The Senior Associate Vice President of Fiscal Affairs (SAVPFA) for the Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania is a senior-level financial professional, reporting to the Vice President of Fiscal Affairs (VPFA), providing leadership and support to the VPFA in all aspects of the university’s financial and administrative operations. The SAVPFA will be responsible for developing and implementing financial initiatives aligned with the strategic priorities and mission of the university, comprehensive budget development and reporting, leveraging technology to develop and sustain internal financial analysis and reporting, compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, and providing financial leadership and guidance to the university community.

This role will collaborate and engage with the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), system universities, and external colleges, universities, and constituencies. This role will recommend enhancements of processes and procedures while leveraging technology, best practices in accounting and budgeting processes, and ensure a culture of quality improvement by engaging the fiscal affairs and university divisions, soliciting feedback, and leading organizational change.

• Accounting Services and Student Billing: Collaborate with the AVP of Accounting and Student Accounts in the support of those departments. Provide guidance for implementation of new financial regulations from the appropriate accounting boards and the PASSHE system. Manage and review any responses to audit findings. Lead the change and transformation for new or updates of financial systems in coordination with PASSHE as well as recommendations for fund center
• Budget Development, Business Analysis, Financial Reporting, and Strategic Planning: Continue to assess and modify the comprehensive budget model and philosophy for the university. This is an integrated model of annual budget and the required comprehensive planning process (CPP) for PASSHE. The budget model will contain various models depending on the division or unit including an activity-based, self-supporting, or zero-based methodology. Assist in divisional communication with vice presidents and training for leadership that provides greater financial acumen and understanding of their divisional resources. Work closely with the VPFA and divisional leadership for prioritization and optimization of their business needs and financial resources. Utilize and enhance the financial reporting capabilities for the university through the existing PASSHE business intelligence platforms, but also recommend, development, and implement additional analytical tools
• Auxiliary Services: Collaborate with the AVP of Auxiliary Services related to financial and operational aspects of campus dining and residential housing. Create a model of sustainability for the operations including deferred maintenance and provisions for capital replacement. Develop, document, and modify a cost analysis of Auxiliary Services facilities and space to support camps, conferences, and events. Engage with major contract providers for contract modifications and annual reviews.
• All Units of Fiscal Affairs: Coordinate and engage Fiscal Affairs leadership and team members in developing divisional and unit goals, implementing tactical actions to support the goals, and modifying the goals and actions as necessary in alignment and support of the university’s strategic goals. Review, recommend, and implement strategic position management for the Fiscal Affairs team with respect to professional development, succession planning, talent acquisition, key skill sets for positions, and roles and responsibilities. Create and sustain a culture of continuous improvement for all Fiscal Affairs processes, procedures, and workflows. This includes documentation, implementing a team(s) for a review cycle and modifications to gain efficiencies and effectiveness. Mentor and develop the Fiscal Affairs team through professional development opportunities, PASSHE system working groups, internal development training, and other external resources such as the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO).
• Communications and Counsel: Advise the VPFA with all matters pertinent to university operations, strategic planning, resource allocation, and sustainability for the university. Act or attend on behalf of the VPFA when necessary for the university.
• Supervision: This role will consist of three direct reports. The AVP of Accounting and Student Accounts, the AVP of Budget and Position Budget Management, and the AVP of Auxiliary Services.
• Purchase Requisition and Contracts Review: Thorough review of all purchase requisitions and contracts to support the mission of the university while ensuring that the division has sufficient funding, all PASSHE Procurement Shared Services requirements are met, review of the terms and conditions are fairly presented to safeguard the institution. When required review any terms and conditions that the vendor will not agree to with either PASSHE Procurement Shared Services or PASSHE Legal Office.
• Conduct: This role will uphold the mission and values of the Commonwealth University.
• Other Duties as assigned.

Note: Home campus is negotiable during the interview process and in agreement with the VPFA.

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, finance, or a business-related field.
• Seven years of significant and progressively more responsible leadership roles in fiscal management and operations including an in-depth understanding of financial and managerial accounting, multiple budget modeling concepts, and business analysis.
• Understanding of accounting standards, policies, and processes, including appropriate higher education industry accounting practices, Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) guidance, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Master’s degree in accounting, business administration, or finance is highly preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant license is highly preferred.
• High level of integrity and trustworthiness, as evidenced through providing sound, consistent and ethical financial counsel based upon the knowledge of financial best practices and associated legal requirements.
• Demonstrated strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills. Demonstrated ability to deliver results timely, thoroughly, and accurately. High level of energy and initiative.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills combined with a high level of customer service. Ability to collaborate, influence, and provide solutions.
• Thorough understanding of and personal involvement with finance/accounting and administration enterprise systems and methodologies (SAP preferred). Extensive working knowledge of university budgeting and financial reporting at the strategic level.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills. A cooperative and collaborative management style, with the ability to build strong relationships.
• Advanced knowledge of the Microsoft 365 applications and other data analytic applications.
• Ability to effectively interact with a diverse population and with internal and external constituents of the integrated university.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to multi-task and work independently.
• Effective time management skills and the ability to simultaneously handle multiple complex projects, as well as the ability to maintain a high level of production during sustained periods of major reporting requirements.
• This role will require frequent travel to the Commonwealth University campuses to ensure that the needs of the university and divisions are met in accordance with operations and strategic alignment.