Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration

NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) provides quality and affordable higher education to empower lives and strengthen communities within Northwest Arkansas and surrounding areas.

As the largest community college in Arkansas, NWACC is recognized as a leader in education. NWACC offers a full range of associate degrees, certificates and workforce training programs that prepare students for rewarding futures and careers.

NWACC employees are dedicated to fostering a diverse educational community and cultural learning environment that supports student success.

NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) seeks an experienced and results-driven Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration to lead the college’s administrative and financial functions.

Reporting to the President of NorthWest Arkansas Community College, and serving as a member of the President’s Cabinet, the Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration (SVP FA) is the chief financial and administrative officer for the college and is responsible for the management, direction, control, and coordination of all administrative and financial activities of the college. The SVP FA provides leadership and direction for financial and administrative services including Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Operations, Purchasing, Policy, Risk Management, and Compliance.

Cabinet leadership at NorthWest Arkansas Community College is expected to be highly visible, approachable, and effective in building strong connections with colleagues, students, and the broader community. This dedication to being physically present and engaged on campus is integral to enhancing the educational experience, supporting student success, and advancing the college's mission and strategic goals. Remote work is discouraged, as it can impede these crucial interactions and connections.

Essential Duties:

• Oversees the development, implementation, and enforcement of policies and procedures through systems that will improve the overall operation and effectiveness of NWACC. Recommends and develops policies, procedures, and systems to meet college objectives

• Plans, develops, organizes, implements, directs, and evaluates the NWACC’s fiscal functions, including banking operations and investments

• Ensures that financial resources support NWACC’s strategic plan and priorities

• Provides strategic support to the President and the Board of Trustees regarding strategies and long range financial and organizational planning

• Oversees the planning, development, and preparation of NWACC’s annual budget for presentation to the President and the Board of Trustees

• Provides leadership and guidance to human resources to ensure that policies and procedures for classification and compensation, people relations, professional development, and recruitment adhere to state and federal laws

• Ensures timely and accurate budget analysis and financial reporting for the President and NWACC’s leadership team, including recommendations for tuition and fee structure and rates

• Directs all college investments and banking operations

• Ensures compliance with appropriate state and federal regulatory agencies by continually monitoring operations, programs, and physical resources

• Directs participation in state, federal and/or independent audits

• Disseminates information within the college on budgetary processes and procedures related to operating and capital expenditures

• Provides leadership and guidance for business continuity, risk management, and security, with executive oversight of risk identification and management to ensure the proactive assessment of risk in NWACC’s administrative, financial, and operational policies, processes, and procedures

• Provides leadership and guidance regarding the development and implementation of capital planning and operations projects as well as the maintenance of the physical plant and grounds

• Provides executive oversight for NWACC’s information technology infrastructure and operational requirements

• Oversees the operation of auxiliary services, including food service and bookstore vendors

• Evaluates the finance/administrative services structure and team plan for continual improvement of efficiency and effectiveness

• Collaborates with internal departments and external agents and constituencies to provide financial information/reports in order to accomplish strategic initiatives

• Represents the college at meetings and functions as requested by the President

• Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others

• Assumes responsibilities for other duties as required or assigned by the President

Rate of Pay: $153,314 annualized *Higher compensation may be considered based on qualifications directly related to position.

Completed applications received by 04/06/2026 will be assured full consideration. Late Applications will be reviewed as necessary to fill the position.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree in business administration, finance, accounting, or related field from an accredited institution of higher education

• At least five (5) years of executive- or cabinet-level experience leading financial and administrative operations

• Significant supervisory experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation

• Experience in strategic financial planning and forecasting

• Experience with financial software and ERP systems such as Workday

• Experience working at a community college or other institutions of higher education

• Experience working with the financial aspects of a post-secondary athletic program, including budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge and understanding of accounting principles, budgeting, financial analysis, and reporting

• Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and best practices in financial management

• Knowledge of higher education finance and administration issues and trends

• Knowledge and understanding of the mission and role of a public two-year multi-campus college, its students, faculty, and staff

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

• Ability to interact effectively with diverse constituencies

• Ability to manage and motivate a large and highly diversified team

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

The following physical activities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.
While performing the functions of this job, the employee is:
Frequently:
• Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding
• Sitting
• Standing
• Walking
Constantly:
• Hearing
• Repetitive motion
• Talking

The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading; and/or visual inspection at distances close to the eyes.

Environmental Conditions:

The following work environment characteristics are representative of those encountered by employees while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

The work environment typically consists of a professional office setting with a moderate noise level, including sounds from conversations, office equipment, and occasional movement of staff. Lighting is standard for office spaces, and the temperature is controlled to remain within a comfortable range. Employees may occasionally need to visit other areas, such as storage rooms, conference spaces, or outdoor locations, where environmental conditions may vary. Infrequently, exposure to louder noise levels or physical activities, such as moving lightweight materials, might be required.

NWACC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, please see our EEO policy.