Associate Vice President of Administration & FInance

Job Title:            Associate Vice President of Administration & Finance

Reports To:        Vice President of Administration & Finance

FLSA Status:      Exempt
Position Type:   Full-Time
Location:            University of the Virgin Islands (St. Thomas / St. Croix)

Position Overview 

The Associate Vice President (AVP) of Administration & Finance provides university-wide leadership in financial management, planning, and analysis for the University of the Virgin Islands. This role is responsible for supporting the Vice President for Administration and Finance (VPAF) in advancing the University’s strategic financial objectives, ensuring fiscal integrity, and maintaining compliance with applicable federal, territorial, and institutional regulations. 

The AVP of Administration & Finance serves as a key member of the senior leadership team and plays a critical role in the development and monitoring of the University’s operating and capital budgets, financial reporting, and compliance functions. The position requires a collaborative leader with strong analytical skills, sound judgment, and the ability to communicate complex financial information effectively to diverse stakeholders, including executive leadership, the Board of Trustees, and external agencies. 

Key Responsibilities 

Strategic Financial Leadership 

• Partner with the VPAF to provide strategic direction for financial planning, budgeting, and resource allocation (fiscal and Human resources as well as physical and technical) across the University. 

• Lead the development and implementation of financial strategies and the continuous improvement of systems that align with institutional priorities, enrollment goals, and long-term sustainability. 

• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on financial implications of institutional decisions. 

Budgeting and Financial Planning 

• Oversee the preparation, analysis, and monitoring of the University’s annual operating and capital budgets. 

• Develop and maintain advanced financial models and forecasting tools to support decision-making. 

• Evaluate departmental budgets, expenditures, and revenue streams to ensure efficiency and alignment with institutional priorities. 

• Support the design and refinement of budget methodologies that promote accountability, transparency, and strategic growth. 

Financial Reporting and Compliance 

• Ensure the accuracy, timeliness, and compliance of all financial reporting, including internal statements and external filings. 

• Oversee preparation for annual financial audits and coordinate responses to auditor inquiries and findings. 

• Monitor compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements, and applicable federal and territorial regulations. 

• Ensure adherence to grant and contract requirements, including post-award financial management, reporting, and subrecipient monitoring. 

Accounting and Financial Operations Oversight 

• Collaborate closely with the Controller to ensure effective management of general accounting, grant accounting, treasury functions, and related financial operations. 

• Support the development and maintenance of financial policies, procedures, and internal controls. 

• Ensure integrity and reliability of financial systems and data. 

Board and Executive Support 

• Support the VPAF in preparing financial reports, presentations, and briefing materials for the Board of Trustees and its committees. 

• Respond to financial inquiries from trustees, auditors, and external stakeholders. 

• Provide clear, concise, and actionable financial insights to support governance and oversight. 

Compliance and Risk Management 

• Monitor and ensure compliance with all financial policies, regulatory requirements, and accreditation standards impacting the University (including Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)). 

• Develop and oversee processes for financial risk assessment, mitigation, and reporting, including debt covenants and financial performance ratios. 
• Partner with appropriate offices to ensure effective management of institutional risk related to finances. 

Leadership and Collaboration 

• Supervise and develop administration and finance staff, fostering a culture of accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement, for the following units:

·       Accounting

·       Bookstores

·       Budget Office

·       Business Services

·       Campus Security

·       Human Resources

·       Physical Plant

·       Purchasing

• Promote cross-functional collaboration with academic, administrative, and auxiliary units. 

• Participate in institutional committees, task forces, and special projects as assigned. 

Special Projects and Institutional Initiatives 

• Lead or contribute to special projects directed by the President, VPAF, or Board of Trustees. 

• Support major institutional initiatives such as capital projects, infrastructure improvements, and revenue enhancement strategies. 
• Contribute to initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency and financial sustainability.

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree (e.g., MBA, MPA, or related discipline) preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. 
• CPA or other relevant professional certification preferred. 

Experience 

• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressively responsible experience in finance, accounting, or related fields, preferably in higher education or public sector environments. 

• Demonstrated experience in: 

o   Budget development and financial planning 

o   Financial reporting and audit coordination 

o   Grants and contract financial management 

o   Supervisory and leadership roles  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Strong understanding of GAAP, GASB, and higher education financial practices.
• Experience with federal grant compliance (e.g., Uniform Guidance).
• Experience with federal Title IV laws and regulations.
• Ability to analyze complex financial data and translate it into actionable recommendations.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to build effective relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• High level of integrity and ability to handle confidential and sensitive information.
• Strong leadership, decision-making, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution.
• Proficiency with financial systems and Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). 

Working Conditions 

• Works in a professional office environment with periodic evening or weekend hours during peak financial cycles (e.g., budget development, audit period).
• May require travel to meetings, conferences, or external stakeholders as needed.