Vice President & Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Texas Southern University
Houston, TX 77004
Description
Security Sensitive Position?
Yes
Hours of Work
TBD
Position Details
Position Information
Posting Number
TSU203684
Official TSU Title
Vice President & Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Grant Title
N/A
Job Description Summary / TWC Summary
Job Summary
The Vice President & Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is the University’s senior executive responsible for the stewardship, strategy, and integrity of all financial resources. Serving as a key advisor to the President and a member of the executive cabinet, the CFO provides vision and leadership for financial strategy, long-range planning, budgeting, accounting, treasury, investments, debt, procurement, grants compliance, payroll, and financial systems. The CFO ensures accurate, transparent financial reporting and regulatory compliance; aligns financial resources with the University’s mission and strategic plan; and oversees the leaders of budget, controller/accounting, treasury, procurement, grants and contracts, and student financial services.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This executive role sets institutional financial strategy and oversees multiple finance-related departments through subordinate leaders. Unlike the Controller (who manages day-to-day accounting and financial reporting) or the Bursar/Student Accounts (who manage transactional billing and collections), the CFO is accountable for enterprise-level financial planning, resource allocation, capital financing, investment oversight across the University.
Essential Duties Summary
Strategic Leadership
- Serves as chief advisor to executive leadership on financial strategy and policy.
- Provides clear analyses and recommendations to inform institutional priorities, trade-offs, and resource allocation.
- Engages with the Board of Regents and relevant committees; prepares and presents financial reports and proposals.
Financial Duties and Responsibilities
- Leads development of the annual operating and multi-year financial plans aligned to the strategic and master plans.
- Oversees the institutional budget process, including revenue forecasting, expenditure planning, and scenario modeling.
- Establishes budget governance, controls, and performance monitoring with timely, decision-ready reporting.
Accounting, Reporting & Internal Controls
- Oversees the Controller’s Office for general ledger, grants accounting, financial statements, and external audits in accordance with GAAP and applicable state requirements.
- Ensures robust internal controls, policies, and procedures that safeguard assets and support compliance.
- Drives continuous improvement in business processes and service delive1y across finance functions.
Treasury, Investments & Cash Management
- Directs treasury operations, liquidity management, banking relationships, and cash forecasting.
- Oversees investment of operating and reserve funds in accordance with University policy and state law; coordinates with investment advisors/committees as applicable.
- Ensures efficient, secure revenue collection and disbursement processes through subordinate units.
Debt & Capital Financing
- Develops and manages the University’s debt po1tfolio, credit ratings, and compliance with covenants.
- Partners with Facilities/Capital Planning to finance capital projects; evaluates financing structures and presents recommendations.
- Prepares offering documents and coordinates with external advisors, underwriters, and counsel as required.
Procurement, Facilities and Operations, Contracts & Auxiliary Finance
- Oversees strategic procurement, facilities, Operations, and contracting to achieve value, compliance, and transparency.
- Supports auxilia1y enterprises (e.g., housing, dining, parking) with sound financial planning and performance management.
- Ensures purchasing and contracts comply with state procurement statutes and institutional policies.
Grants, Compliance & Sponsored Programs (Financial Oversight)
- Ensures pre- and post-award financial compliance with federal, state, and sponsor requirements.
- Strengthens cost accounting standards, effort reporting, and allowability controls under the Controller/Grants leadership.
Enterprise Financial Compliance
- Ensures compliance with state oversight bodies and timely submissions to state agencies and auditors.
Student Financial Services
- Provides executive oversight of Student Accounts/Bursar and Financial Aid compliance from a policy and performance standpoint.
- Sets service, compliance, and accountability standards; ensures systems and controls support accurate billing, collections, and aid disbursement.
Financial Systems, Data & Analytics
- Sets vision for finance systems and data governance in partnership with OIT.
- Champions analytics, dashboards, and self-service report to support timely decision-making.
Leadership, Talent & Culture
- Recruits, develops, and retains a high-performing, service-oriented finance leadership team.
- Fosters collaboration, equity, and professional growth across finance units; models ethical stewardship.
External Relations & Advocacy
- Represents the University with rating agencies, banks, auditors, regulators, donors, and community partners.
- Engages in state budgeting and legislative processes affecting higher-education finance, as appropriate.
Other Duties
- Performs other job-related duties as assigned consistent with the scope and level of this executive role.
- Ability to maintain the security or integrity of critical infrastructure, which may include communications systems, computer networks and systems, cybersecurity systems, electrical grid, hazardous waste treatment or water treatment system.
Supervisory Responsibility
- Directs leaders of: Budget & Planning, Controller/Accounting, Treasury, Procurement & Contracting, Grants & Contracts (financial compliance), Student Financial Se1vices/Bursar, and related units.
Scope of Responsibility
- Has executive oversight of the University’s financial resources and systems. Provides leadership for multiple departments/offices with significant budgetary and staffing responsibility. Scope may include oversight of the annual operating budget, a capital program, and supervision of numerous direct reports across several divisions.
% FTE
1.0
Hiring Range
Commensurate with experience.
Education
Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
Required Licensing/Certification
Current and Unrestricted Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license required. Must be bondable.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Expert knowledge of GAAP and governmental accounting standards; familiarity with GASB and Uniform Guidance for federal awards.
- Advanced financial planning, modeling, and analytical skills; ability to communicate complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
- Demonstrated success managing debt, investments, treasury operations, and capital financing.
- Proven leadership of enterprise budgeting, internal controls, audit coordination, and financial policies.
- Knowledge of state procurement laws, contracting practices, and risk management/insurance programs.
- Ability to lead large, multi-disciplinary teams; build relationships across academic and administrative units; and drive organizational change.
- Proficiency with ERP/financial systems (e.g., Banner or similar), data governance, and business intelligence tools.
Work Experience
- Ten (I 0) or more years of progressively responsible financial leadership experience, including at least five (5) years at the executive (AVPNP/CFO) level.
- Demonstrated experience in public-sector or higher-education finance, including state regulatory and reporting environments.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience presenting to Boards of Regents and rating agencies.
- Experience in capital planning, public debt issuance, and credit rating management.
- Experience working with state budgeting and legislative processes affecting higher education.
Ability to maintain the security or integrity of critical infrastructure, which may include communications systems, computer networks and systems, cybersecurity systems, electrical grid, hazardous waste treatment or water treatment system.
Working/Environmental Conditions
- Work is performed in a standard office setting with extended periods of computer use.
- Occasional evening or weekend work and in or out of state travel may be required for Board meetings, audits, financings, and conferences.
Desired start date
Position End Date (if temporary)
Posting Detail Information
UA EEO Statement
It is the policy of Texas Southern University to provide a work environment that is free from discrimination for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, individuals with disability, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status in its programs, activities, admissions or employment policies. This policy of equal opportunity is strictly observed in all University employment-related activities such as advertising, recruiting, interviewing, testing, employment training, compensation, promotion, termination, and employment benefits. This policy expressly prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, genetic history, national origin, individuals with disability, age, citizenship status, or protected veteran status. This policy shall be adhered to in accordance with the provisions of all applicable federal, state and local laws, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
Close Date
Open Until Filled (overrides close field)
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Open to all applicants.