Chief Financial Officer

What You'll Do

As Mercy University positions for deepened impact and continued growth, we are seeking an outstanding financial leader to become our next Chief Financial Officer (CFO), overseeing an annual operating budget of $150M. Accountable for Mercy's financial, investment, and risk management, the CFO will develop, drive, and embed an effective and innovative financial and operational strategy, complete with controls, systems, processes, and metrics that enable the organization to operate effectively and realize its growth potential. As a key member of the Leadership Team, the CFO will serve as the organization's primary financial leader, providing strategic counsel and championing and rallying the team in driving business priorities.

This is an ideal opportunity for a proven financial leader who is accustomed to managing a complex portfolio and aligns with our mission to provide quality, accessible education that helps students succeed and make a lasting impact on their communities.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Financial Leadership and Management

• Oversee the development and execution of all fiscal planning, resource allocation, and financial policies, ensuring effective management of restricted and unrestricted funds, in alignment with Mercy University's goals and while fostering a customer-focused approach to financial operations
• Manage cash and investments for operating and capital funds; liaise with the University's endowment management and investment firm to monitor Mercy's $350M endowment performance and ensure alignment with institutional objectives; monitor debt covenants, and serve as the liaison with rating agencies and auditors to maintain fiscal health and compliance
• Lead all risk management activities, including overseeing insurance coverages, claims management, and the Enterprise Risk Management Committee, to safeguard Mercy's assets and operations
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and provide regular reports to the President, Board of Trustees, and College Administration
• Ensure efficient handling of accounts payable and receivable, maintaining strong internal controls, and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and reporting requirement
  

Organizational Leadership and Strategy

• Manage and develop the finance team to ensure each team member is coached, developed, and well-positioned to achieve their goals and develop as professionals
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and service-oriented culture within the finance team; serve as a role model for the team and key collaborators
  
• Serve as strategic advisor to the President and others, effectively communicating and presenting financial matters to the President, the Leadership Team, Department Leaders, Board Committees – including acting as liaison to the Finance and Control, Audit, and Endowment Management committees – the full Board of Trustees, and serve as a staff liaison to the Faculty Senate and College Committees on Strategic Planning and Economic & Fiscal Matters
• In partnership with other senior leaders, drive organizational strategy and accomplishment of goals and advise on key strategic issues and decisions, informed by rigorous financial analyses, risk assessments, "what if" scenario modeling, and due diligence
• Collaborate closely with other senior leaders, including the Chief HR Officer, General Counsel, and other leaders on matters related to payroll, benefits, union negotiations, real estate and capital planning activities, and review of all contracts

Who You'll Work With

• You will report to Mercy University President, Dr. Susan Parish.
• You will supervise a team of 11-12, including two direct reports, the Controller and the Executive Director of Budget & Analytics.
• You will frequently collaborate with across the Board of Trustees, Leadership Team, program and faculty leads, and other key stakeholders across the Mercy University ecosystem.

• A minimum of 15+ years of overall professional experience, including at least five years in an executive-level financial leadership role. Experience in leading financial management, partnering with an executive team, providing strategic counsel, and knowledge of working with a Board. Prior experience in higher education is ideal and preferred
• Strong strategic and analytical capabilities, including financial planning, forecasting, modeling, and data analysis; able to leverage financial information to drive organizational decision making
  
• Track record of building and leading effective teams; evidence of building a customer-centric, data-driven team culture and coaching/developing others to maximize their potential
• Experience developing and/or improving financial systems, processes, and controls in an equally complex and dynamic environment
• Cooperative approach to executive leadership, and the ability to work effectively with cross functional teams to meet goals and improve organizational performance
• Strong communication, influencing, and listening skills with the demonstrated ability to articulate reasoning and thought process to diverse audiences
• Demonstrated capability to partner with academic and administrative leadership to set and achieve financial, strategic, and operational goals
• Expertise managing external resources, including auditors, benefit providers, and other professionals
• Extensive knowledge of financial planning and management systems
• Commitment to Mercy's mission and unwavering dedication to providing a quality education, student support, affordability, and innovation
• A bachelor's degree demonstrating exemplary strategic and financial acumen is required; MBA, MPA, MS in Accounting or Finance, and/or CPA or Certified Management Accountant highly preferred

Mercy University is an equal opportunity employer. Mercy University actively engages in recruiting a diverse workforce and student body that includes members of historically underrepresented groups and strives to build and sustain a welcoming and supportive campus community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, height, weight, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

Location

This position is based along the Hudson River in Tarrytown, NY, part of Mercy University's beautiful Westchester campus. There is flexibility for the incoming CFO to work one day from home each week.

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $300,000–$350,000, with the final offer depending on the candidate's experience and alignment with the key skills required for the CFO position. In addition to salary, we strive to provide employees and their families with a comprehensive and valuable benefits package. We offer high-quality healthcare plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts, flexible spending, and much more.