The Vice President for Administration & Finance serves as the chief administrative and financial services officer of the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) and is responsible for providing leadership and administrative oversight for planning and directing the University’s business office and risk management functions, physical facilities, grounds, security, procurement, finance, human resources and auxiliary services. He/she will assume primary leadership responsibility for planning, implementing, and coordinating the administrative and financial programs of the University. The Vice President oversees the areas of Logistics and Administration, Security and Facilities, Comptroller/Accounting Services, Business Office/Student Financial services, and Talent Development/Management and Wellness.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The VP for Administrative and Finance/CFO function typically reports directly to the President. In this senior role, the Vice President of Administration & Finance/CFO will oversee the planning, development, implementation, and maintenance of the university’s administrative and financial services and departments by supporting and promoting profitable goals and objectives. He/she will advise the President and senior management on all financial matters affecting the institution’s operations, including annual budgets and financial audits, risk management, operations, human resources, facilities, and financial planning in  support of strategic and operational decision-making.

Environmental management:​

The VP, Administration & Finance/CFO is responsible for compliance by all university campuses and facilities with respect to local environmental regulations, including the preparation of required documentation and communications with regulatory authorities.

​Facilities management:​

Supervises the management of the university facilities, including custodial and grounds service, construction projects, key control, and central storage and inventory.

​Fiscal management:​

In collaboration with other executive staff and skilled, trusted departmental employees, develops, implements, operates, maintains and controls the essential operating systems, financial information management systems, and financial business operations of the UCC/UCC Global.

Prepares and oversees budgets, including capital appropriation.

Ensures compliance with government and institutional financial requirements, regulations, guidelines and best practices, including but not limited to tax laws, generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and cost accounting standards (CAS).

​Human resources management:​

Oversees the management of functions such as talent development and wellness, retirement services, benefits management, labour and employee relations, labour compliance, and human resources information management systems.

​Planning, design, and construction:​

Oversees the development of the physical campus including long-range plans for construction projects.

​Safety:​

Ensures measures and procedures are in place to provide physical security for students, employees, equipment, and property. Advise of the plan for events such as emergencies, natural disasters, and potential disruptions such as demonstrations or protests that get out of control. Campus safety oversight also includes responsibility for transportation systems and parking.

​Support services:​

Oversees planning and utilization of physical space throughout the university system, ensuring effective utilization of resources.

Minimum Requirements:

• At least a master’s degree in a business or management related area or a Ph. D or other doctoral degree. CPA or related financial designation preferred.
• At least five (5) years’ experience in senior administrative management in a university or similar environment.
• Experience managing large teams of people and budgets.
• Demonstrated experience with strategic planning, strong fiscal management, linking resource allocation to planning and priorities.
• Knowledge of computers and computer applications that support management systems and business office functions.
• A creative, visionary leader who will inspire staff and students.
• An innovative thinker who seeks innovative solutions to problem solving and is a critical thinker.
• Ability to create effective professional relationships, negotiate contracts and agreements, and gain consensus from stakeholders.
• Outstanding interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Highly ethical, trustworthy, credible, loyal, and respectful of diverse views and opinions.
• A seasoned professional who fosters cohesion and a sense of working together for the good of the UCC and is committed to the effective use of technology within the administrative environments.
• Maintains knowledge of developments and trends in finance and administration including technological advances.

Skills and Competencies:

Key competencies, including the following:

• Analytical ability as related to budget, technical, and business issues.
• Alternative dispute resolution skills.
• Demonstrated abilities to organize, negotiate and collaborate.
• Effective time management.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Leadership skills.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite and comparable communications and financial/spreadsheet software.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with a demonstrated ability to implement solutions to complex issues involving management and operations.
• Thorough understanding of and personal involvement with systems and methodologies of finance and administration.