Facility Operations, University Police, Parking, Environmental Health and Safety, and related compliance functions.
• Ensure effective operations, maintenance, and long-term stewardship of campus buildings, infrastructure, and physical assets.
• Lead capital planning, design, and construction initiatives, including alignment with the campus master plan and system-level priorities.

Leadership, Campus Engagement and Operational Excellence

• Serve as a visible, accessible leader who fosters trust, transparency, and collaboration throughout the campus community.
• Build strong partnerships with faculty, staff, students, governing bodies, and external stakeholders.
• Communicate complex financial, administrative, and operational information in a clear, transparent, and accessible manner.
• Ensure effective use of enterprise systems (ERP and financial systems) to support institutional operations, reporting, and decision-making.
• Demonstrate strong conflict resolution, negotiation, and relationship management skills in complex organizational environments.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• Master's degree in business administration, finance, accounting, public administration, or a related field. CPA, CMA, JD, or terminal degree strongly preferred.

• At least ten (10) years of progressively responsible leadership experience, with a minimum of five (5) years in a senior executive role.

• Experience managing in a complex organizational environment.

• Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, financial management, capital planning, and administrative operations.

• Valid driver's license and ability to travel independently including overnight.

• In-depth knowledge of accounting principles (GAAP/GASB), budgeting, procurement, human resource management, facility operations, labor relations, and regulatory compliance.

• Experience with enterprise financial systems, ERP platforms, and data analytics tools.

• Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change, manage complex stakeholder relationships, and operate effectively in a politically and regulatory complex environment.

• Experience with Word, Excel, Teams required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Significant senior leadership experience in higher education, preferably within a public or state system environment.

• Familiarity with Pennsylvania construction, procurement, and regulatory requirements.

• Experience managing or contributing to a campus master plan, capital improvement program, and facility condition assessments.

• Experience with collective bargaining environments and public-sector labor relations.

• Experience in financial strategy related to enrollment management, auxiliary enterprises, and revenue diversification.

What We Offer

• Outstanding benefits package including benefits such as medical from date of hire, retirement contributions, employee wellness program, and paid leave
• Salary: Based on Experience
• Living by the Warrior Code:
• Accountable for One''s Actions
• Committed to Self-Growth
• Willing to Sacrifice for the Greater Good
• Positive, Honest, and Loyal
• Respectful of the Environment and Community
• Dedicated to Empowering Others

Employment Eligibility & University Commitment:

Must be at least 18 years old and be able to read and write English. Employment with ESU is contingent on the selected candidate passing a thorough background check that includes: FBI fingerprinting, PA Child Abuse, and employment. We are proud ESU is an equal opportunity employer. For more information on President Long''s 10-point plan, click here: https://www.esu.edu/president/10-action-plan.cfm