Vice President For Financial Services/Cfo

Position Title: Vice President for Financial Services/CFO

Department: Business Administration

Date Prepared: May 2024

FLSA Status: Exempt / Full Time

Standard of Christian Commitment

Employees must be professing Christ followers who possesses a strong commitment to the mission and core values of Southwestern Seminary and Texas Baptist College, possess a clear understanding of Southern Baptist heritage and culture, and agrees to serve in accordance with and not contrary to the current edition of the Baptist Faith and Message.

Southwestern Seminary, an entity of the Southern Baptist Convention, is a confessional institution. While the Seminary serves the larger evangelical Christian community, employees must embrace the values and standards the Seminary represents as it fulfills its mission of shaping Christian leaders within our denominational context.

Since job duties require an employee to represents the Seminary to prospective and current students, candidates must abide by the Seminary bylaws, the Employee Handbook, and the current edition of the Baptist Faith and Message as a condition of employment.

Job Summary:

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at the Seminary serves as a pivotal member of the President's senior leadership team, directing financial strategies and ensuring the institution's fiscal health and compliance. The role encompasses a broad array of responsibilities, including financial planning and oversight of multiple departments crucial to the Seminary's operations. The CFO collaborates closely with executive leadership, the Board of Trustees, and external stakeholders to make informed decisions that align with the organization's mission and objectives. With extensive decision-making authority, the CFO plays a critical role in shaping the Seminary's financial future while upholding the highest standards of confidentiality and ethical conduct. This position requires a seasoned financial leader with a comprehensive understanding of finance, accounting principles, and regulatory compliance, along with exceptional communication and leadership skills. The CFO must possess a commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and ethical conduct within the institution.

Essential Job Functions / Responsibilities

• Develop financial strategies by forecasting capital, facilities; identifying monetary resources; and developing action plans.

• Monitor financial performance by measuring and analyzing results; initiating corrective actions; and minimizing the impact of variances.

• Ensure credibility of the Finance group by providing timely and accurate analysis of budgets, financial trends, and forecasts.

• Lead efforts to identify, acquire, and implement systems and software to provide critical financial and operational information.

• Evaluate and advise on the impact of long-range planning, introduction of new programs/strategies, and regulatory action.

• Enhance and/or develop, implement, and enforce policies and procedures of the organization by way of systems that will improve the overall operation and effectiveness of the corporation.

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with senior executives to identify their needs and seek a full range of business solutions.

• Ensure that effective internal controls are in place and ensure compliance with GAAP and applicable federal, state, and local regulatory laws and rules for financial and tax reporting.

• Oversee and manage financial and budgetary affairs, direct facility maintenance and improvements,

• Serves as a member of the Presidents senior leadership team.

• Serves as a member of the Data Governance Council.

• Act as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Seminary under the direction of the President.

• Direct and oversee the work of the following departments/programs: Accounting/Finance, Student Financial Services, Campus Housing, Event Management, Purchasing, Facilities Maintenance, Warehouse Support, and third-party contractors for custodial and dining services while fostering a culture of continuous improvement, professional growth, and collaboration.

Skills / Requirements

• Financial Analysis: Expertise in financial analysis and decision-making based on financial data.

• Accounting: Strong understanding of accounting principles, corporate finance, and financial reporting.

• Technology: Proficiency with financial software and systems, including ERP platforms.

• Data Analysis: Ability to leverage big data analytics and financial modeling tools.

• Leadership and Management: Ability to inspire and lead teams, manage cross-functional projects and initiatives.

• Communication: Excellent presentation and written communication skills, capable of explaining complex financial information to stakeholders with different levels of financial acumen.

• Financial Management: Extensive experience in and knowledge of finance management, including planning, forecasting, and budgeting, and cost control principles.

• Leadership: Proven experience in a leadership role, ideally within the finance department of a mid-sized or large organization.

• Strategic Planning: Experienced in strategic planning and execution.

• Compliance and Control: Knowledge of compliance, financial reporting, and legal requirements in finance.

• Industry-Specific Experience: Depending on the industry, specific background might be required (e.g., religious, on-profit, high education)

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage complex and critical decision-making.

• Ethics: High ethical standards and professionalism, with a commitment to maintaining confidentiality.

• Exhibits a humble, patient, and collaborative spirit in order to create a healthy and vibrant work culture for the staff team.

• Possess a strong work ethic and initiative.

• Ability to multi-task, pays attention to detail, and be a team player.

• Expectation to strive for personal and professional growth in leadership and general ministry effectiveness.

• Function at a high level successfully achieving institutional goals through the values of being Grace Filled, Christ Centered, Scripturally Grounded, Confessionally Guided, Student Focused and Globally Engaged.

Qualifications / Education:

• Bachelors degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or related fields; masters degree preferred.

• Significant experience in non-profit accounting.

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred or significant experience overseeing accounting and finance functions

• 10+ years of progressively responsible financial leadership roles, preferably in religious, non-profit, higher education environments