Vice President of Finance

Department: Fiscal Services

Job Category: Administrative or Professional Faculty

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

Financial Background Check: Yes

George Mason University invites applications, nominations, and inquiries in the search for its next Vice President for Finance.

This individual must have significant experience and expertise in finance and/or accounting and the ability to collaborate with others to identify opportunities and solutions that advance the strategic goals of a large, complex organization. The next Vice President must be an effective, respected communicator with the ability to translate the University's finances into actionable information for University leadership, George Mason's Board of Visitors, and the broader campus community. They will play a key role in leading transformational change and improvements in business processes and systems. This individual must be a systems thinker with the ability to anticipate and collaboratively manage the impacts of decisions across the organization in a manner that fosters increased partnership and support.

The Vice President will oversee a staff of 100 across the following units of the Fiscal Services division: the Controller's Office; Budget and Planning; Purchasing and Accounts Payable; Fiscal Learning and Engagement; and Financial Planning and Analysis. This individual must have strong leadership skills, including a record of setting and achieving goals, supporting staff development, and ensuring a positive work environment.

George Mason, the largest public research university in Virginia, is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with national distinction in both academics and research. George Mason holds a top U.S. News and World Report "Up and Coming" spot for national universities and is recognized for its global appeal and excellence in higher education. The University has an operating budget of nearly $1.5 billion for fiscal year 2024-25.

Responsibilities:

The Vice President for Finance is responsible for:

• Overseeing the Fiscal Services division, inclusive of:
  • Controller's Office (encompassing Financial Reporting, General Accounting, Student Accounts, Payroll, International Tax, Fixed Assets, and Program Office for facilitating finance projects and automation efforts)
  • Budget and Planning
  • Purchasing and Accounts Payable
  • Fiscal Learning and Engagement
  • Financial Planning and Analysis
• Leading a division that is responsible for developing and monitoring sound fiscal policies and procedures for use by the entire University community to conduct all aspects of financial management of University business as stewards of state, donor, and University resources. The division delivers strong internal controls over University transactions and resources to support compliance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations as well as donor/sponsor requirements.
• Serving as lead on strategic projects and priorities and advisor to the Executive Vice President for Finance & Administration, Senior Leadership Team, and Board of Visitors (BOV) on financial and operational matters.
• Representing Fiscal Services and/or Finance & Administration on cross-functional initiatives supporting broader University projects and priorities, including interaction with component units and board membership for certain entities.
• Developing and delivering clear, concise, and relevant financial reports and analyses to University leadership, the BOV, and the Commonwealth on budget development and performance, as well as short- and long-term financial planning to support data-informed decisions including opportunities such as new partnerships/P3.
• Representing the University to appropriate agencies of the Commonwealth to respond to legislative requests and further University goals and initiatives.
• Monitoring industry trends and regulatory developments to keep the University up to date on laws, regulations, accounting and reporting standards, and best practices for budgeting, financial management, long-term planning, and resource utilization.
• Spearheading initiatives to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of University business processes and supporting systems in collaboration with colleagues across the University community and Commonwealth.
• Providing supervision and development for direct reports and extended Fiscal Services team members, inclusive of hiring, mentoring, coaching, and evaluating performance.
• Setting goals for the division supporting University strategic initiatives and ensuring continuous development of staff and improvement in services of the team utilizing new tools and processes to achieve maximum efficiency and results.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Minimum experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other attributes:

• Extensive experience in progressive roles leading a finance or accounting team in a large and/or complex organization.
• Supervisory experience managing a large team, including goal setting, performance management, and staff development.
• Extensive accounting or finance training/experience, such as budgeting, forecasting, planning, reporting, and audits.
• Knowledge of governmental or fund accounting and reporting principles.
• Considerable experience with ERP accounting and/or budget systems and reporting tools.
• Demonstrated success leading projects or initiatives to implement or improve processes and systems to gain efficiency and/or effectiveness.
• Exhibit excellent analytical, research, technical, and presentation (oral/written) skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point.

Preferred experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, or other attributes:

• Progressive experience in a higher education institution, public governmental institution, or other large complex organization.
• Knowledge of and experience with higher education budgeting and finance best practices.
• Experience with Ellucian Banner, MicroStrategy, and SQL.
• Knowledge of Commonwealth of Virginia budgeting and reporting practices.
• Project management proficiency.

Education, Licenses, and Certifications:

• A bachelor's degree in business, finance, accounting, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• An advanced degree in business administration, public administration, accounting, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience is preferred.
• A Certified Public Accountant license is preferred.

Instructions to Applicants:

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Vice President of Finance at https://jobs.gmu.edu/.

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a letter of interest addressing the themes in this profile and a CV or resume. WittKieffer is assisting George Mason University in this search. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and candidates are encouraged to submit materials at their earliest opportunity. Applications, nominations, and inquiries can be directed to Ryan Crawford, Jen Meyers Pickard, Ph.D., and Kim Migoya at GMU-VPFinance@wittkieffer.com .

Posting Open Date: 8/15/2024

For Full Consideration, Apply by: 10/1/2024

Open Until Filled?: Yes

Mason Ad Statement

Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason's diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create.

If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/!

George Mason University, Where Innovation is Tradition.

Equity Statement

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.

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