AVP Finance & University Controller

Assistant Vice President for
Finance & University Controller
Old Dominion University
Old Dominion University serves its students and enriches the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation and the world through rigorous academic programs, strategic partnerships, and active civic engagement. The university's vision is to be recognized nationally and internationally as a forward-focused metropolitan university with a collaborative and innovative approach to education and research that spurs economic growth, focuses on student success, engages civic and community partners, and uses its connections with the military and maritime industries and its exceptional strengths and leadership in related areas to provide practical solutions to complex, real world problems.
Old Dominion University was founded in 1930 as an extension of the School of William and Mary and Virginia Polytechnic Institute. Initially focused on educating teachers and engineers, the two- year school rapidly evolved into a four-year institution. It was granted independence as Old Dominion School in 1962 and began offering its first graduate degree two years later. Before the turn of the decade, Old Dominion would realize its dream of achieving status as a university. The University's main campus occupies 200 acres situated between the Elizabeth and Lafayette Rivers. The campus has gardens, tree-lined walkways, a reflecting pool and more than 30 academic buildings. Today, Old Dominion University is an entrepreneurial-minded R1 research university with nearly 24,000 students, rigorous academics and initiatives that contribute $2.6 billion annually to
Virginia's economy. On campus and online, ODU is Virginia's most affordable public doctoral university. U.S. News & World Report ranks ODU No. 126 out of 1,500 public universities, has repeatedly named it a top university for social mobility, and recognizes ODU's undergraduate business and engineering programs as among the best across doctoral institutions in the U.S. Additional recognitions:

• ODU was rated 49th in the world and fourth in the nation for reducing inequalities in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for 2021.
• Six ODU Online programs were ranked among the top 25% in the country by U.S. News & World Report, which also listed 20 of ODU's graduate programs and two colleges as among the best in the nation (2022).
• The University has also been recognized as among the top 15% of U.S. colleges for overall diversity by College Factual and as a Best Online Military Friendly College by intelligent.com.

ODU offers more than 150 programs available on campus and more than 100 programs through online learning at ODUOnline, including 91 bachelor's, 41 master's, 22 doctoral and two educational specialist degrees. Approximately half of ODU's students are people of color, and one-quarter are military-affiliated. With more than 150,000 alumni across all 50 states and 67 countries, ODU pride stretches across the nation and around the world.
Old Dominion University and Eastern Virginia Medical School Integrate
Old Dominion University and Eastern Virginia Medical School have had a long-standing partnership with faculty collaborating in the delivery of educational programs, research studies, patient care service and community development activities. On July 1, 2024, Old Dominion University and Eastern Virginia Medical School integrated, and the Macon and Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University was established. Schools that are part of the Macon and Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at ODU include the EVMS School of Health Professions, the EVMS School of Medicine, the Ellmer College of Health Sciences, the Ellmer School of Nursing, and the joint School of Public Health.
Governance and Leadership
ODU is governed by a 17-member Board of Visitors, which has the power to control and expend the funds of the University and any appropriation made to it, the power to make all rules and regulations concerning the University, and the power to appoint the President, who is the chief executive officer of the University. Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D., became Old Dominion University's ninth president on July 1, 2021. He previously served as president of Radford University and, before that, as president of West Virginia State University. He held prior leadership roles at University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, where he was associate vice chancellor and dean of students, and at Northern Illinois University, where he was vice president for student affairs and enrollment management.
Position Summary
Old Dominion University seeks an experienced and highly collaborative Assistant Vice President for Finance & University Controller to join during a pivot period marked by new financial leadership and an ambitious strategic plan. In this highly visible role, the AVP & UC will provide expert subject matter expertise to a broad set of constituents in order to further institutional goals and outcomes. As ODU continues to leverage its existing strengths while remaining Forward-Focused exploring opportunities where innovation meets possibilities, the university needs an astute financial leader to effectively oversee its fiscal operations, collaborate with key internal and external stakeholders, and foster a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture. With the recent merger of Eastern Virginia Medical School, the AVP & UC will play a key role in the seamless financial integration of the school and staff.
Reporting to the Senior Associate Vice President for Finance and serving on the Division of Administration and Finance leadership team, the AVP & UC will serve as the University's chief accountant responsible for ensuring the integrity of accounting records, overseeing the production of timely and accurate financial reporting, recommending and maintaining appropriate fiscal policies and internal controls, and ensuring compliance with generally accepted accounting principles, state and federal laws and University policies. With the support of a talented and dedicated team, the AVP & UC will be a doer, managing, leading, and mentoring while providing key strategic oversight for core business operations including accounting, financial reporting, tax, internal controls, payroll, and student accounts/bursar. In doing so, the AVP & UC will be instrumental in assisting ODU in fully optimizing and integrating its financial operations as well as enhancing its internal controls. Success in this role will be measured by effective financial stewardship, general operational oversight, strong collaboration, and excellent communication and presentation skills along with the ability to effectively engage a broad set of constituents.
Key Responsibilities
• Ensures timely and accurate preparation of the annual financial statements and tax filings in compliance with regulatory requirements and managing the relationship with external auditors and communicates audit requirements with the University.
• Operates as the data steward for financial information, with responsibility for the University's chart of accounts, fiscal records, financial reporting, tax compliance, and student account management. Ensures sound business practices and optimal technology solutions are leveraged to strengthen financial management as well as ensure data integrity, compliance, and internal controls.
• Serves as a trusted advisor and collaborative partner with key internal and external stakeholders to help further the University's overarching strategic goals and priorities.
• Fosters a culture of continuous improvement with a focus on industry best practices and emerging trends in the field.
• Provides sound financial data, analysis, and interpretation to inform and support the University's strategic and operational position.
• Builds strong and effective relationships with a broad and varied set of stakeholders including senior leadership, faculty, staff, and students.
• Champions diversity, equity, and inclusion as an indispensable part of the ODU experience for all members of the campus community.
• Offers University leadership timely and accurate financial data and analysis to inform strategic decision making.
• Effectively partners with financial leadership in the various colleges, schools, and business units on campus.
• Leads a highly effective and proactive team with a focus on excellent customer service.
Professional Experience and Preferred Qualifications
• An advanced degree in public administration, business administration or a related field or possess an equivalent combination of education and related professional experience.
• A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience leading large and diverse public or private sector finance organization(s) comparable to the size, scale, and complexity of ODU.
• Current license as a Certified Public Accountant required along with knowledge of relevant GASB or FASB fund accounting reporting requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret, communicate, and apply complex financial accounting regulations, policies, and procedures to a broad set of stakeholders.
• Ability to initiate, establish, and foster effective communication and teamwork by maintaining a positive, cooperative, productive work atmosphere.
• Extensive knowledge of state and/or local governmental financial accounting laws, policies, and procedures.
• Technical fluency and adaptability with accounting systems coupled with a strong understanding of how technology can be leveraged in financial management.
• A proactive and innovative thinker and problem-solver with the ability to act with decisiveness and an appropriate sense of urgency.
• A highly engaged and committed leader who respects diversity in people, opinions, and experiences.
• An accomplished leader who is forward-thinking with success in implementing transformative and sustained impact in complex environments.
• Strong technical expertise in accounting, financial reporting, tax, and student accounts.
• An ability to explain complex financial concepts in accessible and understandable terms to a broad set of stakeholders with varying levels of financial acumen.
• Demonstrated experience in initiating and leading change in a large and complex organization.
• Excellent communication, customer service, analytical and presentation skills coupled with the ability to engage at all levels of the institution.
• An ability to develop trust and foster effective relationships using diplomacy, tact, and conflict-resolution skills.
• An unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest ethical standards and principles in financial management.
Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.
It is the policy of Old Dominion University to provide equal employment, educational and social opportunities for all persons, without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), national origin, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation or genetic information. Individuals from minoritized communities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Coastal Virginia
Old Dominion University's waterfront campus is in the heart of vibrant Coastal Virginia - a prime place to learn, work and play. Approximately 1.75 million people live in the region, which is home to the cities of Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Virginia Beach. Each city has its own unique attractions, events, and activities.
Norfolk, a metropolitan city, is home to the world's largest naval base and the North American Headquarters for NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization). From internship opportunities with some of the world's top companies, to great shopping and dining, to beautiful beaches, there is always something new to discover. And if you like history or science, you are close to Colonial Williamsburg and NASA Langley, the birthplace of the U.S. space program.
Korn Ferry shall provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified candidates, and will refer candidates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected basis.