About Daemen

Daemen University is conducting a national search for a dynamic, innovative, and resourceful Vice President for Business Affairs and Treasurer. We are looking for a proven executive to partner with Daemen's President, and the other vice presidents who comprise the senior leadership team, to provide visionary financial and administrative leadership in support of the core activities of the university. The Vice President for Business Affairs and Treasurer will be responsible for the planning, integration, and control of all of the institution's financial resources, with special emphasis on the development of appropriate strategies to carry out key components of Daemen’s strategic plan.

Serving as the chief financial officer responsible for the financial integrity of the university, the VPBA will also provide stewardship over facilities operations, financial aid, human resources, and related services.

More specifically, the VPBA provides leadership and oversight for all aspects of the university's financial administration, including financial and related planning; operating and capital budgeting; revenue and expenditure analysis, forecasting and projection; financial and management reporting; payroll and procurement; investments and risk management; as well as accounting compliance obligations and the annual audit of university funds.

The Vice President will be expected to collaborate closely with divisions across the University; develop a close working partnership with the President’s Cabinet; develop a close working partnership with the Board of Trustees through its business affairs subcommittee; and maintain appropriate financial strategies to ensure the delivery of the university's strategic vision.

Duties and Responsibilities:

 The Vice President for Business Affairs and Treasurer will

  • Serve as a member of the President's Cabinet
  • Provide recommendations on institution-wide strategic initiatives and assure that Business Affairs provides full support for all approved initiatives
  • Lead the university budgetary forecasting modeling by building in assumptions about demographics, tuition trends, and changes in college and governmental policy
  • Plan and develop the institution's system of accounting and financial control
  • Safeguard all monies and securities of the university, and manage the endowment and all other investments, as directed by the Board of Trustees
  • Supervise the collection of the income and revenues of the university, and make payment from its funds to meet the institution's various financial obligations
  • Monitor the institution's insurance program
  • Submit financial reports to the President and the Board of Trustees as requested
  • Arrange for an annual audit of the accounts and books of the university by a Certified Public Accounting firm
  • At the beginning of the Spring semester, request from all officers and departments their budget requests for the subsequent fiscal year and the data upon which they are based
  • Compile and coordinate the data necessary for making the budget and prepare a preliminary budget for submittal to the President for presentation to the Board of Trustees at the May or June meeting
  • Revise projections of income and expenses after the Fall semester enrollment is stabilized, and prepare the definitive budget for submittal to the President for presentation to the Board of Trustees at the September or October meeting
  • Maintain and supervise an exceptional system of central purchasing
  • Periodically obtain competitive proposals for all major contractual services at the university
  • Coordinate all construction, renovation, and restoration projects on campus
  • Supervise the operations of auxiliary enterprises, personnel, and the maintenance of buildings and grounds

Qualifications

  • An advanced degree in business administration, finance, accounting, or related field from an accredited institution of higher education (designation as a certified public accountant, certified management accountant, or equivalent credential is a plus but not required)
  • Ten years of directly related experience in progressively responsible business/financial-level management, with five years at a senior level position
  • Comprehensive knowledge of the operation and administration of an institution of higher education or highly complex business organization
  • Knowledge of current literature, financial challenges, and trends within higher education
  • Knowledge of capital planning and construction principles and methods
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate with other divisions within an institution of higher education or similar organization
  • Demonstrated strategic and master planning ability
  • Possession of strong written and oral communication skills
  • Demonstration of interest in and eagerness to advance the purposes of higher education and ability to lead and manage the university's financial operations in an environments of rapid change and institutional growth
  • An established record of openness and transparency in decision-making and working with faculty, staff, students, and Board of Trustees members in a context of collaboration
  • A capacity to foster and maintain an environment that encourages integrity, productivity, entrepreneurship, and the integration of business affairs with other campus areas
  • Demonstrated proficiency in using financial systems and related technology
  • Ability to effectively communicate the mission, opportunities, and challenges to internal and external constituencies, including but not limited to the Town of Amherst

The position is a full-time, 12-month position.  The Candidate must be available for weekend and evening functions, meetings, and related university activities as needed.

Total Compensation

Daemen University offers a robust total compensation package that includes:

  • Health insurance with an option of two plans: an HSA plan with the deductible funded by employer HSA contributions, or a copay plan.
  • Dental insurance through the Guardian network.
  • Vision insurance through the Guardian network, and an option between the VSP or Davis plans.
  • An 8% employer contribution to the retirement savings account when employees contribute just 5%.
  • Fully paid long-term disability insurance, and guaranteed-issue life insurance for new hires up to a volume of $150,000.
  • Tuition waiver for full-time employees and their qualified dependents. Entrance in Tuition Exchange scholarship opportunities to pursue education at other institutions.
  • Four weeks of vacation.
  • The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Salary will start at $150,000. 
  • Daemen University strongly encourages all campus community members to get vaccinated for COVID-19, including a booster vaccine.