Executive Director of Financial Planning & Administration

Executive Director of Financial Planning & Administration

Immaculata University, in partnership with the national search firm Scott Healy & Associates, invites applications and nominations for the position of Executive Director of Financial Planning & Administration. The ideal candidate will be a dedicated and experienced leader, who can passionately carry out the University’s mission: Immaculata University, a Catholic academic community, founded and sponsored by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, is committed to scholarship, formation of the whole person for leadership and service, and empowerment of all to seek truth, promote justice and engage in dialogue between faith and culture.

The Executive Director of Financial Planning & Administration is responsible for the coordination and development of university budgeting functions, including all aspects of operating budget and capital budget. This position oversees new initiatives and innovative changes together with the Executive Director of Finance/Controller and VP for Finance and Administration.

Additionally the Executive Director provides financial accountability and ensures compliance with university procedures and internal control guidelines for accounting and reporting; is responsible for the annual budget preparation process, dissemination of budget information, analysis of budget variances, training of budget managers, and projecting/forecasting current and future years; assists the Executive Director of Finance/Controller with preparation of the monthly and annual GAAP financial statements; assists units with strategic and administrative planning, financial projects, accounts payable and general accounting guidance; manages and approves expenditures relative to accounts payable and related transactions; and responsible for management and oversight of the university dining service.

Responsibilities:

• Provide oversight of all development processes to create an annual operating budget and capital budget.
• Provide oversight of the endowment budget and review scholarship funds along with Executive Director of Financial Aid and Executive Director of Finance/Controller.
• Perform financial analysis of revenues and expenditures during the annual budget process and periodically throughout the fiscal year, using financial and accounting reports from the Banner finance system.
• Manage the Position Control budget in order to provide data to senior administrators for management decisions on position management, including vacant positions.
• Ensure all financial processing is in accordance with established budgets.
• Manage and present monthly, quarterly, and yearly forecasts/budgets of operational budget and statement of activities.
• Collaborate with Institutional Research to develop enrollment, scholarship, and revenue models to forecast performance to the Fiscal Budget.
• Serve as consultant to the Strategic Planning & Budget Committee and oversee the preparation of all materials for meetings.
• Prepare materials to be used in budget presentations for the Board of Trustees, and on campus meetings.
• Develop and prepare management reports useful for senior administrators' decision-making needs.
• Analyze, monitor, and report on the budgetary operations of the University.
• Train managers on developing departmental budgets in Banner Finance ERP system and operational budget reports utilizing ARGOS reporting tool.
• Complete annual arbitrage calculation.
• Provide financial information for grant applicants and academic accreditation reports.
• With the Executive Director of Finance/Controller, perform calculation of the debt service reserve coverage ratio periodically throughout the year (budgeted, projected and actual amounts).
• Work closely with the Executive Director of Finance/Controller to provide monthly financials to senior administrators.
• Utilize Microsoft Office Suite for budget development, actuals to budget variance analysis, communication to Vice Presidents and President, as well as for Committee presentations.
• Manage the budgeting and accounting for new contracts and renewals.
• Provide first level of approval for financial transactions before transactions are approved by the vice president for finance.
• Provide financial and accounting reports from the Banner system as requested.
• Prepare or participate in the preparation of financial and administrative reports; analyze and interpret statistical, financial and management planning data for decision-making and strategic planning.
• Participate in development of University’s and department’s long-range strategic plan and associated financial consequences to attain goals.
• Prepare other ad hoc reports and analysis as needed.
• Provide oversight of dining services, operated by a third-party vendor, including management of the contract and monthly/weekly invoices, as well as serving as liaison with university constituents and conducting periodic meetings with dining general and regional managers.
• Provide oversight of bookstore operations, including management of the contracts and invoices, as well as serving as liaison with university constituents and conducting periodic meetings with the vendors.
• Serve as university representative to the Philadelphia Area Collegiate Cooperative (PACC).
• Participate in committee membership as deemed appropriate.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree required.
• CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or MBA (Master of Business Administration) preferred.
• Minimum 10 years with progressively relevant responsible experience, preferably within higher education.
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge with budget process, reporting, management methods, and forecasting.
• Experience with Banner and Argos financial reporting systems or similar ERP system with capabilities for long-range strategic planning and forecasting.
• Supervisory experience preferred.
• Detail oriented and excellent communication skills required.
• Ability to maintain effective relationships with management and fellow employees.

About Immaculata University:

Immaculata University is perfectly situated within major east coast industry, academic and cultural centers. This comprehensive, co-ed institution of higher learning has emphasized academic success, student outcomes, faith-based values and personal growth for more than 100 years. Unlike oversized universities that trade lofty enrollment counts for personal interaction, Immaculata University values each student and empowers them to chart their own course without getting lost in the crowd. With an 11:1 student/faculty ratio, personalized academic attention is a hallmark of Immaculata’s culture. Immaculata's expansive suburban campus is located in renowned Chester County, Pennsylvania, 30 miles west of Philadelphia.

Offering more than 75 in-demand undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs, Immaculata University provides attainable education, personal support and meaningful career pathways to tomorrow’s leaders who are focused on intellectual, personal, professional and spiritual growth. Driven by the Catholic Intellectual tradition and the heritage of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Immaculata provides affordable, career-focused education that is accessible to students, regardless of income, location, test scores or academic achievement.

Why Immaculata?

• Collegial Atmosphere, caring leadership, work/life balance. 
• Mission-driven values supported by five core values: faith, community, knowledge, virtue and service.
• Generous paid time off benefits.
• Tuition Assistance: You, your spouse, and your eligible dependent children can receive tuition assistance at IU. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions via the Tuition Exchange program.
• Health. Life, and Disability Insurance: Prescription, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance; Disability benefits, Flexible Spending Account and Health Savings Account.
• Retirement Plan: Generous retirement plan to help you save for your future.

About the Community:

Chester County, just 30 miles west of Philadelphia, is a picturesque and thriving region known for its rich history, scenic countryside, and vibrant economy. Located in southeastern Pennsylvania, it boasts top-rated schools, a strong job market, and a high quality of life for its over 530,000 residents. The area is home to major employers in healthcare, finance, and technology while also supporting a robust agricultural sector, including its famous mushroom farms. Residents enjoy a mix of charming small towns and modern amenities, with outdoor activities like exploring Longwood Gardens, hiking at the Marsh Creek State Park, and touring the historic site of Valley Forge. With a strong sense of community and easy access to Philadelphia, DC and NYC, Chester County is an ideal place to call home.

Application and Nomination Process:

All correspondence relating to the position of Executive Director of Financial Planning & Administration at Immaculata University should be directed in confidence to the University’s executive search consultant:

Cathryn Mountain, Assistant Vice President

Scott Healy & Associates

caty@scotthealy.com

A complete application should include the following:

1. Cover Letter outlining your interest and qualifications for the position; 
2. Updated CV; 
3. Three (3) professional references with title, institutional affiliation, email address and direct phone numbers. (No references will be contacted without written permission from the candidate.)

Applications received by April 21, 2025 will receive priority consideration. The search will remain open until the position is filled.

Immaculata University is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.