Vice President Of Business And Finance

DEPARTMENT: Business Office

TITLE OF SUPERVISOR: President

SALARY RANGE: $100,000-$150,000, commensurate with experience, skills, education, and training.

MAJOR PURPOSE: The Vice President of Business and Finance (VPBF) serves as the University's key finance executive, working closely with the President, Board of Trustees, Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA), and Vice President of Operations (VPO) and as an integral member of the Senior Leadership Team. The VPBF oversees, monitors, and manages HIU's financial health in collaboration with stakeholders across the institution to ensure financial and operational strength, agility, and integrity.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Finance and Business

• Works closely with the President on overseeing HIU's financial landscape.

• Engages with other senior leaders to set priorities, grow existing revenue streams, and define new business models. Develops and executes creative strategies that fulfills HIU's mission.

• Directs all aspects of HIU's day-to-day financial operations and services, including budget development, cash management, grants financial management, and exercises executive control over budgets, and managing HIU's endowment, including all endowment accounting, unitization, and audit.

• Provides support to the Finance, Audit, and Investment Committees of the Board including presenting financial statements and preparing meeting packets and maintains the minutes for each committee.

• Supervises business and finance staff, currently the University's Controller, ensuring they are trained and performing optimally.

• Aligns resources to operational needs while balancing institutional goals.

• Oversees and supports student billings and collections.

• Leads and coordinates the external financial audit and the external auditor's preparation of the audited financial statements.

• Coordinates with the external auditors' preparation of the IRS Form 990.

• Implements strategies for expense management and contacts.

• Creates and develops timely and accurate financial forecasts and long-term financial planning processes and analyses to predict future growth for HIU.

• Implements and maintains robust internal financial controls and compliance measures to safeguard university assets and ensure regulatory compliance.

• Oversees payroll and the administration of university benefits, such as health insurance and retirement plans.

• Provides grant administration.

• Establishes and maintains relationships with external partners, including auditors, financial institutions, the Outsourced Chief Investment Officer, pension plan advisor, and other stakeholders.

• Responsible for risk management and mitigation, which includes assuring appropriate organization-wide insurance coverages and other business-related risk management.

Human Resources

• Serves as one of the University's key HR officials, collaborating closely with the President and VPO to establish and maintain HR-related policies and procedures in alignment with industry best practices, standards, and applicable federal, state, and local laws.

• Provides leadership over employee benefits including the annual renewal, open enrollment and day-to-day management.

• Oversees HR related legal claims and settlements.

• Partners with the DEI officer on internal practices that are fair, equitable, and inclusive (compensation, performance appraisals, etc.).

• Develops, communicates, and implements HR policies, procedures, and initiatives, by working with staff subject matter experts, including initiating or revising the Employee and Faculty Handbooks as appropriate, and assisting managers in the interpretation and implementation of policies and procedures.

• Provides oversight in the recruitment and on-boarding of new and diverse talent as needed and provides opportunities for professional growth and team development.

• Helps to promote positive employee morale, collegiality, wellness, retention, and a sense of community.

Facilities

Works with and provides leadership to the Director of Facilities and Campus Operations on all operations and maintenance of university facilities, as well as on the design, construction, and renovation of all facilities.

Other Duties as Assigned

As is expected of all employees, provide backup support for the University's major events (e.g., Graduation and Convocation) and general activities, as needed.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Capable of collaborating and communicating across all levels of the organization and adept at preparing and delivering presentations.

• BA in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Law, or a related field; MBA or relevant advanced degree preferred. CPA preferred, but not required.

• Proven experience (7+ years) in financial leadership.

• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic financial plans that drive revenue growth.

• Extensive financial and budget management experience, preferably with some endowment accounting expertise. Exposure to higher education is a strong preference.

• Extensive problem-solving skills and the ability to organize and manage complex functions are required.

• Must be skilled in using financial management software commonly used in higher education.

• Knowledge of Human Resource processes, compliance and best practices is required.

INSTITUTION INFORMATION: Established in 1834, Hartford International University for Religion and Peace (HIU) is a pioneering, interreligious, international university that has helped thousands of people find peace within, and many thousands more find peace with each other. At HIU, we engage in robust religious studies and meaningful interfaith dialogue to deepen our beliefs, respect our differences, and help bring peace to the world. Hartford International University offers degree programs and graduate certificates as well as leadership certificates. Its students are interested in serving their communities and deepening their own faiths, as well as understanding the faiths of others. Hartford International University also strengthens religious communities through its programs of research and education.

Hartford International University for Religion and Peace is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To apply, please contact humanresources@hartfordinternational.edu. A resume, cover letter, and three professional references are required. Typically only candidates who are selected for interviews will be contacted.