Associate Vice President for Finance and Administration

Associate Vice President for Finance and Administration at Northeastern Illinois University summary :

The Associate Vice President for Finance and Administration at Northeastern leads the Office of the Controller, Student Payment Services, and Purchasing while advising on financial operations and procurement. This role collaborates with multiple administrative departments to ensure fiscal stewardship, operational efficiency, and strategic alignment with university goals. Responsibilities include overseeing accounting functions, directing procurement activities, managing audits, and leading ERP and automation initiatives.

Northeastern offers a rewarding working environment for our students and employees. Our faculty and staff are smart, dedicated people who work to create an excellent urban university experience for bright and motivated students.

Job Summary :

Reporting to the Vice President for Finance and Administration, the Associate Vice President for Finance and Administration provides leadership for the Office of the Controller (general accounting, grants accounting, accounts payable, travel, etc), Student Payment Services (accounts receivable, cashiering, student loans), and Purchasing. In addition, this role serves as a strategic thought partner to other administrative departments within the division, including Facilities Management, University Technology Services, Human Resources, Campus Police, and other units.

Job Description :

• Advises the Vice President for Finance and Administration on matters related to the University's financial operations, procurement, and related administrative functions, as well as the daily operations of the Controller's Office, Student Payment Services, and Purchasing.
• Develops and implements goals and objectives for assigned business service units in alignment with the University's strategic plan and Finance and Administration priorities, and monitors progress toward achieving those goals.
• Oversees the University's financial operations, including general accounting, grants accounting, accounts receivable, cashiering, student loans, accounts payable, travel, cash management, banking relationships, and internal accounting and administrative controls.
• Collaborates with the University Controller to coordinate external and internal audits, prepare responses to audit findings, and implement corrective action plans.
• Directs procurement activities, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, competitive bidding requirements, and best practices in purchasing and contract management.
• Leads or supports enterprise resource planning (ERP) projects-particularly the implementation and optimization of Workday-and other automation initiatives that improve efficiency, accuracy, and integration across finance, procurement, and related administrative functions.
• Works as a strategic thought partner with other administrative departments in the division-including Facilities Management, University Technology Services, Human Resources, Budgets, and Campus Police-to ensure fiscal stewardship, operational efficiency, and alignment with University goals.
• Prepares and communicates financial analyses, reports, and presentations for University leadership, the campus community, governmental agencies, financial consultants, rating agencies, and the Board of Trustees, as needed.

Minimal Qualifications :

Master's degree in a business-related field (such as business administration, accounting, finance, or a closely related discipline). Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation preferred. Ten years of progressive experience in senior administrative roles with direct responsibility for financial operations, accounting, procurement, and related administrative services. Experience collaborating with areas such as human resources, facilities management, information technology, and campus safety is highly desirable. Exceptional written communication, analytical, and technology skills are required. The successful candidate must have led implementation of automation initiatives, with proven expertise in organizational change management (OCM) to ensure adoption of new systems.

This position requires a background check.

Salary Range

$150,000 - $170,000

Benefits

University employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits. These benefits are administered through the Illinois Department of Central Management Service (CMS). Please visit our Employee Benefits page to learn more about our comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision benefits, sick and vacation days, and participation in the State Universities Retirement System.

Transcripts

Copies of unofficial transcripts are accepted; however, official transcripts for all earned degrees will be required of candidates selected for final interviews.

Northeastern Illinois University is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer and invites applications from Women, Minorities, Veterans and Persons with Disabilities, as well as other qualified individuals. Northeastern Illinois University's positions are contingent upon the University's receipt of its State of Illinois appropriation.

Keywords :

financial management, accounting, procurement, accounts payable, accounts receivable, ERP implementation, Workday, budgeting, audit coordination, administration