Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration - UT Southern

The University of Tennessee Southern (UT Southern) is seeking nominations and applications for the appointment of the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration (VCFA). The University is seeking a visionary and growth-oriented vice chancellor to lead institutional strategy, financial planning, and operational excellence. The VCFA reports directly to the newly named Chancellor, Dr. Melinda Arnold, and will be a key member of the senior leadership team. This position offers the opportunity to play a defining role in shaping the future of the University in a period of growth and transformation. 

UT Southern is the University of Tennessee System's newest as well as its smallest University. Acquired in 2021, UT Southern was formerly known as Martin Methodist College. Located in the charming town of Pulaski, Tennessee, UT Southern is uniquely positioned for growth along the expanding Interstate 65 corridor. UT Southern enrolls over 1,000 students and offers over nearly forty degree opportunities at the undergraduate and master's levels. This new leader will oversee a broad range of operational and financial units across campus, including the management of all business and financial functions, such as accounting, financial modeling, and internal controls. The VCFA will also act as the chief budget officer for the campus. In addition, human resources, information technology, facilities management, security, and campus operations will also report to this role.

The ideal candidate must be willing to support the ongoing efforts and implementation of UT Southern's ambitious inaugural strategic plan, Igniting Excellence. This plan is a vision that will guide the University toward a future of purposeful growth, positive transformation, and student success. The successful candidate will possess a bachelor’s degree (master's degree preferred) in accounting, business administration, finance, management, or a related field, and have at least five years of progressive leadership experience in financial management, strategic planning, and operational oversight. The next leader will also have demonstrated experience managing financial models, large-scale budgets, and data-informed decision-making processes. 

UT Southern is searching for a collaborative, hands-on, inspirational leader and problem solver who is transparent, instructive, and inclusive in the budgeting process. The successful candidate should have an understanding of working within a supportive University system and be adept at developing policies and procedures at the campus level. The new VCFA is expected to be visible and engaged throughout campus and the community. 

30% Financial Oversight & Strategic Leadership:

*Accepts fiduciary and operating responsibility for the campus and is accountable to the UT System, UT Board of Trustees, and external constituencies for the financial wellbeing of the campus.
*Establishes UT - Southern as a proactive, data-informed decision-making institution that promotes transparency in fiscal planning, including developing benchmarks for evaluating and assessing the impact and execution of fiscal policies, practices, and their effective implementation.
*Offers expert strategic planning and financial modeling advice to the chancellor and SLT on academic initiatives, tuition and fees, budget formulation, short and long-term financial planning, revenue enhancements, budget efficiencies, budget allocations, and other strategies for optimizing resource utilization.
*Identifies new sources of revenue to support existing programs and provides guidance for the creation and funding of new programs that foster the strategic mission of UT Southern.
*Oversees the development and maintenance of internal controls to safeguard the financial integrity of the university and ensure compliance with federal, state, and system regulations and policies.
*Oversees the development of financial procedures and best practices in alignment with University System policy.
*Coordinates with the State Building Commission, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC), and various other local and state agencies on financial and capital policy matters.
*Provides deep insights and strategic direction related to students, faculty, staff, space, real estate, and overall financial health.
*Attends monthly UT System Chief Business Officers (CBO) meetings; serves on system-wide committees, and supports UT System initiatives.

30% Financial Accounting, Financial Management,  Budgeting & Reporting:

*Ensures all accounting and reporting activities conform to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and all required local, university, state, and federal reporting is successfully completed. *Leads campus budget development efforts including annual operating budget development and preparation of capital budget requests in alignment with UT - Southern Strategic Plan and Master Plan.
*Leads campus budget managers with authoritative oversight and direction, ensuring that budget planning and management reflect sophisticated financial modeling and are aligned with the University's strategic objectives.
*Prepare the campus for transition to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) funding formula.
*Coordinates with vice chancellors to develop institutional processes for the financial management and compliance of sponsored projects in accordance with federal regulations, and university and sponsoring agency policies and procedures.
*Ensures the functionality and efficiency of financial services, audits, business operations, contracting and procurement, as well as budget development and analysis.
*Oversee contract administration and current and future contract providers,

20% Facilities and Capital Planning:
*Oversees key campus planning processes and is responsible for overseeing the planning, design, and construction of all maintenance and campus capital projects.
*Establish a plan for campus deferred maintenance,
*Develops, plans, and directs special projects, including but not limited to, renovations, space allocations, staffing, equipment purchases, leasing of off-campus space, and contracted services.

20% 
Supervision and Staffing:
*Directs and oversees the functional domains of Human Resources, Campus Services, Dining Services, Campus Safety & Security, fostering, nurturing, and developing expertise within teams for optimal performance.
*Encourage professional staff to develop and execute individual professional development plans.
*Promote active participation and training in relevant professional associations.
*Provide staffing recommendations for Finance & Administration.
*Coordinates and leads Finance & Administration staff meetings and retreats.

 

Competencies/Qualifications 

*Significant experience leading change, establishing accountability, and empowering others.
*Strong commitment to excellence and transparency, uncompromised integrity, and attention to detail.
*Prior financial management experience in the field of higher education.
*Robust understanding of higher education operations and the higher education financial landscape.
*Expertise in risk and financial management, budgeting, and reporting,
*Demonstrated expertise in financial modeling, and the creation and execution of budgets.
*Demonstrated expertise in project management, master planning, and strategic plan execution.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

*Background in working with a University Foundation or Institutional Advancement in the management of restricted funds.
*Experience with college or university athletics and athletic scholarships
*Professional certifications -CPA, CMA, CIA