Executive Vice President, Finance

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Academy of Art University is seeking a strategic and experienced Executive Vice President, Finance to lead and manage the financial operations of our University. This role requires a proven financial leader with deep experience in the public sector or higher education finance, a strong commitment to fiscal integrity and transparency, and a demonstrated ability to align financial strategy with institutional mission and long-term goals.

The Executive Vice President, Finance will serve as a key advisor to the President and Board of Directors, providing high-level financial counsel and strategic insight to support data-driven decision-making across the institution. This leader will oversee budgeting, financial planning, investment strategy, capital financing, and enterprise risk management while ensuring compliance with all relevant regulatory frameworks.

This position will require travel to San Francisco on occasion, though we are open to candidates based outside of the Bay Area

Responsibilities:

• Direct daily cash operations, to ensure cash needs of the Academy are met through cash planning and analysis. This requires internal reports of cash forecasts, financial forecasts, and budgets.

• Lead daily financial operations including accounting, payroll, accounts payable/purchasing and accounts receivable management.

• Supervise and coach the Controller and other key financial staff, fostering a culture of accountability and growth.

• Manage development of monthly, quarterly and annual financial reporting, cash forecasting and budgeting.

• Provide financial leadership and strategic guidance to the President and Board of Directors; assisting with long- and short-term planning and investment strategies.

• Manage, review and approve all financial reporting of external and internal reporting ensuring accuracy and compliance with applicable standards and regulations.

• Lead and manage the external audit process and respond to audit inquiries and recommendations.

• Supervise the preparation and review of the composite score calculation, ensuring accuracy and regulatory compliance.

• Ensure effective implementation of accounting policies, internal controls and departmental procedures across financial operations.

• Monitor financial metrics and recommend corrective actions to ensure alignment with financial goals.

• Successfully manage relationships with bankers, external auditors, attorneys, vendors and insurance broker relationships.

• Consult with the President on all existing and proposed contracts, including the negotiation of financing arrangements on behalf of the University.

• Provide financial reports and analysis to the President and Board of Directors.

Required Qualifications:

• Experience with managing the preparation and review of the composite score calculation, ensuring accuracy and regulatory compliance

• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in public sector or for-profit higher education financial management

• Demonstrated experience with financial systems and compliance, including audits, regulatory reporting, and budgeting

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, accounting, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience (advanced degree strongly preferred)

• Extensive experience collaborating with Financial Aid on fiscal operations and compliance.

• Proven expertise in: Strategic budget development and financial forecasting, leading, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams across finance, procurement, and auxiliary operations, presenting financial performance and strategy to senior leadership, and Board of Directors

• Strong analytical, organizational, and decision-making skills with a demonstrated commitment to fiscal integrity and accessibility

• Ability to build strong cross-functional relationships and lead through collaboration and influence

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification

• 10+ years of executive-level experience in higher education finance, ideally within a for-profit univ