Vice President for Finance and Administration / Chief Financial Officer

Job Description

Vice President for Finance and Administration / Chief Financial Officer

Lead at the Intersection of Global Commerce, Public Higher Education, and

Institutional Growth

Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) invites nominations and applications for an exceptional financial leader to serve as its nextVice President for Finance and Administration / Chief Financial Officer (VPFA/CFO). Reporting directly to the President and serving as a key member of the senior leadership team, the VPFA/CFO will play a central role in shaping the University’s future—aligning financial strategy, operational excellence, and long-term sustainability with an ambitious institutional vision.

Located in Laredo, Texas—the nation’s largest inland port and a gateway to Mexico and Latin America—TAMIU is uniquely positioned at the crossroads of international trade, global engagement, and public higher education. The University is experiencing strong momentum in enrollment, student success, facilities expansion, and national recognition, while benefiting from the stability and prestige of theTexas A&M University System.

This role offers a rare opportunity for a strategic, globally minded financial executive tobuild, innovate, and leave a lasting institutional legacyat a growing, mission-driven university with deep community roots and expanding national impact.

Why This Role Matters:

The next VPFA/CFO will inherit astrong financial foundationand be empowered to innovate rather than repair. Key opportunities include:

• Shaping the financial strategy of a university on a growth trajectory

• Leading major capital projects and long-range campus planning

• Aligning resources with a new presidential vision

• Strengthening transparency, trust, and financial literacy across campus

• Preparing the institution for shifting state, federal, and policy environments Advancing data-informed decision-making at all levels

• Supporting TAMIU’s distinctive binational and global mission

For a leader seekingscale, influence, and purpose, this position offers uncommon breadth, visibility, and impact.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of the institution’s operating and capital budgets, including long-range financial modelling, scenario planning, cash flow projections, forecasts, and “walk forward” budgets.

• Oversee all financial operations: accounting, treasury, investments (including endowment where applicable), debt/borrowing, asset management, risk management, and compliance with financial regulations and standards (GAAP/GASB/FASB as applicable).

• Serve as strategic advisor to the President and senior leadership team on financial, business, operational, administrative, and strategic matters; prepare and present to the Board of Regents or its committees (e.g., Audit, Finance, Investment) on financial health, metrics, and resource allocation.

• Lead the administrative functions of finance and business operations: payroll, accounts payable/receivable, purchasing/procurement, contract management, grants and auxiliaries oversight, business office, and other support services.

• Oversee institutional risk management (insurance, liability, business continuity, enterprise risk), internal controls, audit coordination (internal and external), and compliance with government, regulatory, and accrediting bodies.

• Manage and optimize the use of physical and financial assets: real estate, facilities, capital planning and construction, infrastructure, information technology (where included), and other support services.

• Lead and foster a culture of financial stewardship and accountability across the institution: partnering with academic and administrative leaders, providing timely and understandable financial information to non-financial stakeholders, and explaining complex financial issues in accessible ways.

• Partner with academic deans, department chairs, and administrative unit leaders who hold budget responsibility to strengthen financial literacy across campus. Provide training, guidance, and individualized support to help them understand their budgets, how those budgets connect to the overall institutional budget, and how to develop and manage departmental budgets effectively.

• Promote a culture of data-informed decision-making by ensuring that accurate, timely, and accessible financial and operational data are available to leaders at all levels. Use financial analytics, dashboards, and forecasting tools to inform strategic planning, resource allocation, and performance evaluation.

• Support and engage in strategic planning, institutional initiatives, and change management—aligning financial and administrative operations with institutional strategic goals, growth, and sustainability.

• Supervise, mentor and develop finance/administrative staff; lead the division’s organizational structure, workforce development, succession planning and performance metrics.

• Liaise with external partners, including banks, rating agencies, auditors, underwriters, regulators, government entities, foundation/endowment offices, and vendor/service providers.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration or related field.

• A minimum of 7–10 years of progressively responsible financial management, budgeting and leadership experience in a large, complex organization (higher education experience preferred).

• Demonstrated experience in budgeting, financial planning, capital and operating budget processes, and strategic financial modelling.

• Strong technical knowledge of accounting, financial reporting, internal controls, audit processes, regulatory compliance and risk management.

• Excellent communication, collaboration and interpersonal skills—able to present complex financial information to diverse stakeholders.

• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage change, develop staff, and build effective partnerships across academic and administrative units.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree (MBA, MPA, or master’s in accounting/finance) or equivalent advanced credential.

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or equivalent professional certification.

• Prior experience in higher education finance, preferably in a leadership role as CFO, VPFA or equivalent.

• Experience with debt financing, bond issuance, real estate/asset management, endowment oversight and treasury functions.

• Experience with institutional strategic planning, asset management (physical and financial) and infrastructure/facility oversight.

Desired Leadership Attributes:

• Strategic & Innovative Leadership

• Global & Binational Awareness

• Deep Higher Education Financial Expertise

• Comprehensive Portfolio Understanding

• Policy, Legislative, & Regulatory Acumen

• Data-Driven, Student-Success Orientation

• Strong Communication & Transparency

• Emotional Intelligence, Empathy, and Courage

• Collaborative Partner & Team Integrator

• Cultural Fit & Community Engagement

Nominations and Applications:

The Search Committee invites letters of interest and nominations to be submitted directly to the search firm Anthem Executive | Anthem Academics. Correspondence should include a curriculum vitae and a letter of interest describing relevant experience and interest in the position. Submit materials to Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, JR Wheless, or Florene Stawowy at:

While applications and nominations will be accepted until a VPFA/CFO is selected, interested parties are strongly encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible to assure consideration. Anthem and the University reserve the right to end or extend the application and nomination process at any time. Expressing interest is the first step in receiving consideration and does not make one an applicant for the position.

Texas A&M International University shall provide equal opportunity for employment to all persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and shall strive to achieve full and equal employment opportunity for its employees.

Texas A&M International University shall provide equal opportunity for employment to all persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and shall strive to achieve full and equal employment opportunity for its employees.