Chief Financial Officer

THE OPPORTUNITY
St. Ambrose University is a Catholic, diocesan university located in Davenport, Iowa. St. Ambrose has a strong financial profile with an endowment of $247.5 million, of which nearly 80% is unrestricted. It has an A- bond rating and has had consistently balanced budgets for over 25 years. St. Ambrose has over 2500 students and serves learners across their lifetime with robust graduate healthcare, business, and engineering offerings as well as 60 different undergraduate majors. In August of 2024, St. Ambrose University announced a strategic combination with Mount Mercy University whereby St. Ambrose will become the parent company of Mount Mercy University in June of 2025. The university’s strategic plan is aligned with a focus on these types of strategic partnerships. This is an exciting time for a Chief Financial Officer to join the St. Ambrose University leadership team. The team, led by Dr. Amy Novak has embraced new revenue streams and new approaches to make St. Ambrose learner-centered model for the future of Catholic higher education.
St. Ambrose University seeks a Chief Financial Officer to serve as an experienced financial leader, sharing in development of the future vision, strategic growth, and operational effectiveness of the university. The CFO will be a collaborative, creative, and strategic leader who is energized by the opportunity to position St. Ambrose University for future vision and growth opportunities. The CFO will be responsible for providing financial oversight, ensuring sound financial practices, overseeing facilities and projects within the campus master plan, and developing strategies to support the institution’s long-term sustainability.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and manage the financial operations of the college, including accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, and auditing.
• Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with the institution’s strategic plan and goals, including ongoing capital campaign initiatives.
• Oversee the preparation of financial statements, reports, and projections for the President, Cabinet, Board of Trustees, and other key stakeholders.
• Effectively monitor and manage cash flow, revenue, and expenditures to ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, including federal and state reporting, tax filings, and financial audits, Title IX and other compliance related activities.
• Work closely with external auditors and financial consultants to ensure accurate reporting and internal controls.
• Collaborate with other senior leaders to assess financial performance and make recommendations for improvements.
• Lead and manage the information technology department and ensure security, compliance and strategic direction for information technology.
• Manage and support the finance, accounting, human resources, information technology, and facilities team, fostering a culture of accountability, professional growth, and continuous improvement.
• Manage and oversee third party services and vendors, including food services, bookstore, housekeeping services, and other potential contracts.
• Provide financial guidance and insight to support the college’s decision-making process, including future capital projects and operational sustainability.
• Oversee the risk management and compliance activities of the university.
• Participate in fundraising efforts, grant management, and the stewardship of financial gifts, including endowment management.
• Ensure alignment of financial strategies with St. Ambrose University’s mission, vision and goals.
• Ensure effectiveness of financial controls and compliance with donor restrictions and grant requirements.
• Identify trends, mitigate risks, and address areas for improvement.
• Provide data to board committees and offer leadership at a strategic level to various board groups.

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field is required, master’s degree preferred
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is preferred
• At least 8-10 years of progressively responsible experience in financial management preferred
• At least 5 years in a senior leadership role in higher education, non-profits, or mission-driven organizations preferred
• Proven experience with capital campaigns, endowment management, and complex budgeting and forecasting
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, federal and state financial regulations, and audit processes specific to higher education and non-profits
• Proficiency in financial management systems (ERP) and financial modeling tools
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and external partners
• Experience leading and developing a finance team, with a focus on accountability and performance improvement
• Demonstrated ability to identify trends, risks, and opportunities, and provide strategic recommendations
• Commitment to the mission and values of a Catholic university, with a passion for faith-based higher education

• Financial Acumen: In-depth understanding of financial operations, accounting standards, budget management, and financial reporting
• Leadership: Proven ability to lead, manage, and inspire a team within a dynamic and fast-paced environment, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement
• Strategic Vision: Ability to create and execute financial strategies that align with institutional goals, ensuring long-term financial sustainability.
• Analytical Skills: Expertise in analyzing complex financial data, developing budgets, and generating insightful financial reports to guide decision-making
• Problem-Solving Abilities: Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach to identifying risks and creating solutions
• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present financial information clearly to both financial and non-financial audiences
• Technology: Proficiency in financial software systems, ERP platforms, and data analysis tools to enhance financial efficiency and accuracy
• Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders across the institution and externally.
• Ethical Judgment: High level of integrity, ethics, and responsibility in handling financial information and ensuring compliance
• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a rapidly changing environment, effectively managing multiple priorities and adapting to new challenges.
• Project Management: Strong project management abilities, including the capacity to oversee multiple initiatives, ensuring deadlines are met and goals achieved
• Donor Stewardship: Ability to build and sustain donor confidence through excellent financial stewardship and transparent reporting

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plan with employer match
• Tuition remission for employees and qualifying dependents
• Opportunities for professional development and training 
• A supportive and collaborative work environment
• Access to campus amenities, cultural, events, and recreational facilities