Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer

About This Role

This executive role serves as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the State Education Assistance Authority (SEAA), reporting directly to the Executive Director. The position advises on fiscal and operational matters, assists in strategic planning, and ensures efficient and effective delivery of programs, services, and administrative functions in line with SEAA's mission and goals. It also involves close collaboration with College Foundation, Inc. (CFI) on programs administered on SEAA's behalf.

Responsibilities

• Formulate, develop, and oversee implementation of policies and procedures for fiscal management, consistent with federal and State laws and regulations
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of all financial operations, ensuring SEAA
• Direct the preparation and administration of SEAA
• Establish and maintain strong internal controls and oversee fraud prevention and financial risk mitigation efforts
• Oversee the preparation of SEAA
• Provide oversight of State-funded grants and scholarships, including higher education and North Carolina
• Work with SEAA
• Provide investment manager oversight for the North Carolina National College Savings Program (NC 529) administered by CFI
• Work closely with the Executive Director to develop and implement organization strategy
• Work closely with SEAA senior leadership to encourage and facilitate business process improvement and ensure excellent customer service
• Direct and coordinate daily operations across SEAA
• Identify and address operational risks and inefficiencies
• Oversee SEAA
• Ensure the maintenance of data security to protect SEAA
• Oversee Human Resources functions and staff and work closely with the General Counsel on workplace policies and compliance with applicable federal and State laws and regulations

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with seven years or greater of related professional experience or a relevant post-baccalaureate degree and five years or greater of related professional experience
• Demonstrated strategic thinking and executive judgment; ability to operate independently, prioritize effectively, and maintain focus on long-term outcomes while managing near-term operational demands
• Knowledge of risk management, including segregation of duties and related internal control concepts and practices, and data security principles and methods
• Experience in business process improvement to ensure effectiveness, efficiency, security, and excellent customer service
• Ability to demonstrate sound judgment, strong planning and analytic skills, and commitment to quality and innovation