Job Description

Deputy Chief Financial OfficerReporting to the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Operating Officer, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer (Deputy CFO) is a strategic leader responsible for advancing the University's financial sustainability, operational effectiveness, and administration capabilities. The role provides leadership for financial planning, resource stewardship, business process improvement, risk management, and organizational performance, ensuring financial and administrative operations align with institutional priorities and support the University's academic, research, and growth objectives. The areas of oversight for the Deputy CFO are Accounting, Research Administration, Procure to Pay, Financial Planning and Analysis, Treasury, and the Business Systems Functional Team. Specific to those areas, the functions are financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management and reserve levels, debt capacity, student accounts, purchasing and payments, and administrative systems.Strategic Financial LeadershipThe Deputy CFO serves as a strategic partner to the CFO and executive leadership team, providing leadership and guidance on matters affecting the University's financial health, sustainability, and growth. The Deputy CFO helps develop and implement financial strategies that align resources with institutional priorities, support academic and research excellence, and ensure the University's continued ability to achieve its mission. The position also evaluates the financial impact of new initiatives, enrollment trends, legislative changes, and economic conditions, while ensuring compliance with applicable policies and regulations.The Deputy CFO is responsible for monitoring and assessing the University's overall financial condition, including operating performance, liquidity, reserves, debt capacity, and long-term financial forecasts. The position develops recommendations and strategies to maintain fiscal strength, financial resilience, and an appropriate balance between current operational needs and future investment opportunities.The Deputy CFO will also represent the institution externally, partnering closely with business and financial leaders to incorporate best practices in all areas reporting to the Deputy CFO, working with outside higher education research companies, relevant trade organizations, the State of Colorado on funding and compliance, and interfacing with other university or industry partners.Operational ExcellenceThe Deputy CFO will lead financial, administrative, and research operations, ensuring that key University business processes are streamlined, effective, efficient, stable, and mature. The position is responsible for advancing a culture of continuous improvement through business process re-engineering initiatives that simplify workflows, eliminate redundancies, strengthen internal controls, improve service delivery, and optimize the use of technology. The Deputy CFO will ensure that operational processes are scalable, sustainable, and aligned with institutional goals while providing the leadership and resources necessary to support organizational success.Data Analytics, Financial Modeling, and Decision SupportThe Deputy CFO will establish and advance financial analytics, forecasting, and modeling capabilities that support strategic and operational decision-making across the University. The position ensures leaders have access to timely, accurate, and actionable information to evaluate opportunities, assess risks, allocate resources, and measure performance against institutional objectives.Risk Management and ComplianceThe Deputy CFO partners with university leadership to identify, assess, and mitigate financial and operational risks that may impact the institution's ability to achieve its strategic objectives. The position ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and sponsor requirements while promoting a strong culture of accountability, transparency, and stewardship.Service Excellence and Stakeholder PartnershipThe Deputy CFO partners closely with academic and administrative departments to understand their needs and provide responsive, value-added financial, administrative, and research administration services. The position fosters a culture of customer service excellence, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement, ensuring that financial and operational processes effectively support the University's teaching, research, and public service missions.Minimum QualificationsAt least a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university in accounting, finance, or business Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license OR a Master's Degree in Accounting, Master's Degree in Business Administration or related degreeAt least 15 years experience in financial operations and progressive leadership across a complex and broad portfolio that must have included at least:12 years of experience leading multi-portfolio teams10 years accounting, financial planning and analysis, treasury management experience and financial systemsDocumented experience managing complex financial positions, $500 million or greaterDemonstrated track record of success building relationships and collaborating broad range of stakeholders both internally and externallyPreferred QualificationsPrior experience higher educationExperience in an R1 research setting is highly preferredCPA license and Master's Degree in Accounting, or MBA preferredPrior experience working in Workday, or similar complex enterprise level systemPrevious experience collaborating with state, local and Federal partners highly desiredCompetenciesVisionary leadership with the ability to drive institutional changeDeep understanding of higher education operations and governanceStrong financial, analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skillsAbility to balance strategic priorities with day-to-day operational demandsDemonstrated experience effectively communicating mission, vision and strategy at all organizational levels

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