Texas Southern University

JOB SUMMARY:

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as the University’s senior executive leader for financial stewardship, fiscal strategy, statutory compliance, and enterprise financial and accountability.

Reporting to the Chief AdministrativeOfficer, the CFO functions as the University’s principal financial strategist, control officer, and compliance authority, with direct responsibility for restoring and maintaining sound financial management practices in a highlyregulated public higher education environment. This includes leadership over budgeting and financial planning, accounting and reporting, treasury and cash management, internal controls, audit remediation, and statutory compliance withTexas state laws and oversight requirements. The CFO is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, transparency, sustainability, and credibility of allUniversity financial operations and assets, including operating, auxiliary, restricted, and endowment resources.

The CFO functions as the University’s principal financial advisor and control officer, charged with establishing and maintaining sound financial management practices, ensuring compliance with Texas statutes and state reporting requirements, and strengthening internal controls. This role requires a highly experienced financial leader capable of operating in a public, regulated, and high-scrutiny environment, while simultaneously positioning a growing institution for long-term stability and strategic investment.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This position is distinguished by its fiduciary responsibility, statutory accountability, and advisory relationship with the President and Board of Regents. The CFO is expected to exercise disciplined financial leadership, independent judgment, and unwavering commitment to compliance, accuracy, and institutional trust.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Executive Financial Leadership and Strategy

• Serves as the University’s chief steward of financial resources and fiscal policy
• Provides sound strategic advice, analysis, and counsel to the President on financial, budgetary, and business matters affecting all University operations
• Partners closely with the President, Provost, Cabinet, and senior leadership on short-term and long-range financial planning
• Aligns financial strategy with institutional priorities, enrollment trends, and growth objectives.

‍Budgeting, Financial Planning, and Treasury

• Oversees the development, execution, and monitoring of the University’s annual operating and capital budgets.
• Ensures disciplined budget controls, forecasting accuracy, and cash flow management.
• Oversees all treasury management functions, including cash flow forecasting, liquidity management, banking relationships, and investment of operating  funds.
• Reviews and approves budget adjustments and personnel actions for fund  availability and compliance.
• Ensures sufficient liquidity to meet operational needs while safeguarding University assets.
• Manages debt service obligations, bond compliance, and coordination with external financial institutions.
• Develops policies and controls governing cash handling, banking activity, and financial risk exposure.

Accounting, Reporting, and Audit Remediation

• Oversees all accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll coordination, and financial close processes
• Leads the preparation and timely submission of monthly, annual, and statutory financial reports, including:
  • Annual Financial Reports (AFRs)
  • Reports to the Board of Regents
  • Reports required by state and federal agencies
• Develops and enforces corrective action plans to address audit findings, Internal control deficiencies, and compliance gaps.

Endowment and investment Oversight

• Oversees financial administration and reporting related to the University’s endowment portfolio in coordination with advancement, investment advisors, and governing bodies.
• Ensures appropriate accounting, stewardship, and compliance related to restricted, donor-designated, and endowed funds.
• Provides financial analysis and reporting on endowment performance, spending policies, and long-term sustainability.
• Supports governance structures and reporting frameworks that promote transparency and fiduciary responsibility.

Compliance, Statutory and Regulatory Oversight

Serves as the University’s subject matter expert on:

• Texas Government Code
• Texas Education Code
• Comptroller and State Auditor requirements
• Higher education fiscal regulations and reporting standards
• Ensures compliance with all applicable state, federal, and instutional financial policies

Prepares fiscal notes, financial analyses, and legislative impact assessments as requested by:

• Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board  (THECB)
• Legislature and other governmental entities

Internal Controls and Risk Management

• Establishes and enforces robust internal controls and financial governance frameworks.
• Oversees financial risk management, segregation of duties, and control testing.
• Reviews internal audit findings and ensures timely, documented resolution.
• Strengthens financial accountability across colleges, divisions, and auxiliary units

Division of Business Affairs Leadership

• Oversees the Division of Business Affairs, which includes core financial and business operations.
• Leads and develops a senior leadership team responsible for operational execution.
• Ensures effective staffing, succession planning, and professional development within the division.
• Builds a culture of accountability, precision, and continuous improvement.

Systems, Processes, and Modernization

• Oversees financial systems, reporting tools, and data integrity in coordination with Information Technology.
• Supports modernization of financial processes, including automation and system integration.
• Contributes to institutional readiness for potential ERP modernization or replacement.
• Ensures financial data supports executive decision-making and transparency.

External Relations and Representation

• Maintains effective relationships with state oversight bodies and funding entities.
• Presents financial information to the Board of Regents, Cabinet, and other stakeholders as designated by the President.

Other Responsibilities

• Performs other duties as assigned in support of institutional objectives and presidential priorities.

 MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in financial management or related administrative roles.
• Demonstrated executive-level experience overseeing complex financial operations.

Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in public higher education finance, preferably at a mid-sized or growing institution.
• Demonstrated experience remediating audit findings and restoring financial compliance.
• Experience operating within the Texas state fiscal and statutory frameworks.
• Experience leading financial transformation or modernization initiatives.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of

• Public-sector accounting principles and financial reporting standards.
• Texas state statutes, regulations, and fiscal oversight requirements.
• Higher education finance, budgeting, and auxiliary operations.
• Internal controls, audit standards, and compliance frameworks.
• Financial systems and enterprise reporting tools.

Skill in

• Strategic financial planning and analysis.
• Budget development, forecasting, and cost control.
• Audit resposne development and corrective action implementation
• Data-driven decision-making and financial modeling.
• Executive-level communication and presentation.
• Building and leading high-performing financial teams.

Ability to

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the President and Board of Regents.
• Restore confidence in financial operations through discipline and transparency.
• Balance compliance rigor with institutional growth and innovation.
• Operate effectively in a highly regulated, high-scrutiny environment.
• Develop talent and build organizational capacity for long-term success.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMAND

• Primarily office-based with extended periods of sitting or standing.
• Regular use of financial and enterprise information systems.
• Occasional travel required.
• Some lifting of light materials may be required.

This job description is intended to be generic and to describe the essential functions of the job.  It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities.  The essential duties, functions, and responsibilities, and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.