Chief Financial Officer

The State University of New York (SUNY) at Potsdam is seeking an experienced higher education or government financial professional to serve as our Chief Financial Officer.  SUNY Potsdam, located on the outskirts of the beautiful Adirondack Park, is one of America’s first 50 colleges, the oldest in the SUNY system, and we are home to the renowned Crane School of Music. SUNY Potsdam is known for our commitment to students’ development and success, challenging liberal arts and sciences core, excellence in teacher education, and leadership in the performing and visual arts.   The Chief Financial Officer will serve as a key member of the President’s Council - working to develop, refine and advance the institution’s overall strategic goals.  Will work as a collaborative leader to establish strategic goals and objectives for the Business Affairs department that support and align with the institution’s overall mission and vision.  Lead the development, implementation and oversight of appropriate fiscal policies and procedures to monitor the College’s budgets and promote continued stability and growth most effectively. This includes the formulation and presentation of operating and capital budgets as well as compliance with control procedures and audit recommendations for campus functions.  Develop and maintain positive working relationships with outside stakeholders to acquire information and appropriate legal guidance, especially as it relates to funding and completing capital projects - outside groups may include SUNY System Administration; the State University Construction Fund; the State University Business Officers Association (SUBOA); state or local government officials; and various professional organizations.  Will oversee the implementation of financial and purchasing directives from SUNY System Administration, the Office of the State Comptroller, and other agencies, as appropriate.  Provide oversight of the department of Business Affairs; serve as the College’s official liaison to Potsdam Auxiliary Services Corporation (PACES); will be a member of relevant committees such as President’s Council, Budget Committee, Fiscal Affairs and Strategic Planning, and IT Governance.  Will provide a level of leadership that promotes enthusiasm, confidence, and a cooperative attitude among campus community members as well as a work culture that encourages staff members to appreciate diversity and embrace opportunity in their respective areas.  Will research ways to improve allocations of funding and personnel - seek out opportunities to improve efficiency and effect cost reductions.  Will maintain clear and consistent communication on behalf of Business Affairs, ensuring that appropriate departments are made aware of campus needs and the campus is informed about relevant activities within the division.  Will be responsible for the campus risk management program and oversight; serve as Operations Manager for the Research Foundation for SUNY; and attend important campus functions and other official meetings/events as required.  A bachelor’s degree in business or a related field is required. Candidates must have unquestioned integrity and should demonstrate a record of expertise and effective strategic and operational leadership in areas of responsibility that include all aspects of finance, budgeting, and other higher education business functions. The successful candidate must be an excellent communicator, mission and results focused, and capable of leading transformation with diverse constituents in a collaborative environment. An advanced degree in business or related field, experience in a public higher education institution or system, and experience in a unionized environment is preferred.  Experience within the SUNY system is an added plus. Please visit https://www.potsdam.edu.  To review complete job description and/or apply, visit https://employment.potsdam.edu/postings/4868.  This position is open until filled.