Careers at IWU

Summary of Position:    The Executive Vice President and Chief Financial and Operations Officer (CFOO) reports directly to the president. The CFOO formulates, expresses, disseminates, and ensures fidelity to the financial vision and architecture of IWU and oversees the operational activities of the university to ensure they are effective and efficient in supporting all units of the university. The CFOO ensures that IWU operates according to sound legal, financial, and business processes. The CFOO oversees the unified financial statements, all university investments, and the external audit processes. The CFOO oversees the necessary centralized elements of the university: technological, human resources, physical, financial, risk management, legal, financial aid, conferencing, facilities, food service, rental properties, and the university bookstore.

Institutional Profile:    Indiana Wesleyan University is an evangelical Christian comprehensive university founded in 1920, committed to liberal arts and professional education.  Through innovative degree programs for residential and online students, IWU has become one of the fastest-growing Christian universities in America.  IWU currently has a total enrollment of over 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees at the Marion, Indiana campus, 10 regional centers throughout Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and via online programs. 

Indiana Wesleyan University offers a full range of degree programs from Associates degrees up through its six Doctoral programs.  In 2023, Indiana Wesleyan University was given 12th-place ranking on Newsweek and Statista’s list of America’s Top Online Colleges 2023.  In addition to being named 12th on the list overall, IWU is the highest-ranked private, Christian university on the list. IWU now employs over 215 full-time faculty, 740 full-time administrative and staff members, and over 1500 adjunct faculty members.

IWU is sponsored by The Wesleyan Church and is firmly rooted in its mission as a Christ-centered academic community to changing the world by developing students in character, scholarship and leadership. 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides oversight and administrative management for the Controller’s office, including accounts payable and payroll; oversees the institutional budget functions, ensuring consistent practices are implemented and adhered to for budget creation and management across the institution
• Provides leadership to ensure an unqualified audit opinion and the use of best practices
• Ensures the highest standards of fiscal responsibility and data integrity
• Provides oversight and administrative management for legal, risk management, and compliance activities
• Provides oversight for university-wide information technology, human resources, financial aid, facility services, conference & event services, and auxiliary services
• Responsible to the Investment Committee for maintaining detailed records of all invested funds and for carrying out the investment policies and procedures established by the Board of Trustees and the Investment Committee
• Functions as the second lead administrator of the university – directly following the President/CEO of IWU, acting as the lead administrator in the president’s absence or should the president be incapacitated; this includes convening and leading regularly scheduled Executive Cabinet meetings and directing university business (in consultation with the president) until such time as the president returns to campus and resumes duties
• Develops the overall financial framework that guides fiscal planning and establishes overarching budget objectives and cash flow planning
• Oversees the administration of the university compensation system
• Develops and recommends fiscal policy and procedure to the president
• Works with various internal groups to accomplish the goals and objectives of all areas of oversight
• Ensures that all reporting functions are produced promptly and consistently
• Serves as a member of the President’s Executive Cabinet
• Supports the Finance, Audit, and Investment Committees of the Board of Trustees
• Serves on university task forces, advisory committees, and councils as needed
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Directly supervises: University Counsel, Controller, VP for Digital Transformation and CIO, Executive Director HR, Executive Director of Financial Aid, AVP of Facilities and Operations, Executive Director of Event, Classroom, & Conference Services, AVP of Finance and Operations, and Administrative Assistant

Qualifications: According to Indiana Wesleyan University employment policy all employees must possess a strong Christian commitment and adhere to the standards outlined in the IWU Community Lifestyle Statement.

Education

• Master’s degree in business or related discipline required
• CPA preferred

Experience

• A minimum of 10 years of financial experience, with a minimum of 5 years in a senior management role, ideally in higher education

Required Skills

• Capacity for both excellent management and strategic leadership.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of employees and external advisors.
• Christian character and professional credentials capable of earning and sustaining trust.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong team building and management skills
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills

Diversity Statement

IWU commits to create a community that reflects kingdom diversity. We will foster an intentional environment that exhibits honor, respect, and dignity. Acknowledging visible or invisible differences, our community authentically values each member’s earthly and eternal worth. We refute ignorance and isolation and embrace deliberate and courageous engagement.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

As a religious educational institution operating under the auspices of The Wesleyan Church, Indiana Wesleyan University is permitted and reserves the right to prefer employees on the basis of religion (42 U.S.C., Sections 2000e-1 and 2000e-2).

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.