White Stripes Right

Vice President for Finance and Administration

Reports to: President

Position Type: Full-time, 12 months, Exempt

Salary: $180,000 – $210,000 DOQ

Deadline:August 29, 2025, until the position is filled

Summary

Menlo College, which has a premier undergraduate business program and new degree offerings at the graduate level, is searching for its next Vice President for Finance and Administration (VPFA). The position encompasses cabinet-level financial responsibility for a small, private college approaching its centennial.

The next VPFA will be well-supported and have the chance to thrive in a tight-knit community of 800+ students, the majority of whom are students of color. The VPFA reports to the president and engages directly with the trustees of Menlo College.

As the College begins to embark on programmatic and operational growth, it seeks a VPFA who is also positioned to grow and succeed. Candidates will be expected to work collaboratively with experienced administrators on complex projects, and serve with humility and kindness at an interconnected, highly relational college community.

The priority deadline is August 29, 2025, although late applications will be accepted until this mission-critical position is filled.

Specific Duties

Strategy
  • Coordinate the development of and adherence to College-wide and departmental budgets and long-range financial planning, and guide directors in the allocation of limited budget resources for human capital management to achieve the strategic objectives of each department.
  • Maintain a strategic focus on ensuring a high return on investment (ROI)
  • Ensure that the financial operations, procedures, and ERP environment not only provide necessary controls and safeguards, but also support the continued growth and strategic visioning of the College
  • Monitor and mitigate risk through a comprehensive risk management program
Future Planning
  • Develop financial forecasts and key performance indicators to predict likely future outcomes, by both analyzing past performance as well as identifying internal and external factors that may affect future revenue and expenses
  • Aggregate departmental-level budget forecasts to create short- and long-term projections for the Board, management team, and other stakeholders
  • Identify areas of deferred maintenance and capital improvement, and develop plans to invest sufficient resources in the maintenance and upkeep of the physical plant
  • In partnership with other members of the management team, identify and explore alternative revenue streams
Operations
  • Manage the College’s business office functions, including student billing and receivables, accounts payable and payroll
  • Ensure that accounts payable obligations are paid in full, and expenses are controlled so that enough cash is on hand to meet financial obligations
  • Coordinate and oversee mandated audits, attest that statements are accurate and complete in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, oversee risk management, and ensure that financial reports support the needs of various stakeholders
  • Oversee contracting and vendor management, including banking services, insurance, and retirement programs
  • Assist with WSCUC and AACSB accreditation-related initiatives, and perform other duties as assigned

Professional Qualifications

  • Multiple years of experience in a senior management role, with demonstrated experience in overseeing accounting and financial services, preferably in an higher education
  • Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in business administration, finance, accounting, or a related field
  • An advanced degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • An MBA or CPA preferred but not required
  • Up to date knowledge of current financial and accounting computer applications
  • Successful track record of managing, supervising, and mentoring professional staff
  • Demonstrated experience in strategic and operational planning, as well as budget development

Leadership and Personal Qualities

  • Excellent verbal, analytical, organizational and written communication skills, and a proven ability to effectively articulate organizational objectives and strategic analysis
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, empathy, warmth, and collegiality when interacting with diverse groups of individuals
  • Organized, systematic, and detail-oriented approach to overseeing mission-critical departments and programs
  • Willingness to manage multiple complex projects, work collaboratively, and navigate external pressures and unexpected challenges
  • Competency to monitor and control resources
  • Outstanding analytical, math, and critical thinking skills
  • Ability to anticipate the needs of various constituents and proactively initiate next steps
  • A genuine interest and passion for the success of a hard-working student body comprising a large number of first-generation college students, many of whom have compelling and inspiring life stories.

About Menlo College

Menlo College is doing transformative work with an incredibly diverse population of students, about one-third of whom are the first in their families to attend college. Almost 100 years old, this small gem of a private college – with fewer than 800 students – is changing lives and providing a stream of inspiring, diverse and capable graduates to Silicon Valley companies and organizations. The private school offers four-year undergraduate degrees in business and psychology, and three graduate programs that leverage key areas of excellence within the College.

Menlo is proud to be designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American, Native American, & Pacific Islander-Serving (AANAPISI) institution. The campus is located 30 miles south of San Francisco in Silicon Valley, one of the world’s most entrepreneurial and innovative locations. 

Application Process

Interested individuals should submit a cover letter and current resume/CV.  Submission of all application materials in an electronic format is highly encouraged.  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.  Please email materials to:

Menlo College

Attn: Human Resources Department

1000 El Camino Real, Atherton, CA 94027-4301

Or via email to hr@menlo.edu

Menlo College is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a strong commitment to diversity. All prospective Menlo College employees are required to satisfy a background check, as well as clearance annually for the operation of a motor vehicle on behalf of Menlo College.