Bennington College invites applications for an Associate Vice President for Finance and Administration. This newly-created leadership position serves as a strategic thought partner to the Vice President for Finance and Administrator and provides short-and long-term strategic planning and input on a range of administrative and operational matters. The AVP will primarily focus on areas under the purview of the Vice President which include the College’s financial, human, technology and physical resources as well as conference and dining services. The Associate Vice President is expected to collaboratively engage with all areas of the College to strengthen the overall effectiveness and efficacy of the College’s administrative and financial operations, and make recommendations for improvements in operations and reporting, where appropriate.  

The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of and experience with a range of financial and administrative operations and will be equally adept as both a strategic thinker and hands-on manager. Candidates must possess a keen interest in and enthusiasm for the overall workings and philosophy of higher education and should evidence a flexible, but well-disciplined approach to leading and managing the ongoing organization change that is typical of dynamic educational institutions. 

The Associate Vice President will be responsible for managing a broad range of projects with a primary focus on planning and directing the College’s accounting operations and procedures in the following functional areas: accounting, general ledger, student billing/collections, accounts payable, purchasing, accounts receivable, fixed assets and inventories, audit, payroll, tax reporting, and cash management.  The position is responsible for the preparation of financial statements and annual budgets as well as financial modeling in conjunction with multi-year projections. The Associate Vice President directly supervises and manages the 6-person Business Office team and has oversight for the Post Office and Bookstore operations. This position is the primary contact for the external financial audit, serves as the College’s compliance officer and participates in Board Committee meetings. To that end, strong organizational, analytical and communication skills are essential. 

Bennington serves a diverse student population inclusive of members of ethnically/racially minoritized, international, LGBTQIA+, and disability communities as well as diverse gender identities, socioeconomic backgrounds, religions, and political beliefs. Our staff and faculty also reflect diverse and intersecting backgrounds and identities. All employees are expected to be respectful and responsive to these differences in the service of building community that promotes student and employee success and community cohesiveness. Each individual (faculty, staff and students) will be accountable for upholding these values.  The College’s approach to pluralism and inclusivity—both as fields of inquiry and practice—is to prioritize flexible thought, and to invite the examination of access, value, power, and privilege through its institutional policies and areas of study. We encourage applicants from diverse realms of interest, backgrounds, experience, and accomplishment to apply. 

Qualifications

• The position requires a minimum of 7 years’ related experience (which may include a combination of financial, administrative, technology and/or human resources) and demonstrated knowledge of related non-profit accounting principles/standards and practices, federal accounting, auditing, and reporting requirements, state statutes and tax laws/regulations. Knowledge of accounting for restricted funds is desirable.

• A bachelor’s degree in accounting is required and CPA preferred; MBA a plus.

• Strong organizational, project management and analytical required.Demonstrated ability to move initiatives and projects through from inception to completion is critical as is the demonstrated ability to leverage technology for efficiency, where applicable.

• Adept leadership and supervisory skills to oversee the hiring, management, development, mentoring and evaluation of staff.

• Strong technology orientation (Google Suite, Office and experience using database and financial management systems required). Adept financial reporting skills (including the ability to prepare and interpret complex fiscal records and reports, recognize problems, and effect solutions; ability to synthesize large volumes of information into a concise and usable format)

• Consistent exercise of discretion, independent judgment, and initiative, as well as, the interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective working relationships with staff at all levels of the institution. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• The position requires successful completion and acceptable results of a credit and  background check.

The College