Deputy Chief Financial Officer (Part-Time, Term-Limited)

Engineering a world of possibilities

Reporting to the Executive Vice President for Finance, Administration, and Operations, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer (Deputy CFO) provides leadership, strategic guidance and operational oversight for all financial, accounting, budget development, administration of research, cash and reserve management, financial analysis, and compliance and policy. In this capacity, the Deputy CFO will provide leadership of all financial and research operations, cash and reserves oversight, financial budgeting, analysis and modeling, and compliance and policy. The Deputy CFO will work to ensure that processes, procedures and systems are in place to effectively and efficiently manage the institution’s financial health and functions while supporting the University’s strategic plan through focused investment. In addition to internal stakeholders and peers, this position will forge and maintain productive relationships with other Colorado and national CFOs and other key stakeholders, the Colorado Department of Higher Education, and other related partners.

This is a part-time, term-limited, on-campus position.

Primary Areas of Responsibility

Leadership

The Deputy Chief Financial Officer will work with university leaders, cultivating trust and a shared understanding of complex financial concepts, administrative processes and systems, while providing insight and recommendations regarding financial and research operations, capital projects, ongoing operations, and cost management.   A key responsibility of this role will be to lead the finance, research, and compliance offices with ongoing collaboration and engagement with university academic and administrative leaders.

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 Colorado university partners.

The Deputy CFO will be looked upon for transparent, open communication regarding University finances and the underlying processes, procedures and systems in building relationships with faculty, staff, and student groups to gain insight into the financial and operational challenges faced by disparate departments and business units. The CFO will build consensus, helping the University navigate difficult conversations around priorities and constraints.

Building upon the University’s recent implementation of Workday, a new Finance, HR/Payroll system, the Deputy CFO will oversee to ensure the effectiveness of internal controls, enhance the business processes, assess the design of the system, oversee the development of financial reporting, and develop new tools and processes for financial and research business processes that will effectively support the University.

Financial and Research Operational Leadership

The Deputy CFO will lead financial and research operations, ensuring that key University business processes are streamlined, effective and efficient, stable, and mature. To achieve this, the Deputy CFO will lead dedicated teams of financial and research administrative professionals providing the support and modern tools required to enable their success.

The Deputy CFO will partner with academic and administrative departments to fully understand their day-to-day financial requirements, working to establish scalable funding models that allow them to fulfill their academic and administrative missions.

Financial Analysis, Modeling & Reporting

The Deputy CFO will work to enhance and mature financial models, developing new tools and processes for planning and analysis that will effectively support the University. Working with the CFO, the Deputy CFO will communicate internally and externally, conveying the present state of the University’s financial health, articulating any risks, challenges, or opportunities in an approachable manner, and tailoring messaging as needed to effectively communicate with diverse audiences. The Deputy CFO will contribute to both ongoing operational success and support the University’s strategic objectives, by ensuring that University stakeholders have the information needed to make informed decisions

Working with the CFO, the Deputy CFO will lead the University’s efforts to plan for a financially sustainable future through proactive, multiyear budgeting that balances the need for fiscal stability with thoughtful investment in strategic initiatives that support student, faculty, and staff success.  In the capacity of oversight of the University’s budget processes, the Deputy CFO will work with