Virginia Union University - Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Business Affairs

Virginia Union University (VUU), a Baptist affiliated private institution, seeks a seasoned financial professional to serve as the university’s chief financial officer and vice president for business affairs (CFO). The CFO will be a key member of the leadership team that is responsible for the operational efficiency of the organization as it builds capacity to support its goals of growth and expansion.

Located in Richmond, Virginia, VUU serves 1,867 students across 40 degree-seeking programs. The university offers a broad range of educational opportunities in the liberal arts, teaching, research, science, technology, continuing education, civic engagement and study abroad. VUU’s commitment to student success has included an emphasis on student engagement and retention, and close interaction between faculty and students, both of which produce a synergy among scholarship, teaching and learning.

Reporting to the executive vice president and chief operating officer, the CFO will enhance the internal organizational processes and infrastructure to facilitate VUU’s ability to fulfill its mission. The CFO will be a key member of the leadership team that is responsible for the operational efficiency of the organization as it builds capacity to support its goals of growth and expansion.

VUU is searching for a strategic thought partner, one ready to bring new ideas and fresh insight to the financial workings of the university. The CFO will play a critical role in planning and executing the growth and evolution of the organization. This is an excellent opportunity for an innovative and disciplined finance manager who brings a proven record of creative problem-solving and strengthening infrastructure to work in a growing, mission-driven organization. The CFO will be a doer, managing, leading and mentoring a staff of 20 who are responsible for Accounting, Auxiliary Services, Payroll, Student Accounts, Procurement, Control and Budget.

The next CFO of VUU should bring to the role a minimum of seven years of progressive responsibility in leading Procurement, Financial Planning and Analysis and Payroll and Auxiliary Services and providing oversight of institutional budgets preferably in a higher education setting. Candidates should demonstrate a record of leading innovation and change in a growth organization. A master’s degree in accounting, finance or related field from an accredited college or university or CPA and detailed knowledge of GASB regulations are required. A doctoral degree is preferred.

All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in this profile.

WittKieffer is assisting Virginia Union University in this search. The new CFO will begin their tenure at VUU in Summer 2023. Application materials should be submitted to WittKieffer’s candidate portal using the buttons below. Nominations and inquiries can be directed to Christine J. Pendleton and Jevon Walton at VirginiaUnionCFO@wittkieffer.com.

It is the policy of Virginia Union University to provide for and promote equal employment opportunity in employment compensation and other terms and conditions of employment without discrimination based on age, race, creed, color, national origin, gender, disability, marital status, Vietnam Era Veteran status, genetic predisposition or other protected status.

The University is committed to assuring equal employment opportunity and equal access to services, programs and activities for individuals with disabilities. It is the policy of the University to provide reasonable accommodation to a qualified individual with a disability to enable such individual to perform the essential functions of the position for which he/she is applying or in which he/she is employed.

Further, it is the policy of the University to provide reasonable accommodation for an employee’s religious beliefs and practices. The policy applies to all employment practices and actions. It includes, but is not limited to, recruitment, job application process, examination and testing, hiring, training, disciplinary actions, rate of pay or other compensation, advancement, classification, transfer, reassignment and promotions.