Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Job Title:

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Job Summary:

The Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as the senior financial officer of the University of San Francisco, reporting directly to the President. In this capacity, the CFO is a trusted strategic advisor, working in close, daily collaboration with the President to guide the University’s financial direction in support of and in alignment with its mission. The CFO provides leadership and oversight of all financial functions—including financial planning, budgeting, cash management, accounting, investments, and debt management—and leads sophisticated scenario analysis to anticipate emerging challenges, assess potential opportunities, and shape proactive strategies. This forward looking approach ensures that financial decisions are informed, resilient, and aligned with the University’s long-term priorities.

As a member of the President’s Cabinet, the CFO works in close partnership with academic and administrative leaders to ensure that the University’s financial strategy, operations, and stewardship of resources advance its mission and long-term goals. The CFO also serves as the primary staff liaison to the Audit, Physical Facilities & Master Plan, Finance, and Investment Committees of the Board of Trustees, implementing Board decisions with transparency, integrity, and accountability.

As a Jesuit Catholic institution, the University of San Francisco is committed to academic excellence, a faith that does justice, and the formation of leaders who will create a more humane and just world. The CFO plays a vital role in sustaining this mission by aligning financial decision-making with the University’s values, ensuring ethical stewardship, and supporting initiatives that serve the greater good while fostering a culture of care for the whole person (cura personalis).

Full Job Description:

Corporate Management

• Lead financial modeling and analysis to optimize student revenue and overall institutional performance.
• Direct financial planning and operational budget control to support both academic and operational excellence.
• Forecast, model, and manage institutional liquidity to ensure long-term sustainability.
• Serve as liaison to four Board of Trustees Committees, providing mission-aligned financial counsel.
• Represent the University to business, civic, and community leaders in a manner that reflects USF’s Jesuit values.
• At the President’s request or with approval, serve on external boards, industry panels, and professional organizations.

Treasury – Investment Functions

• Serve as primary liaison between the Board’s Investment Committee, investment managers, and consultants.
• Implement Investment Committee decisions and monitor performance against mission- driven and financial benchmarks.
• Stay informed on market conditions, investment trends, and best practices in performance measurement.
• Oversee portfolio risk management, custodial services, and execution of transactions.
• Conduct due diligence on non-traditional asset classes in alignment with the University’s values and risk tolerance.
• Approve and manage acceptance, holding, and disposition of real estate gifts and donations.
• Develop and execute cash management strategies to maximize returns on short and medium-term investments.
• Oversee investments of life income trusts and annuities.
• Manage bank and custodial relationships and reconciliations.

Treasury – Corporate Functions

• In consultation with the President and consistent with the institution’s Master Plan, manage acquisition, custodianship, and disposition of University assets.
• Develop and execute approved debt management strategies.
• Negotiate and execute major capital and operating contracts.
• Lead all banking relationship management.

Financial Management / Leadership

• Direct all auditing functions and serve as the primary contact with the University’s debt rating agencies.
• Monitor higher education financial trends, assessing implications for mission delivery.
• Provide financial guidance and strategic support to divisional Vice Presidents and department heads.
• Conduct program and operational audits to ensure efficiency, compliance, and mission alignment.
• Oversee financial feasibility studies, planning models, and performance monitoring systems.
• Implement decision-support systems to track key performance indicators.

University-Wide Line Management Functions Physical Plant

• Lead long-term capital improvement planning, construction, and campus development in alignment with the University’s master plan and mission.
• Oversee maintenance and facilities operations with attention to sustainability and stewardship.
• Conduct feasibility studies for capital projects.
• Ensure compliance with city codes and zoning regulations.
• Explore real estate opportunities for acquisition, development, or divestment consistent with institutional priorities.

Purchasing

• Oversee procurement policies, procedures, and contract negotiations, ensuring ethical vendor partnerships.

Auxiliary Services

• Oversees the management of several auxiliary services including University Bookstore, and Printing/copying.
• Ensures customer service satisfaction.

Controller

• Direct all financial reporting and oversee general accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, endowment reporting, restricted funds, grants, and contracts.
• Ensure accuracy in external financial statements and compliance reporting.

Real Estate

• Identify and evaluate real estate opportunities in alignment with the University’s Master Plan and mission.
• Lead acquisition, disposition, sale, and leasing transactions.

Internal Audit / Risk and Tax Management

• Oversee internal audit and compliance review.
• Develop and implement the annual internal audit plan in consultation with the Audit Committee.
• Manage tax reporting, regulatory compliance, and strategies to minimize liabilities.
• Oversee the institution’s risk management program.
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, IRS, and other regulatory requirements.

Other

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Extensive and proven leadership experience in financial management of a complex, mid- to large-scale organization, preferably in higher education or similarly regulated sectors.
• Demonstrated commitment to transparency by fostering open dialogue with faculty, staff, and students, and translating complex financial information into clear, meaningful, and timely updates that inform and engage the University community.
• Advanced degree such as an MBA, Master’s in Finance, Accounting, or Economics; CPA, CMA, CFA, or equivalent certification preferred.
• Expertise in nonprofit financial management, including compliance, endowment management, grant administration, and oversight of multiple revenue streams.
• Demonstrated success in strategic financial planning, capital budgeting, and investment management to ensure long-term sustainability.
• Strong record of communicating complex financial information clearly to Boards, senior leadership, and external stakeholders.
• Commitment to ethical stewardship of resources, operational excellence, and alignment of financial strategies with the mission, values, and Jesuit Catholic character of the University of San Francisco.
• Ability to integrate financial decision-making with the University’s commitment to academic excellence, social justice, and care for the whole person.
• Ability to adapt and respond effectively to a rapidly changing environment.

Salary Range and Alignment with Mission

The salary range for this position is $350,000 to $400,000, depending on experience and qualifications. Beyond compensation, this role offers the opportunity to steward the university’s financial health in service of its Jesuit Catholic mission. The Chief Financial Officer will be a key partner in ensuring that resources are aligned with USF’s values—supporting academic excellence, advancing student success, and sustaining the University’s distinctive identity of faith, justice, and service.

Full-Time/Part-Time:

Full time

Pay Rate:

Salary

Salary Range :

The salary range for this position is $350,000 to $400,000, depending on experience and qualifications. Beyond compensation, this role offers the opportunity to steward the university’s financial health in service of its Jesuit Catholic mission.