Vice Chancellor for Finance & Administration

Closing Date:

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a metropolitan research university that provides an accessible, quality education through flexible learning and unparalleled internship opportunities. At UA Little Rock, we prepare our more than 8,900 students to be innovators and responsible leaders in their fields. Committed to its metropolitan research university mission, UA Little Rock is a driving force in Little Rock's thriving cultural community and a major component of the city and state's growing profile as a regional leader in research, technology transfer, economic development, and job creation.

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the Apply link/button.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process please contact Human Resources at 501-916-3180.

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 501-916-3180.

Required Education and/or Experience:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in finance or accounting with a CPA designation. Ten years of experience in progressively responsible financial management positions and significant decision-making including senior-level financial experience. Experience in financial statement presentation and infrastructure oversight with a demonstrated understanding of options for financing operations.

Preferred Education and/or Experience:

Senior level financial management experience in public higher education particularly in the supervision of a diverse team of direct reports and ability to work with faculty. Knowledge and experience with enterprise resource planning systems (ERP) and externally hosted ERP systems. Master's degree with an emphasis in finance, accounting, or business management. Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) designation.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Management & Analysis:

• Oversee the organization, direction, and operations of all financial activities, including short- and long-term strategic planning;

• Develop, monitor, and ensure compliance with policies and procedures in collaboration with the Chancellor and other senior administrators to ensure operational efficiency and financial integrity of the university;

• Maintain an internal control system to ensure financial transactions comply with established procedures as required by the United States government, the State of Arkansas, university auditors, and the Board of Trustees policies and procedures;

• Provide oversight and guidance for the development, submission, and presentation of the campus annual budget and quarterly report summaries to the University of Arkansas System, the Arkansas Department of Higher Education, and the Arkansas General Assembly;

• Provide guidance for units that oversee university funds including cash management, forecasting, procurement, fund investment, and monitoring of pledged collateral.

Budget Preparation & Planning:

• Preparation of annual operating budget in collaboration with senior administrators;

• Ensure timely and accurate submission of budgets, financial reports, and performance measures;

• Provide managerial guidance to units that administer the development and implementation of the annual operating budget, including appropriate analysis of issues affecting revenue and/or expenditures;

• Lead the development of annual changes to the schedule of tuition and fees; develop and present annual recommendation to the Chancellor;

• Preparation of long-range budget forecasts;

• Provide clear, understandable, and transparent financial data and budget information to support informed decision-making;

• Recommend budget amendments as necessary through the course of each fiscal year.

Procurement & Contract Management:

• Provide leadership and oversight for the review of, negotiation, and monitoring of services and lease contracts;

• Provide financial analysis of contract terms with campus vendors to protect university interest.

Support Units

• Oversee human resources including processes around hiring, compensation, termination, employee benefits, compliance, requests for positions related to the operating budget, and legislative budget requests;

• Provide leadership and oversight for Facilities Management including building maintenance, custodial services, landscape and grounds, sustainability issues, ADA compliance, university fleet, environmental health and safety, and energy management;

• Supervise Information Technology including network infrastructure management, cybersecurity, software applications management, information technology acquisitions management, and campus technology support;

• Direct public safety and campus security activities, including emergency management, fire safety, campus safety awareness training, and campus parking management.

Communication:

• Work collaboratively with internal constituencies to support the attainment of university strategic goals;

• Positively represent the university to external constituencies, including, but not limited to, the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees, the university Board of Visitors, community and business partners, and legislators;

• Present and discuss financial statements at board meetings, to the Senior Staff, and other stakeholders as designated by the Chancellor;

• Communicate effectively while serving as a contributing member of the Chancellor's Cabinet;

• Advise the Chancellor and other senior administrators on shaping fiscal policies to ensure the financial strength of the university.

Additional (Non-Essential) Responsibilities:

Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to accurately analyze complex financial and accounting data;

• Expertise in strategic planning, long-range financial planning, budgeting, and financial reporting;

• Sound knowledge of accounting principles and financial standards established by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB);

• Knowledge of purchasing and logistical management;

• Knowledge of physical plant and property management;

• Extensive knowledge of generally accepted government accounting, budgeting methods, planning, and controls;

• Exceptional communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills;

• Ability to adapt to a changing environment of higher education;

• Leadership skills that encourage teamwork and participatory decision-making;

• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively across constituencies;

• Demonstrated commitment to cultivation, support, and management of a diverse workforce;

• Exceptional coaching and mentoring abilities;

• Demonstrated understanding and ability to maximize information technology to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of institutional operations.

Additional Information:

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Sitehttps://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, marital or parental status, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, or sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity). Federal law prohibits the University from discriminating on these bases. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University's Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.