The Opportunity
This is an opportunity for a builder, partner, and team leader who sees finance not simply as a set of transactions, but as a strategic resource for the future. The Director oversees accounting, payroll, student accounts, investments, external revenue generation, accounts payable, the Spirit Shop, and the Mail and Copy Center. Through clear analysis, modernized processes, team development, strong internal controls, and responsive service, the Director will equip leaders across K to make informed decisions and will develop a high-performing Business Office ready to help the College move forward with confidence.
What You Will Lead and Shape
- Set a high standard for financial stewardship and provide strategic and operational leadership across the College’s accounting and related financial service functions.
- Deliver timely, decision-ready financial and budget reporting, and lead development of the annual operating budget in partnership with campus leaders.
- Advance disciplined management of endowment accounting, cash projections, bank access, and institutional financial reporting.
- Strengthen a culture of accountability by designing, implementing, and enforcing internal controls that safeguard College assets.
- Lead annual financial and A-133 audit preparation, coordinate effectively with external auditors, and assist with Forms 990 and 990-T.
- Serve as a strategic resource to the Audit and Finance Committees of the Board of Trustees in partnership with the Vice President for Business and Finance.
- Build, inspire, and develop a high-performing Business Office team through clear expectations, shared priorities, coaching, and professional development.
- Encourage and support expanded revenue generation through oversight of external events coordinator.
- Anticipate and respond to evolving regulations and accounting pronouncements, and serve as the College’s Bond Compliance Officer.
- Champion thoughtful uses of technology and process redesign to improve efficiency, productivity, service, security, and the user experience.
- Forge effective partnerships with campus colleagues, auditors, vendors, and external stakeholders to advance institutional priorities.
What You Will Bring
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credentials.
- At least five years of progressively responsible professional accounting experience.
- Demonstrated leadership, supervisory, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- Experience with annual audits and the ability to manage sensitive information with sound judgment.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Suite and enterprise resource systems.
What Will Set You Apart
- Master’s degree in accounting or finance.
- More than five years of public accounting or higher education/nonprofit experience.
- Appreciation for the participative culture of higher education and the ability to work effectively with trustees, faculty, staff, and students.
- Strong presentation skills and experience using technology to streamline financial processes.
Join Kalamazoo College
Kalamazoo College invites applications from accomplished finance professionals who are energized by the opportunity to pair disciplined stewardship with institutional ambition. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Join K and help shape the financial strength, service, and systems that will support the College’s next chapter. Kalamazoo College is proud of offer a robust and reliable slate of benefits. A continued goal is to maximize our benefits while minimizing costs to employees, families, and the College.
Why Kalamazoo College
Kalamazoo College is a nationally known liberal arts college offering a personalized, integrated undergraduate experience through the K-Plan, which interweaves rigorous academics with individualized research and experiential learning in domestic and international settings. Founded in 1833, K College is entering its next chapter with ambition—deepening partnerships, evolving academic opportunities, and preparing students to thrive in a changing world. From its beautiful hilltop campus overlooking downtown Kalamazoo, the College connects students with a vibrant region whose companies, institutions, and organizations extend learning far beyond the classroom. In their respective 2027 rankings, WalletHub named K College Michigan’s No. 1 private college, and Forbes named Kalamazoo College the state’s top private college.
Why Kalamazoo: An Education City with Room to Build
Kalamazoo is more than the College’s location—it is home to the Kalamazoo Promise and a community committed to education. Home to Kalamazoo College, Western Michigan University, and Kalamazoo Valley Community College, this accessible college city creates rich opportunities for academic collaboration, civic engagement, and community partnership.
Education and innovation reinforce one another in Kalamazoo, a hub for life sciences, healthcare, design, and advanced manufacturing. Major employers including Pfizer and Stryker—alongside entrepreneurs, cultural institutions, and nonprofits across Southwest Michigan.
Within walking distance of campus, downtown offers distinctive shops, acclaimed and affordable dining, nightlife, galleries, and performance venues. Beyond downtown, the community features a professional symphony orchestra, an art institute, a nature center, professional and community theatres, farmers markets, year-round festivals, the Smithsonian-affiliated Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Museum, and the Gilmore Car Museum. Nearby lakes, trails, parks, and preserves keep outdoor recreation nearby.
Kalamazoo is investing in its future. Slated to open in fall 2027, the Kalamazoo Event Center will host sports and concerts and become home to the Kalamazoo Wings professional hockey team. A new 140,000-square-foot indoor sports facility will further strengthen the region’s ability to host major events, support tourism, and generate economic activity.
Kalamazoo proudly calls itself “the education city.” The Kalamazoo Promise provides eligible Kalamazoo Public Schools graduates with up to 100% of tuition and mandatory fees at participating Michigan institutions, including Kalamazoo College. Since becoming a partner in 2015, K has welcomed more than 230 Promise scholars.
Located 35 miles from Lake Michigan and approximately 140 miles from both Detroit and Chicago, Kalamazoo is accessible by Interstate 94, the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport, and frequent Amtrak service from downtown.
