Position Summary
Reporting to the President and serving as a strategic partner to the Executive Vice President, Board of Trustees, and Chair of the Finance Committee, the CFO will guide ACM-IAU through an important period of institutional growth and organizational development.
The next CFO will inherit a financially sound organization with ambitious aspirations — not a turnaround. Working collaboratively with trustees, faculty, staff, alumni, and international partners, the CFO will ensure that ACM-IAU has the financial strength, operational capacity, and strategic discipline to fulfill its mission while positioning the institution for sustained growth.
Work Arrangement
This is a full-time, on-site executive leadership position based at ACM-IAU’s U.S. headquarters in San Diego, California, or at its campuses in Aix-en-Provence, France, or Barcelona, Spain, depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate and the needs of the institution.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the country in which they will be employed. Preference will be given to candidates who already possess legal authorization to work in the United States, France, or Spain, as ACM-IAU may not be able to sponsor employment visas for this position.
Periodic travel between ACM-IAU’s U.S. and European operations.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Executive Leadership
- Serve as a strategic advisor to the President, Executive Vice President, Board of Trustees, and Chair of the Finance Committee on matters affecting ACM-IAU’s long-term direction and financial sustainability
- Lead the development of multi-year financial plans that support enrollment growth, academic priorities, capital investments, and organizational objectives
Financial Stewardship & Strategy
- Lead the development and administration of the institution’s annual operating and capital budgets
- Develop long-range financial forecasts and scenario models that support executive decision-making and strategic planning
Governance & Board Relations
- Partner with the Chair of the Finance Committee in preparing meeting agendas, financial reports, and strategic analyses
- Lead the institution’s annual independent audit and maintain productive relationships with external auditors
Administrative Leadership
- Provide executive oversight of accounting, budgeting, payroll, financial reporting, and administrative operations
- Partner with the Comptroller & Human Resources Manager to ensure effective leadership of accounting, payroll, human resources, employee benefits, and related administrative functions
Growth & Innovation
- Partner with executive leadership to develop enrollment projections and financial models that support sustainable growth
Resource Development
- Partner with the President, Executive Vice President, Advancement leadership, and Board of Trustees in support of institutional fundraising priorities and future capital campaigns
Qualifications
Professional Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related discipline is required; an advanced degree is preferred
- Significant executive leadership experience in financial management, budgeting, forecasting, treasury, accounting, and organizational leadership
- Experience leading financial operations within higher education, nonprofit organizations, or similarly mission-driven institutions
Preferred Experience
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or comparable professional credential
- Experience in higher education, international education, or another globally engaged organization
- Working knowledge of French and/or Spanish is desirable
