Vice President for Finance and Administration

About Georgia College & State University

As the University System of Georgias designated public liberal arts university Georgia College & State University offers students the educational experience expected at private liberal arts colleges with the affordability of public higher education. Our students learn to be analytical thoughtful and incisive; these skills prove to serve them throughout their careers and lives. Georgia College is a perfect choice for motivated service-minded students who seek an engaging campus community which offers educational experiences that extend far beyond the traditional classroom into the community to provide intellectual professional and personal growth.

Mission

From its founding as a womens educational center in 1889 our institution has consistently been a destination for students looking to make a difference in the world. We are Georgias designated public liberal arts university. More importantly we teach every student how to learn; and we strive to instill a lifelong passion for learning that serves our students well regardless of the career paths they choose. Georgia College & State University is located in Milledgeville a small but thriving college town less than two hours from Atlanta.

Vision

Georgia College & State University will be a nationally preeminent public liberal arts institution.

Rankings & Recognitions

Georgia College & State University is a leader in delivering a high-quality education at a public-school price.

• Recognized as one of Americas top colleges. (US News & World Report Princeton Review The Wall Street Journal Forbes Magazine Money Magazine Best Colleges)

• Highest academic success rate in the nation. GCSUs student athletes have led the United States with the highest academic success rate among all NCAA Division II schools for the past four years.

• Third-highest graduation rate in the USG. Our four-year graduation rate is the third-highest among all 26 colleges in the University System of Georgia.

• Ranked No. 15 in the Southeast. GCSU is ranked 15th among all public and private universities in the 12-state Southeast region of the U.S. GCSU is also ranked third among all public and private universities within the state of Georgia. (US News & World Report Regional Universities South)

• No. 4: Most Innovative. GCSU is ranked fourth among all universities in the 12-state Southeast region of the U.S. GCSU is also ranked first among all public and private universities within the state of Georgia. (US News & World Report Most Innovative)

• No. 5: Undergrad Teaching Programs. GCSU is ranked fifth among all universities in the 12-state Southeast region of the U.S. GCSU is also ranked second among all public & private universities within the state of Georgia for its instructional approach. (US News & World Report Undergraduate Teaching)

• No. 6: Top Public School. GCSU is ranked sixth among all public and private universities in the 12-state Southeast region of the U.S. GCSU is also ranked first among all public universities within the state of Georgia.

About the Division of Finance & Administration

The Division of Finance and Administration is responsible for overseeing effective and efficient business practices with sound stewardship and advancement of human financial and physical resources of the university. The Office of the Vice President is responsible for the leadership and oversight of the following operational units:

• Institutional Budget Office
• Financial Planning
• Budget Development
• Budget Maintenance and Reporting
• Position Management and Reporting
• Auxiliary Services
• Bobcat Card Office
• Dining Services
• Bookstore
• Mail Services
• Parking & Transportation
• Vending
• Facilities Management
• Operations & Maintenance
• Building Services
• Capital Planning & Project Management
• Landscape & Grounds
• Environmental Health & Safety
• Financial Services
• Accounting
• Business Office
• Grant & Contract Administration Post Award
• Payroll
• Information Technology
• Enterprise Applications
• Information Security
• Infrastructure
• Technology Support
• Office of Human Resources
• Talent Management
• Employee Relations & Benefits
• Organizational Effectiveness
• Materials Management & Central Receiving
• Purchasing
• Asset Management
• Moving Services
• Public Safety
• Emergency Management
• Investigations Patrol

About the Role

The Vice President for Finance and Administration provides leadership strategic planning and coordination of the universitys financial and administrative operations to ensure optimal support of the universitys mission and goals. As a member of the Presidents Executive Cabinet and senior staff the Vice President serves as the chief steward of the universitys financial human and physical resources. The Vice President provides leadership for process improvement and service excellence across the division ensures effective coordination and consultation with appropriate University System of Georgia (USG) officials and works collaboratively with other university leaders on initiatives that advance the mission and strategic priorities of the university.

Responsibilities

Leadership

• The Vice President for Finance and Administration must have the ability to work with an executive cabinet and have a deep understanding of the universitys operational interconnectivity at all levels to represent the institution effectively as well as the ability to work with all levels of staff faculty administration and external stakeholders.
• The position must be able to lead and be led.
• The areas within the Division of Finance and Administration provide a wide range of services to the university including accounting budget business office human resources facilities operations facilities planning public safety auxiliary services student accounts payroll materials management and information technology. This position must build a culture of innovation and collaboration within the division and across divisions as well as with external stakeholders to ensure positive and progressive actions and outcomes.
• Serving as Chief Business Officer (CBO) for the university the position provides actionable and effective strategic direction and ensures financial solvency and sustainability of the institution. Additionally the position serves as an ex-officio trustee for the Georgia College & State University Foundation Board.

Operations Management

• Provides sound stewardship of the institutions finances and safeguards the assets and resources of the university.
• Works collaboratively and collectively with the President and Vice Presidents to achieve the strategic direction of the institution.
• Maintains effective communication within the division and broader university community as well as with external university relationships.
• Ensures that the universitys services operate in accordance with the USG Business Manual guidelines and practices sound internal controls.
• Ensures effective planning and assessment processes across the division.
• Oversees campus financial and capital planning space inventory and space allocation processes.
• Ensures the development and implementation of appropriate personnel policies and procedures and the overall effectiveness of human resource functions including employee relations and salary administration.

Liaison

• Represent the university and president in negotiations with local governmental agencies and elected officials.

• Ensures the development and implementation of policies and procedures needed for effective risk management across the division and institution.
  

• Builds and maintains a strong working relationship with USG officials.
  

• Ensures compliance within the division with institutional and USG policies and procedures and all applicable state and federal laws and rules.

Required Qualifications

• Masters degree required preferably in Business Administration Finance Accounting Higher Education Administration or related field

• 10 years of progressively responsible financial and administrative leadership experience

• Demonstrated experience in managing complex budgets and financial systems

• Demonstrated experience in managing staff

• Experience with strategic planning and implementation

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctorate or terminal degree

• CPA CMA or other relevant professional certifications

• 5 years in a senior financial role within higher education

• Background in facilities management human resources or information technology oversight

• Prior experience working with governing boards and committees

• Record of successful leadership during periods of institutional change or financial challenges

• Experience with software systems utilized for financial forecasting and predictive analytics

Abilities Knowledge & Skills

• Ability to lead complex organizational units and manage large teams
• Ability to collaborate effectively with academic leaders and faculty
• Ability to communicate complex financial information to non-financial audiences
• Ability to adapt to changing economic conditions and institutional priorities
• Ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives
• Ability to manage institutional change
• Ability to build relationships with external partners (donors government officials vendors)
• Ability to prioritize competing demands and allocate resources effectively
• Ability to ensure ethical stewardship of institutional resources
• Ability to anticipate challenges and develop proactive solutions
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion
• Advanced understanding of financial management principles and practices specific to higher education institutions
• Comprehensive knowledge of fund accounting budgeting and financial reporting in an academic setting
• Thorough understanding of regulatory compliance requirements (GASB FASB federal/state regulations)
• Knowledge of endowment management and investment strategies
• Understanding of facilities management capital planning and construction processes
• Knowledge of human resources management principles and employment law
• Awareness of risk management and insurance needs for educational institutions
• Understanding of information technology management and strategic planning
• Knowledge of procurement and contract management best practices
• Familiarity with auxiliary services management (housing dining bookstore operations)
• Strategic financial planning and analysis
• Budget development and management across multiple funding sources
• Financial modeling and forecasting
• Policy development and implementation
• Leadership and team building
• Effective communication with stakeholders (board members faculty staff students)
• Negotiation and conflict resolution
• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Decision-making under fiscal constraints
• Project management and oversight
• Data analysis and interpretation

About Milledgeville

Tucked between Atlanta and Savannah Milledgeville has a rich history breathtaking natural scenery and Southern hospitality that will have you clearing your calendar for a long weekend getaway.

As a college town and former 19th-century capital of Georgia Milledgeville is brimming with historic character a vibrant downtown district and outdoor adventure options from swimming in

Lake Sinclair to hiking and roaming through an arboretum

Our charming small town welcomes you to linger relax and explore the blooming and historic beauty of Milledgeville. To learn more visit: Process