Associate Vice President for Finance and Administration The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Associate Vice President for Finance and Administration. Position Details Location Hattiesburg 118 College Drive Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001 United States Division VP Finance and Administration Position Type Staff Employment Status Full Time Grant Funded No Pay Grade E22 Posting Close Date Open Until Filled Job Summary The Associate Vice President for Finance and Administration (AVPFA) reports to and serves as a senior advisor to the Vice President for Finance and Administration (VPFA). As a key member of the division’s leadership team, the AVPFA plays a pivotal role in university-wide and divisional strategic initiatives. This role provides strategic leadership for the University’s financial operations, ensuring financial policies, processes, and services are designed and executed to support the institution’s mission in compliance with federal, state, and University regulations. Primary Duties and Responsibilities + Provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of the financial, accounting, tax, procurement, budget/fiscal planning and treasury services of the University. + Collaborates closely with academic and administrative units to ensure effective budgetary and financial planning across the University. + Leads initiatives to modernize financial processes and systems, leveraging technology to improve efficiency and transparency. + Develops and maintains a staffing structure and high functioning team to effectively meet the financial operation and management needs of the University and provide high quality, timely financial information. Facilitates and directs the process of goal setting for all direct reports, conducts regular meetings to monitor workflow, and offers feedback and guidance to support the professional development of direct reports. + Manages and directs outstanding debt portfolio and future debt issuances including the preparation of materials required to issue new debt, rating agency presentations, and other supporting analysis. Advises VPFA on emerging financial trends impacting the University's credit rating. Develops long-term strategies for managing the University’s debt portfolio to ensure sustainable financial health and improve the University’s credit standing. + Represents the VPFA as needed and assigned on a wide range of financial matters, such as leading or participating in special projects, implementing strategic initiatives, serving on university committees and making presentations to the President and Senior Leadership team. + Establishes strong relationships with campus partners and external stakeholders, including bankers, investment advisors, legal counsel, auditors, and others, and performs other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university in public administration, accounting, finance, or a related field; 6 to 8 years of progressive management experience in finance, budgeting, or accounting, with at least 3-5 years in higher education or similarly complex organization. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities + Business Strategy & Acumen: Understands higher education and can use industry/professional terminology fluently. Thinks strategically and seeks to align department services and goals with institutional strategic goals. Asks critical questions to delve to root cause to identify solutions. Understands the interconnection of decisions, actions, outcomes, and measures. + Professional Knowledge and Application: Takes initiative to develop and apply professional knowledge and skills to enhance individual effectiveness and improve organizational performance. Creates opportunities to apply new learnings and best practices into innovative solutions that positively impact results. Seeking opportunities for development for both self and the team. + Business Execution: Leverages professional expertise and University knowledge to assess areas of opportunity, identify solutions and effectively execute the plan. Demonstrates a high level of planning and organizational skills and the ability to move projects forward to completion. Self-motivated and accountable for results. Seeks advice and input from others and recognizes when to escalate issues or seek help. + Change Management: Possesses strong change management skills, with experience leading initiatives that drive organizational improvement and operational efficiency. + Communication: Demonstrates the ability to deliver accurate, concise and quality communication (verbal and written) in a timely manner. Encourages an open exchange of ideas and differing perspectives by listening to others and providing quality feedback. Adapts communication style to meet the needs of diverse audiences and situations. + Relationship Management: Works to build and manage productive relationships with peers, leaders, and customer groups. Effectively engages and interacts with others to collaborate and provide value-added support that enhances department results and team effectiveness. Affects outcomes and direction of customer’s decisions through effective relationships, trust, and credibility. + Leadership: Demonstrates an openness and flexibility towards new ideas and concepts and effectively influences or facilitates change. Helps others become more effective through development and coaching. Utilizes candid feedback, knowledge, resources and opportunities to improve the performance of others and to increase their contributions. Sets clear expectations for performance, provides meaningful feedback, holds employees accountable and recognizes successes. Preferred Qualifications MBA or CPA; experience with higher education financial systems or enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. About The University of Southern Mississippi Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions. Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others. We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.