Download Vice President for Finance and CFO Since 1935, Southeastern

Vice President for Finance and CFO
Since 1935, Southeastern University has been a Christ-centered institution of higher learning, equipping
graduates to go into the world as influential servant-leaders, making a difference for good in both
careers and communities. Located in Lakeland, Florida, the University offers over seventy programs of
study including Associates, Baccalaureate, Masters and Doctoral degrees. Its student body now
approaches six thousand, with about half being traditional aged and the rest at one of over fifty
educational sites throughout the United States and, online, all over the world.
Southeastern is one of the fastest growing universities in America, increasing its student body by 50%
since 2010 and managing a budget that approaches $100 million. World class facilities and faculty
combine with the warmth of Lakeland, a vibrant, mid-sized city full of Florida charm. Located a half hour
east of Tampa and within an hour of Orlando, the region continues to flourish as a destination for
professionals, retirees and students at one of the five higher education institutions in the area. It has
also been named one of America’s best places to live and is home to the headquarters of the Publix
supermarket chain, among a variety of other mid-sized businesses with national reach.
http://realestate.usnews.com/places/florida/lakeland
The city, the campus and our students make this place special. Our mission, however, is what truly
defines us. We are a Christ-centered institution of higher learning, committed to equipping the next
generation of leaders to go into the world as influential servants in their careers and communities. In a
world committed to conforming with cultural whims, we are in the business of transforming lives, for a
higher purpose. It is indeed a special place.
The University’s growth and plans to continue expanding merit the addition of a seasoned Vice
President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer to the leadership team. The responsibilities overseen
by this position include accounting, the bursar, compliance, financial analysis and reporting, investment
management, risk management and treasury functions. The CFO will serve as a resource person for the
Finance and Audit committee of the Board of Trustees and as a voting member of the investment subcommittee.
Professionally, the successful candidate will have at least fifteen years of increasing experience in
financial leadership, possess an MBA and have been awarded the CPA distinction at some point in their
career. Ideally, this person will have successfully served as CFO or had equivalent responsibilities at a
middle market organization. Experience in higher education is a plus, as is a doctoral degree and
demonstrated contributions to the profession through speaking, leadership of trade associations and
publication. Technical competence is critical, including demonstrated accomplishment in areas most
commonly associated with financial leadership. We expect more than an individual who asks others to
analyze. Leading by example is foundational to the successful candidate as is professional rigor and
being a lifelong learner.
Interpersonally, we seek a facilitator who can assist in bringing together those with disparate
responsibilities, particularly in the budget process. Solid verbal, written and presentation skills are
critical, including the ability to be a kindly teacher to those who may not be fluent in financial matters.
It is also important to be an encourager and developer of those who are part of his or her team. A 360degree evaluation is a standard expectation of those in leadership.
Theologically, Southeastern is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities and is
associated with the Assemblies of God. Our roots are deep within the Pentecostal movement and our
relationship with hundreds of churches across America bear witness to that commitment. The successful
candidate must therefore demonstrate a vibrant Christian faith and be an active member of an
evangelical congregation. He or she must also be willing to endorse our faith and lifestyle statements
and commitments. http://www.seu.edu/about/what-we-believe/
Southeastern also sees great benefits from a diverse workplace. We encourage those from
underrepresented groups to become candidates for this position. Our world is a beautiful mosaic and
the student body at SEU reflects that. We desire a leadership team of like composition.
Perhaps you are feeling a calling to do something more with your career or are moved to better align
faith and vocation. If the expectations of this opportunity resonate with your gifts and abilities, please
consider becoming a candidate for the CFO position. The firm of CFO Colleague has been engaged to act
as adviser for this process. Qualified candidates are thus encouraged to email a resume, cover letter
and statement of personal faith to Jeffrey Spear, Principal of CFO Colleague. [email protected]
Many thanks for giving this careful consideration.