Culver-Stockton College invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for an innovative and strategic executive to join the senior leadership team as the VicePresident for Finance and Administration (VPFA) & Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The VPFA/CFO will have an integral role in the implementation of a new strategic plan designed to support innovation and growth.

Culver-Stockton’s 140-acre campus sits high on top of “The Hill” overlooking the iconic Mississippi River in Canton, Missouri. Educating nearly 1000 students from all over the world, C-SC provides opportunities for students to explore their talents, set career goals, and develop leadership skills. The majority of C-SC Wildcats live on campus in residence halls or fraternity and sorority houses, within close proximity to academic classrooms, athletic facilities, dining options, and countless student life opportunities. Our close-knit community is home to 21 NAIA athletic teams, 10 Greek organizations, and over 50 student organizations.

The Vice President for Finance and Administration, who reports directly to the President, serves as the university's Chief Financial Officer and is part of the President’s Senior Leadership Group. The VPFA/CFO is primarily responsible for ensuring the College’s financial stability, overseeing its business and financial operations, including budgeting and forecasting, investments, capital projects, human resources, payroll, risk management, legal and contractual matters, facilities management, and information technology. Positions reporting directly to the VPFA/CFO include: Controller, Director of Accounting, Director of Human Resources, Director of Facilities, Director of Instructional Technology and IT Operations, Title IX Coordinator, and Wildcat Warehouse Manager. Preferred candidates will have a proven track record of leading and supporting growth and innovation initiatives. Duties and responsibilities may evolve over time.

Desired qualifications:
● An earned bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Master's degree and/or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) / Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) preferred.
● A minimum of 5 years of senior-level finance and administrative management experience, either within or outside higher education.
● Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build consensus and drive outcomes.
● Clear and transparent communication skills to accurately present the College’s financial position to the Board of Trustees, the President, and other key administrators.
● Capacity to work effectively with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, parents, trustees, community members, vendors, and public officials.
● A strategic mindset, with the ability to grasp the college’s long-term vision and collaborate with the President and leadership team to achieve it.
● Expertise in ensuring compliance with relevant federal and state regulations and laws.
● Familiarity with Human Resources, including laws, regulations, and benefits.
● Experience in senior financial administration, including budget preparation and working within a system of shared governance and mutual respect.
● Knowledge of investment decision-making, short-term capital (and cash) management, and long-term borrowing.
● Background in financial planning, particularly related to long-term forecasting.
● Familiarity with basic IT department functions, including cybersecurity, sufficient to provide broad departmental oversight
● Experience in managing endowment funds, ensuring compliance with donor-imposed conditions and guidelines set by the President and Board of Trustees.
● Proficiency in accounting and management of grant funds.
● Familiarity with risk management practices, including ensuring proper insurance coverage for the university.
● Experience in managing physical facilities and grounds.
● Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities, including the skill to identify, address, and resolve issues impacting institutional needs and priorities.

Responsibilities:
● Develop a comprehensive financial strategy aligned with the college's vision and strategic plan. The VPFA/CFO will lead revenue generation efforts and help allocate resources strategically across these areas to meet the institution’s objectives. The successful candidate will effectively use benchmarks to track progress, assess current and potential initiatives, and adjust resources to adapt to evolving trends.
● Oversee the successful management of financial operations, including the creation and implementation of both operating and capital budgets, while ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting. The VPFA/CFO will ensure essential financial processes—such as annual audits and preparation of 990s—are completed accurately and promptly, while ensuring budget managers across campus receive the necessary financial information to manage their respective budgets. The candidate will also be prepared to take a leadership role in managing debt and overseeing assets like cash, endowment, real estate, and other investments.
● Collaborate with the senior leadership group, the president, and the Board of Trustees to foster an environment of strategic financial stewardship. The ideal candidate will be a trusted advisor to senior leaders, particularly the President and the Board, offering insights on financial management matters. This leader will also clearly communicate the financial status of the University to campus stakeholders and engage with groups like faculty, staff, and trustees to inform decision-making.
● Oversee the University’s risk management and legal services, including collaboration with attorneys and insurers.
● Oversee management of IT and IT-related contracts.
● Manage the University's asset strategy, ensuring sound stewardship, optimization, and risk management of financial, physical, and investment assets to support the long-term sustainability of the institution, in partnership with the Board of Trustees.
● Work closely with the Board of Trustees and the President to prepare for Board meetings and reports. The VPFA/CFO will also provide financial advice to the Board and, in consultation with the Investment Committee of the Board and the Endowment Manager, oversee the College’s endowment investments.
● Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to employment, benefits, facility, property, and environmental issues.
● Supervise all aspects of implementation of employee benefit programs and implementation of human resource policies and programs.
● Supervise activities of the facilities department including construction project management, maintenance, housekeeping, and grounds maintenance.
● Work collaboratively with other departments on campus, including Admissions, Financial Aid, Athletics, and Academics, to manage scholarship awards, receipt, accounting, and compliance.
● Represent the college at professional and public meetings as needed.
● Other duties as assigned by the President.