Associate Vice President for Finance & Accounting

About Us:

Located in Georgetown, Texas, Southwestern University is an independent, four-year undergraduate institution offers a top-ranked integrated arts and sciences curriculum that incorporates the humanities, fine arts, social sciences, and natural sciences.

At Southwestern University, we are committed to fostering an environment where every individual feels respected, valued, and empowered. We believe that a thriving community is built on the strength of varying perspectives and experiences, and we strive to create an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding. Our actions are guided by a commitment to fairness, openness, and the belief that our differences are what make us stronger as a whole.

Position Overview:

Southwestern University has an immediate opening for an Associate Vice President (AVP) for Finance & Accounting. This position will report to the Vice President for Finance and Administration. The Associate Vice President for Finance & Accounting provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of the Universitys financial functions, including accounting, compliance, treasury, and endowment management. This role ensures the integrity of financial systems, supports institutional planning, and upholds regulatory compliance across all fiscal operations. Reporting to the Vice President for Finance and Administration, the AVP serves as a key advisor and departmental leader supporting the Universitys mission and long-term financial sustainability. This is a full-time exempt position eligible for our comprehensive benefits program.

Essential Duties:

• Provide Leadership and Oversight of Accounting Operations: Direct all Business Office functions, including supervision of staff, and ensure strong internal controls, compliance, and sound financial management.
• Manage Financial Reporting and Compliance: Oversee preparation of audited financial statements, tax filings (990, 990-T, 926), payroll tax reporting, and ensure compliance with federal regulations, including Title IV and PCI requirements.
• Coordinate Budgeting and Financial Planning: Collaborate with the Budgeting and Planning and other campus partners to support institutional budgeting, forecasting, and strategic financial planning.
• Oversee Cash, Banking, and Procurement Activities: Manage all banking relationships, online transactions (ACH, wires, e-checks), bond payments, and purchasing approvals; ensure secure and compliant financial processing.
• Administer Endowment and Donor Fund Accounting: Oversee Fundriver software, endowment spending calculations, donor reporting, and lifting of fund restrictions in coordination with University Relations and IT.
• Support Student Financial Services and Systems: Manage tuition and fee structures, the Transact Payments system, and coordinate with key departments (Registrar, Financial Aid, Residence Life) on timelines and billing processes.

Additional Duties:

• Contribute to University Governance and Strategic Initiatives: Serve on key University committees (e.g., Investment, Emergency Response), act as delegate for the Vice President during absences, and support institutional planning as needed.
• Manage Special Projects and Communications: Lead or support financial analysis initiatives, oversee the maintenance of the Business Office website, and ensure timely updates to departmental information and processes.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• Minimum of seven years (7) of progressive experience in accounting, finance, or related roles, including at least three (3) years in a supervisory or management capacity.
• Strong knowledge of complex accounting principles, budgeting, financial reporting, and internal control systems.
• Demonstrated leadership, supervisory, and communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines under pressure, and produce high-quality, reliable work.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or related field.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) License.
• Ten (10) years of progressively responsible in accounting, finance, or related roles, including at least five (5) years in a management-level position.
• Prior experience in a university or non-profit financial environment is highly desirable.

Starting annual salary: $180,500. The final offer for the successful candidate will be commensurate with experience and may exceed the starting salary.

Benefits:

Southwestern University offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health and welfare insurance (medical, dental, and vision), life and AD&D insurance, long-term disability coverage, generous contributions to a 403(b) retirement account, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), various paid time-off options, undergraduate tuition assistance for you and your dependents, access to athletic facilities, free parking, and discounted meal rates, along with other benefits designed to support your well-being and work-life balance.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest, resume, and the name and contact information of three (3) professional references through Interfolio at apply.interfolio.com/170377. Email and paper applications will not be accepted.

All offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

In compliance with immigration laws, proof of work authorization in the United States will be required when employment begins. Southwestern University is an E-Verify employer.

Southwestern University is an equal-opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email athr@southwestern.edu.

Jeanne Clery Statement: Notice of Availability of Annual Security and Fire Safety Report Southwestern University Annual Safety and Fire Report is available online athttps://www.southwestern.edu/life-at-southwestern/safety-security/annual-security-reports/containing mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, required statistics, and other related information for the past three calendar years. To obtain a paper copy of the report, please call 512-863-1435.

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