University of Washington IT AVP and Chief Financial Officer at University of Washington in Seattle, Washington

Job Description:

Position Overview:

The UW-IT AVP and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state, and around the world. UW-IT employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills, and dedication to building stronger minds and a better world. By being deeply invested in our work, showing compassion in our interactions, and embodying the spirit of a team player, each member contributes to our thriving community. UW-IT is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff; your experiences, perspectives, and unique identities will be honored at the University of Washington. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.

UW Information Technology (UW-IT) is the central information technology organization for the University of Washington, responsible for strategic planning, oversight, and direction of the UW's information technology (IT) infrastructure, resources, and services. UW-IT provides critical technology support to all three campuses, UW Medicine, and research operations around the world, partnering with the UW community to enable innovation, learning, discovery, and service.

The CFO for UW-IT plays a critical role in overseeing the organization's financial health and operational efficiency. Reporting directly to the CIO (Chief Information Officer) and serving as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), the CFO provides leadership and direction in financial accounting, budgeting, procurement, contract management, asset management, and facilities oversight. This role ensures that UW-IT's financial practices align with the University's mission and support its teaching, learning, research, and innovation objectives across all campuses, UW medical centers, and global research operations.

The CFO will join a highly effective, collaborative, and dedicated leadership team (the ELT) that values shared accountability, transparent leadership, and a strong commitment to each other and the University's mission. The ELT is deeply invested in fostering a culture of teamwork, mutual support, and compassion and embracing the importance of having fun and maintaining a positive work environment. The CFO is expected to commit to and contribute to this leadership culture.

Position Complexities:
The UW-IT CFO balances immediate fiscal management needs with long-term strategic planning. The CFO develops financial strategies to support the evolving goals of UW-IT and the University's new technology strategic plan. They manage within UW's complex financial landscape that includes diverse revenue streams, regulatory requirements, and the transition to a new university budgeting model. UW-IT is a large organization with an annual operating budget of $165 million and additional annual capital expenditures for strategic projects and technology renewal. Its revenue streams include annual university budget allocations, internal recharge for services, project funds and grants.

This role requires the ability to work effectively across various stakeholder groups, including University leadership, faculty, and external partners, to ensure financial practices support the University's mission. Working in collaboration with other UW-IT leaders, the CFO must skillfully manage competing priorities, such as supporting innovation while maintaining financial sustainability and accountability. This involves understanding the unique needs of different departments and services, each with its own operational demands and expectations.

The CFO plays a crucial role in fostering a culture of transparency, collaboration, and shared accountability within UW-IT. This requires not only financial acumen but also strong leadership, effective communication, and the ability to influence decision-making at all levels of the organization. As the University explores shared services and other financial innovations, the CFO must be agile, adaptable, and forward-thinking, ensuring that UW-IT remains a key contributor to the University's success.

In summary, the CFO role demands a blend of strategic vision, operational expertise, and the ability to navigate the complexities of a large, dynamic educational institution.

Strategic Leadership and Governance:

• Contribute actively to the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), fostering a collaborative, supportive, and transparent environment aligned with the team's values and the University's missions.
• Develop and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key external stakeholders, including University leadership, academic and administrative units, and external partners, to ensure alignment and support for UW-IT's strategic financial goals.
• Serve as a key advisor to the VP of UW-IT & CIO on financial matters.
• Provide strategic financial support and resource planning for Information & Technology Governance.
• Develop life cycle costing analyses (implementation, operations, and renewal) for major technology projects and services.
• Support the University's transition from Activity Based Budgeting (ABB) to Incentive Based budgeting (IBB) and ensure alignment between UW-IT's financial model with the University's overarching fiscal objectives.
• Support and participate in IT leadership and governance bodies, such as Information & Technology Governance, Strategic Leadership Team (SLT), and UW Computing Directors.
• Lead or co-chair relevant committees and councils, including the Technology Recharge Fee (TRF) Advisory Committee and Activity Based Budgeting (ABB) Steering Committee.
• Provide leadership and operational expertise in the development and implementation of UW-IT's new financial model.
  

Roles by Function

Business, Finance & Facilities Administration:

• Lead the development and execution of short-term and long-term financial strategies to sustain UW-IT's funding model, including state appropriations, tuition, grants, and auxiliary revenues.
• Supervise division operational leaders, ensuring the integrity of financial systems, producing accurate financial reports, and accounting.
• Oversee procurement processes, contract management, and asset/inventory management.
• Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), UW financial accounting standards, and other regulatory requirements.
• Provide leadership, mentoring, and accountability for all staff within the division, fostering a high-performing and collaborative team environment.
  

UW-IT Facilities Management:

• Oversee the allocation and management of physical space within UW-IT in coordination with UW Facilities and Real Estate.
• Supervise staff responsible for logistical support, space management, and project management of renovations.
• Ensure access control and security for all UW-IT facilities.
  

Workday Operations

• Provide leadership and support for the ongoing operationalization and optimization of Workday Finance, ensuring alignment with organizational needs and objectives.
• Collaborate and partner with UW Finance Planning & Budgeting (FPB) and UW Human Resources (UWHR) on budget, procurement, and human resources matters related to the Workday implementation.
• Lead and participate in operational and strategic planning and budgeting for Workday Financials.

To Apply
UW-IT has retained Next Generation Leadership Partners to assist with this search. Inquiries and nominations may be made in confidence by contacting Next Generation's Phil Goldstein phil@nextgenpartnersllc.com. Applicants should use this link to submit a resume and cover letter. For full consideration, applications should be received by October 18th.

Conditions of Employment
The approved compensation range for this position is $240,000 to $260,000.

This position functions within a hybrid work environment where the Executive Leadership Team works onsite T/W/Th weekly.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.

Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For a complete description of our benefits for this position, please visit our website, click here.

The University of Washington is a leader in environmental stewardship & sustainability, and committed to becoming climate neutral.

The University of Washington is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 / 206-543-6452 (tty) or dso@uw.edu.

Requirements

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in a leadership role within finance, accounting or budgeting.
• Demonstrated expertise in the development and execution of multi-year financial plans for complex organizations or divisions of a large institution, agency or company.
• Understanding of generally accepted accounting principles and experience adopting best practices in promoting fiscal accountability and transparency in an organization.
• Exceptional leadership qualities, including proven ability to support organizational values of being invested, compassionate, team players.
• Experience modeling and furthering personal and team accountability, managing conflict, and own responsibility for mistakes.
• Effective oral and written communication skills, with the capacity to articulate complex ideas persuasively to a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Proven experience with data analysis and the ability to distill complex datasets into straightforward, actionable insights.
• A commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and accessibility is expected for this role.

Desired

• Over 10 years of experience in finance, accounting, or a related field.
• Supervisory experience managing teams of 10-15 or more is preferred.
• Experience working in a public higher education, state institution, or with a firm that serves a higher education or state institution.

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