Career Center

Overview

Under the direction of the president, the chief financial officer administers and supervises the business affairs of Northwest University and the personnel involved in it. The CFO is responsible to become thoroughly familiar with the purposes, functions, and internal and external relationships of the department; to assign and instruct departmental personnel in their duties and confer with them as needed, offering guidance, holding them accountable, and developing them in their respective job functions; to report to the President as stipulated, to interact with the Office of the President as need requires about the ongoing work of the department and its personnel, and submit proposals for its furtherance and development as requested. 

The CFO will report directly to President Dr. Joseph Castleberry. The CFO also serves as an associate member of the Faculty Council, as a full member of the Foundation Board of Trustees, and as a resource to the Board of Directors attending meetings fully with voice but without vote. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES 

• Direct operations in accounting. 
• Serve as purchasing agent with power to delegate responsibility to subordinate personnel but retaining budgetary control over designated areas. 
• Maintain and safeguard all records relating to Northwest University, including legal documents such as titles, mortgages, etc. 
• Carry general responsibility for fire prevention and supervise the insurance programs. 
• Assist the Office of the President in the preparation of the annual budget and provide progress reports to the president on budgetary income and expenditures. 
• Maintain a beneficial relationship with the university’s bank(s) and investment manager(s). 
• Serve on committees whose functions are related to the business management of the university. 
• Maintain continuous communications and rapport on matters of policy and serve as a colleague to members of the Office of the President. 
• Submit semi-annual reports to the president, including reports from directors serving under the CFO’s direction. 
• Chair committees as assigned. Record, keep, and distribute the minutes of the committee meetings. 
• Evaluate employees under the CFO’s direction in accordance with the Personnel Evaluation Policy of the university. 
• Review these responsibilities annually in self-evaluation of performance, commenting appropriately on this evaluation in the annual report to the president. 
• Supervise the maintenance and upkeep of campus facilities, including buildings, grounds, and equipment, and manage external vendor relationships for such services. Work with appropriate personnel to plan for security enhancements and improvements for students, faculty, and staff. 
• Manage all new construction projects on the university campus. 
• Supervise the Information Technology department and all computer facilities on campus and at extension sites. 
• Supervise the Human Resources department and direct the department toward the achievement of stated goals and objectives. 
• Work in conjunction with other vice presidents to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of university operations. Work on defining projects and/or departments to focus on and review work toward established goals for this work. 
• Manage the external vendor relationship with Pioneer College Caterers for the provision of food services on the Kirkland campus. 
• Manage the nonresidential income-producing assets of the university, achieving the highest amount of income possible, given current market conditions. 
• Be responsible for the Emergency Crisis Management Plan and the Emergency Crisis Management Team. 
• Performs other work-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Recognize, understand, and agree to live by the moral and ethical standards of Northwest University, as outlined in the Assemblies of God Statement of Faith, the Northwest University Community Affirmation, and Northwest University Statement of Principles. (northwestu.edu/about/mission.) 
• Candidates should have a bachelor’s or equivalent degree. A master’s degree and/or doctorate is beneficial. 
• An active CPA license is strongly encouraged. 
• Strong working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and nonprofit tax. 
• A proven and successful track record as a senior financial officer, either at the CFO or controller level. 
• Member of and regular attendee of an Assemblies of God church or willing to join one. 
• Demonstrate a commitment to maintaining a safe work environment free of harassment, violence, and unlawful discrimination. 
• Ability to communicate effectively, get along well with co-workers, and deal effectively and professionally with colleagues.