Associate Vice President of Finance

Company: Pacific Lutheran University
Location: Tacoma
Posted on: March 25, 2025

Job Description:

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.Hiring Range: $130,000-$160,000 per year, plus excellent benefits.Location: Tacoma, WA 98447.Department: Business OfficePosting Date: 03/18/2025Closing Date: When a sufficient number of qualified applicants has been identified.Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8am - 5pmOther hours as needed.This position may be eligible for some remote/hybrid work.General Description:The Associate Vice President of Finance provides collaborative leadership and strategic direction for the university's Business Office. This vital role champions the financial health and sustainability of the institution while fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and equitable resource allocation. The AVP of Finance oversees a team of 11 dedicated professionals who manage the core financial functions of the university, including:

• Accounting and Financial Reporting
• Payroll Administration
• Accounts Receivable & Collections
• Cashiering Operations
• Audit & Tax Compliance
• Budget Development and ForecastingThe AVP of Finance serves as a key member of the Administrative Services leadership team and the President's Council, reporting directly to the Vice President of Administrative Services and Chief Operating Officer.Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
  • Champion a culture of exceptional customer service, ensuring that the Business Office effectively and respectfully serves the unique and varying needs of campus constituencies.
  • Collaborate with campus partners to develop and deliver financial training and guidance on topics such as budget management, expense monitoring, internal controls, and cash handling procedures.
  • Represent the university in interactions with external stakeholders, including financial institutions, regulatory bodies, and professional associations to foster strong relationships and promote the university's financial interests.
  • Provide strategic leadership in the establishment and stewardship of the University's financial policies and transactional standards. Ensure financial policies and procedures are consistent with the University's mission and strategic plans, in compliance with Board of Regents' policies, State and Federal fiscal management laws and regulations, and generally accepted accounting standards.
  • Maintain an effective accounting system that builds proper financial reporting and ensures the safeguarding of University assets. Recommend and implement changes as needed.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to the President, VP of Administrative Services and Chief Operating Officer, and the Board of Regent's Investment and Budget, Finance, Audit and Compliance committees, providing strategic financial insights and contributing to short and long-term organizational planning.
  • Develop comprehensive financial forecasts in collaboration with the Chief Analyst Officer and other University leadership, anticipating future needs and ensuring the institution's financial sustainability.
  • Oversee the timely and accurate preparation of financial reports for internal and external stakeholders, including monthly results of operations, auxiliary services, capital transactions, budget-to-actual analyses, and other critical financial information.
  • Collaborate with the Vice President of Administrative Services and COO to facilitate the annual budget process, providing expert guidance and support.
  • Treasury Management:
  • Oversee all treasury functions, including establishing and maintaining strong relationships with banking and investment partners.
  • Implement effective cash flow management strategies, providing real-time insights into the University's daily cash position and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
  • Collaborate with university financial advisors and the Investment Committee to manage the investment process for university cash, endowments, and other funds, optimizing returns while adhering to ethical and fiduciary standards.Compliance & Control:
    • Oversee the University's day-to-day accounting operations, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of financial records. Establish, evaluate, and enhance the University's internal control framework, ensuring compliance with federal guidelines, including A-133 Audits of States, Local Government and Non-Profit Organizations.
    • Oversee donor and endowment accounting, annual scholarship budgeting and spending rates, coordinating closely with the Advancement Division to ensure transparency and accountability.
    • Serve as the primary point of contact for all external financial and tax audits, coordinating the preparation of annual financial statements and audit reports for the University and the University's 403(b) retirement plan.
    • Ensure compliance and oversight of tax-exempt bond financing and accounting.Commitment to Equity:This position plays a critical role in promoting equitable resource allocation and ensuring that financial policies and practices support the University's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The AVP of Finance will actively seek to identify and address any systemic barriers that may hinder equitable access to resources and opportunities.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
      • Deep understanding of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), government regulations, and industry best practices.
      • Working knowledge of and experience in managing core financial functions including Accounting, Accounts Payable, Student Receivables, and Payroll.
      • Exceptional leadership skills with a proven ability to cultivate a collaborative and inclusive work environment that emphasizes teamwork, communication, trust, and patience.
      • Strong work ethic, characterized by integrity, accountability, and a commitment to excellence.
      • Proficiency in complex accounting systems and a strong understanding of the role of technology in financial management.
      • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively convey complex financial information to diverse audiences.
      • Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with the ability to work effectively with individuals from various backgrounds.Required Qualifications:
        • Bachelor's degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, or related degree.
        • Five years of financial leadership experience.
        • Finalist candidates must satisfactorily complete pre-employment background and credit check.Preferred Qualifications:
          • Experience in a nonprofit setting with annual budgets exceeding $20 million. This could include experience as a controller.
          • CPA or CMA.
          • Experience in fund and/or endowment accounting.
          • Experience working with/in institutions of higher education.Work Conditions:Physical Requirements:Special Instructions to Applicants:Other Information:PLU is a small, private university where caring means more than kindness and consideration - it means a bold commitment to expanding well-being, opportunity, and justice. Because PLU is a community committed to the creation and advancement of knowledge through diversity and inclusion, the university actively recruits a diverse faculty, staff, and student body. PLU is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from members of historically underrepresented and minoritized groups, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and others who would bring broadly diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds in educational, research, or other work activities.PLU offers an excellent benefits package including tuition remission for employees and their dependents, retirement plan, medical, dental, paid vacation and sick leave, major holidays off (including Christmas/New Year's break), additional flexible time off, and many other great university benefits. PLU is a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program as a 501(3) tax-exempt organization. Click here for detailed benefits information.For general application questions or if you need accommodations at any point in the application and/or interview process, please contact the Human Resources Office at 253-535-7185 or humr@plu.edu.Supplemental Questions
            • * Do you have a Bachelor's degree?
              • Yes
              • No
              • * Are you 18 years of age or older?
                • Yes
                • No
                • * Are you legally eligible to work in the United States on your hire date AND legally authorized to work in the United States for Pacific Lutheran University without sponsorship now or indefinitely into the future?
                  • Yes
                  • No12180 Park Ave. STacoma, WA 98447(253) 535-7185www.plu.edu
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Keywords: Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma , Associate Vice President of Finance, Executive , Tacoma, Washington