Chief Financial Officer

Are you looking for a financial leadership position in a great location? Lakeshore College has exclusively retained The QTI Group to lead the search for a Chief Financial Officer who will serve as a trusted financial advisor to college leadership, providing accurate financial analysis, recommendations, and guidance to support institutional decision-making and long-term financial sustainability. This leader will oversee the Finance Department, providing strategic direction and leadership across accounting, budgeting, auditing, debt management, and fixed asset management, while fostering a culture of exceptional customer service and responsiveness for internal and external stakeholders.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Strategic Financial Leadership (75%)

Serve as a strategic financial advisor to the Vice President of Administration, President, and College leadership, providing financial analysis, recommendations, and guidance to support institutional decision-making and long-term financial sustainability.

Develop and implement the College’s financial strategy in alignment with institutional goals, strategic priorities, and long-term financial objectives.

Lead and oversee the annual budgeting process, including budget development, modifications, financial projections, forecasts, assumptions, and required budget documents and reports.

Develop and maintain financial forecasts, historical financial data, and short- and long-term financial models; monitor financial performance, analyze variances and trends, and develop options and recommendations related to resource allocation and balancing the budget.

Direct and coordinate managerial and financial reporting, including financial statements, budget reports, forecasts, cost allocation reports, and other reports required by the state, WTCS, and other external agencies.

Oversee the College’s financial systems, including the ERP financial module and budgeting software, ensuring accurate financial data, effective reporting, system integrity, and efficient financial processes.

Oversee the College’s cash flow, banking, investments, liquidity, and debt management, including long-term debt planning, debt issuance, repayment schedules, and related financial obligations.

Provide financial leadership for capital planning and capital projects, including funding strategies, capital budgets, financial scenarios, and long-term capital needs.

Establish and implement financial policies, procedures, and internal controls; interpret and apply applicable accounting standards, state directives, WTCS requirements, and federal and state regulations to ensure financial compliance and manage financial risk.

Oversee procurement and purchasing services and ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and College policies.

Represent the College’s Finance function within the College and with community, state, and regional organizations, including participation in the WTCS Business Officers group.

Financial Management, Auditing and GASB/FASB Implementation (25%)

Oversee internal and external audits, including coordination with auditors, preparation of audit materials, and implementation and monitoring of audit recommendations.

Lead the preparation and publishing of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), including annual financial statements, footnotes, and statistical reports; submit ACFR to the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) award program.

Prepare and review annual financial statements, footnotes, and statistical reports in accordance with governmental accounting standards and WTCS requirements.

Interpret and implement GASB, FASB, AICPA, WTCS, and other applicable accounting standards and requirements; analyze the financial and reporting impact of new standards and principles and ensure appropriate implementation.

Oversee the reconciliation of budgetary statements to GAAP financial statements for audit and financial reporting purposes.

Reconcile budgetary statements to GAAP financial statements for audit and financial reporting purposes.

Act as fiscal agent for WILM.

Manage the Finance Department budget, including monitoring actual results against planned budget performance and providing budget justification as needed.

MANAGER ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsible for the direction, coordination, supervision, and performance management of team members.

Set clear expectations by establishing roles, responsibilities, and setting goals for team members.

Monitor and assess performance, holding team members accountable and providing ongoing feedback.

Provide guidance and support through training, mentoring, and open communication.

Carry out managerial responsibilities in accordance with the College’s policies and procedures.

Collaborate with other departments to ensure cohesive college operations.

Address and resolve any conflicts or issues that arise in a timely manner.

Foster a positive and productive work environment encouraging teamwork and recognizing achievements.

Develop team members by identifying strengths, creating development plans, and offering growth opportunities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related discipline required.

Eight to nine years of progressive leadership and management experience, including enterprise-level operational oversight and demonstrated experience in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting in an educational or public-sector setting required.

Knowledge of public sector generally accepted accounting principles and reporting standards as promulgated by GASB.

Experience planning, implementing, and monitoring budgets within an educational setting.

Familiarity with educational settings, general public relations, and the mission of technical colleges.

Extensive experience in higher education administration in a technical/community college setting.

Extensive working knowledge and experience of federal, WTCS, and local regulations pertaining to finance, facilities, and procurement.

Registered certified public accountant (CPA) preferred.

Annual Salary Range: $122,283 – $143,874, based on experience and qualifications.