Chief Academic Officer jobs in Syracuse, NY

Mower is a fiercely independent full-service advertising, marketing and public relations firm with more than 12 locations across the United States. As part of the Executive Leadership Team, we are currently looking for a CFO who will lead the accounting organization, fostering the financial health and growth of the company. Reporting to the President/CEO, the CFO is responsible for managing all financial-related activities across the agency. In addition, the CFO will lead the Management Services group at Mower, which includes Accounting, Human Resources, Information Services and Legal. This role will provide mentorship, guidance, and professional development for the leaders in those four functional areas.  

The CFO will be relied upon as a thought and culture leader in Mower’s fast-paced business. As such, the CFO will be a trusted sounding board to the CEO and Executive Team. The CFO will be a hands-on leader of the accounting teams and will serve a central role in Mower’s overall business operations, financial activities, and human capital positioning to meet the future needs and direction of the agency.    

Essential Duties & Responsibilities - Other duties may be assigned.  

• Provides leadership and mentorship of the accounting, human resources, and IT teams, as well as the contract administrator 
• Drives the agency’s overall financial planning, reporting and forecasting 
• Responsible for the banking relationship of the firm 
• Involved in all legal matters affecting the agency, including client and vendor contracts 
• Establishes contract billing rates and fees to optimize growth and profitability 
• Responsible for real estate needs, including lease negotiations  
• Instrumental in shaping agreements to support mergers, acquisitions and partnerships 
• Contributes to decision-making for the company insurance needs including cyber liability 
• Oversees ESOP administration and annual third-party valuation  
• Ensures cash flow is appropriate for the organization’s operations 
• Ensures that financial management software is leveraged to drive efficiencies and improve outcomes 
• Ensures compliance with public law and company policies 
• Works closely with the human resources department; forecast staffing, approve all offers for new hires as well as labor budget  

Educational Requirements & Qualifications –  

• Proven experience as a CFO, financial officer, or relevant role 
• BSc/BS in Accounting, Finance, or relevant field; MSc/MBA is a plus 
• CPA certification and experience working for a Public Relations, Advertising, or Marketing company are strong advantages 
• Knowledge of corporate financial and employment law and risk management practices 
• Extensive knowledge of data analysis and forecasting methods 
• Proficient in the use of MS Office and financial management software (e.g., Advantage/Webvantage) 
• Demonstrated strategic planning and problem-solving experience  
• Strong leadership, climate-setting, communication, and organizational skills 
• An analytical mind and exceptional facility with numbers. A desire to have and make the workplace fun

Salary Range: $157,000 - $250,000 annually

*Salary differential is based on seniority, merit, education, training and experience.