CFO - Chief Financial Officer

Our client, a respected higher education institution, is seeking an Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to provide immediate financial leadership during a critical transition period. This role will partner closely with the President and executive team to stabilize, assess, and enhance the institution’s financial operations, reporting, and long-term strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Provide executive-level financial leadership and serve as a strategic advisor to senior leadership and Board stakeholders

Oversee all aspects of financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, treasury, accounting, and financial reporting

Assess current financial health and implement short-term stabilization and long-term improvement plans

Lead development and execution of annual operating budgets and multi-year financial models

Ensure compliance with GAAP, federal/state regulations, and higher education funding requirements (grants, endowments, tuition revenue)

Partner with academic and administrative leaders on cost management, resource allocation, and program profitability

Evaluate and strengthen internal controls, financial systems, and reporting processes

Support audit readiness and manage relationships with external auditors

Provide oversight of cash flow, investments, debt, and capital planning

Mentor and lead the existing finance team; assess organizational structure and talent gaps

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA strongly preferred; MBA a plus)

15+ years of progressive finance leadership experience, including prior CFO or divisional CFO-level responsibility

Higher education experience strongly preferred (university, college, or academic medical environment)

Proven experience in interim leadership or navigating periods of transition/change

Strong understanding of fund accounting, grants management, and tuition-driven revenue models

Demonstrated ability to quickly assess environments and drive actionable improvements

Excellent communication skills with experience presenting to Boards and executive leadership

Ideal Candidate Profile

Hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves leader who can quickly establish credibility

Strategic thinker with the ability to execute tactically in a fast-paced environment

Experience with ERP/financial systems modernization (Workday, Banner, Oracle, etc.) is a plus