The Role

The Chief Financial Officer is responsible for the overall supervision and management of the fiscal resources of the college district, including financial and budget forecasting planning. The position is also responsible for the areas of accounting, treasury functions, grants finance and compliance, Foundation financials, payroll, and support of Administrative Services software systems. The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to be entrepreneurial and help lead the development and implementation of innovative, Districtwide strategies, oversee multiple groups managing financial or other assets, and implement policies or procedures that increase operational efficiencies and improve fiduciary effectiveness - while balancing a culture of strong financial stewardship and flexible, client customer service to the constituencies served. The Chief Financial Officer reports to the Chancellor and oversees a high- performing team to fulfill the significant scope of responsibilities of the position.

Opportunities and Challenges

MCCKC has a stable budget and is in good financial condition, with a healthy reserve balance. However, there is uncertainty with the state budget and potentially a change in the performance-based funding model. The next CFO must be data-savvy, understand institutional priorities, and be proactive about anticipating the needs across the district. The CFO must continue to develop innovative strategies to decrease dependence on state funding, including development of alternative revenue streams. The next CFO will be expected to continue to work with Jackson County on the recalculation of the recent tax assessment and how these changes impact MCCKC’s funding model. As an economic driver in the community and the region, MCCKC 

must remain aligned appropriately with city and regional initiatives. One such initiative is the KC Guarantee, where students in several Jackson County schools have a guaranteed path to a degree or employable credential at no cost. The next CFO will build the long-term funding model, scenario planning, controls, and performance reporting needed to responsibly scale this initiative to more districts and partners. MCCKC recently implemented a new ERP (Banner SaaS) and processes and procedures are being aligned with the new system. The new CFO will need to be flexible and supportive 

as the college adjusts to the new system. MCCKC has a multicampus, matrix-style organization, and the next CFO must be adept at communications and collaboration, adept at explaining financial terms in language that all will understand, be sensitive to the needs for transparency and confidentiality, and understand and adapt to this organizational structure and culture in a shared governance environment. The CFO will work closely with the Vice President for Institutional Advancement and team, the MCC Foundation and its Board members, to effectively steward scholarship funds and other charitable gifts. The next CFO will need to develop a future financial sustainability model beyond the 2030 Strategic plan. The CFO must have an analytical mindset set for innovative funding strategies for the future, understanding MCC’s institutional priorities, and balancing the needs of the present and future sustainability. MCCKC has a robust student-first perspective and commitment, and the next CFO must understand the impact of the allocation of funds to ensure student success and academic programming. They should demonstrate an ability to be firm when needed and a “get to yes” approach to balancing fiscal responsibility and innovation.

Essential Functions

– Proactively advises and educates the executive leadership team and Board of Trustees on all aspects of budget, finance, and business operations impacting the college operations, including financial planning, budgeting and analysis, controllership, and revenue cycle functions.

– Supervises staff to include prioritizing and assigning work; conducting performance evaluations; coordinating staff training; and implementing hiring, discipline, and termination procedures. 

– Provides leadership and directs the implementation of internal operations related to the assigned major group of functions; work involves planning, coordinating, administering, and evaluating programs, projects, processes, procedures, systems, standards, and/or service offerings; ensures compliance with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, and/or standards; coordinates activities between multiple service areas; works to integrate and coordinate service areas.

– Advises the executive team on issues and recommendations related to assigned function; develops and recommends short- and long-term financial planning for the district; leads strategic planning processes to identify emerging trends and organizational impact.

– Oversees the development and administers a variety of budgets; approves expenditures; reviews financial statements; and manages financial operations.

– Oversees proper internal controls and financial management for the district’s adequate control of data, input, processing, and confidentiality of records, and distribution of relevant information.

– Oversees external and internal audits, including the compliance audit, college audit, Foundation audit, and reports to the Board of Trustees, Foundation Board of Directors, and Foundation Finance committee.

– Provides guidance on regulation and compliance with respect to grants, finance, and payroll, and implementation of major policy/procedure changes relating to financial services areas.

– Coordinates/provides analysis and advises the Board and executive team on issues, recommendations, and strategy related to finance, payroll, salary, and benefit negotiations, insurance options, budget allocation and organizational structure, and other financial-related issues.

– Assumes overall responsibility for all aspects of the college financials, Payroll, and Investments.

– Oversees the systems support team and works cooperatively with MCCKC’s IT department to plan, develop, implement, and maintain up-to-date computerized systems and technologies used by MCCKC employees for Finance, HR, Payroll, and Budgeting.

– Develops, interprets, and communicates college policies on finance, accounting, budgeting, financial and accounting systems, internal controls, and auditing. 

– Develops and communicates annual operating and capital budgets and leads the college’s annual budget process while aligning budgets with the college’s strategic planning priorities.

– Develops and maintains systems of internal controls to safeguard the financial integrity of the college, monitors college operations, and ensures compliance with government regulations, higher education, and  peer standards.

– Provides oversight for effective fiscal operations and reporting and plans for and directs accurate and appropriate compliance with all state, federal, and local laws, board policies, and regulations governing the financial operations of the college.

– Directs the creation and production of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports; supervises the maintenance of records of expenditures, income, and balances of all appropriations; and oversees the preparation of ad hoc financial statements and reports as needed.

– Coordinates the management of the enterprise financial system (Banner) and the assessment and review of new computer applications and systems that affect the financial operations. 

– Directs the development and implementation of the college’s chart of accounts and ensures that all college, state, federal, and local compliance and reporting requirements will be met.

– Provides fiscal guidance and participation as directed by the Chancellor.

– Perform other related duties and responsibilities.

Requirements & Qualifications 

Minimum required education, experience, and other qualifications: 

– MBA, master’s degree in related field or equivalent  combination of education and experience. 

– Seven (7) years of progressively responsible full-time management experience in leading finance and administration units. 

– Extensive experience in financial management, including budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting in a complex community college or university or similarly complex organization. 

– Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. 

– A deep understanding of the unique financial challenges and opportunities facing higher education institutions. 

Preferred Qualifications:

– Five (5) years of experience in a state-funded organization, preferably in higher education. 

– Experience with Banner SaaS and/or other integrated financial/payroll systems.

– Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license or CPA credential.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

– Demonstrated knowledge and skills in Banner SaaS or a similar ERP system.

– Demonstrated ability to align financial planning, budgeting, and resource allocation with strategic plans and institutional priorities of a college or complex organization. 

– Skill in integrating financial analysis and reporting with accreditation requirements (e.g., HLC) and/or using financial data to support continuous improvement and institutional effectiveness. 

– Demonstrated skills and recent leadership experience, including business and finance, budgeting, and facilities management. 

– Well-established negotiation skills to effectively manage negotiations ranging from sales, contracts, employee governance, and business. 

– Proven ability to work in a diverse organization with all members of the academic and college-wide communities. 

– Must possess a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record before driving for district business.

ABILITY TO:

– Develop partnerships with the administrative and college units to balance their needs with the overall needs of the college to provide efficient and effective financial services, flexible solutions, and high-quality integrated systems. 

– Work closely with the senior executive leadership team of the district to facilitate a culture of customer service within Administrative Services. 

– Interpret and apply applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.

– Develop and administer departmental goals, objectives, and procedures.

– Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of lower-level staff.

– Analyze and evaluate programs, policies, and operational needs.

– Analyze and interpret financial markets, conditions, and trends.

– Manage multiple projects simultaneously.

– Prepare and administer large and complex budgets.

– Identify and respond to sensitive community and organizational issues, concerns, and needs.

– Direct and manage financial information infrastructure to support the strategic and tactical planning needs of the departments in coordination with Information Technology. 

– Direct the design and development of new business processes resulting from new or updated systems and implement systematic process improvement initiatives.

– Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. 

– Communicate highly technical information concisely and in understandable terms. 

– Prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive administrative and technical reports. 

– Deliver effective oral presentations. 

– Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. 

– Design and manage effective control, information, and documentation systems.

– Implement and facilitate organizational change. 

– Arrive at innovative solutions when making complex decisions, which may have district-wide impact. 

Application Procedures

RH Perry & Associates, a national executive search firm, is supporting this search. Completed applications are due by November 22, 2026. To ensure full consideration, you will be required to submit: 

1) a current resume or CV; 

2) a cover letter addressing the opportunity; and 

3) the contact information for three professional references (a current or former supervisor, a current or former direct report, and a professional colleague). Please submit your application securely through 

the RH Perry Application Portal by clicking HERE.

For further information, please contact:

Dr. Joanne Bashford, Senior Consultant, 305-467-9488, MetropolitanCFOs@rhperry.com 

Mr. Paul G. Doeg, President and COO, 828-785-1394, MetropolitanCFO@rhperry.com