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Cleary University

Chief Financial
Officer

Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist Cleary University in its
search for Chief Financial Officer.

For full consideration, please apply by May 11,
2026.

Cleary University seeks a strategic and entrepreneurial Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
to guide the financial strategy of a growing and rapidly evolving private university based in Howell, Michigan. In recent years, Cleary has
strengthened its financial foundation, doubled enrollment, and developed a distinctive reputation for accelerated degree pathways serving
working adults. These offerings have generated thousands of incremental enrollments with a 78% retention rate and a strong job placement
rate, reflecting the strength of Cleary’s workforce-aligned model and its growing regional reputation.

Reporting directly to and serving as a key member
of the executive leadership team, the CFO will work closely with the President to guide financial strategy, strengthen institutional
planning and investments in financial systems, and support the university’s continued growth and innovation. The successful candidate will
join a nimble leadership team and help build the financial frameworks needed to support program expansion, national initiatives, and new
strategic ventures, while ensuring that financial strategy remains closely aligned with Cleary’s mission of preparing career-ready
graduates.

Cleary enters this search during a period of continued strategic investment and institutional
progress. The University generates approximately $35 million in tuition revenue and is advancing a set of mission-aligned initiatives
designed to expand access, improve outcomes, and strengthen its financial position, including:

• National expansion of Cleary’s
  accelerated programs in several major metropolitan cities and consideration of a for-profit entity to support growth
• Development of
  new schools and academic programs aligned with labor market trends
• Rollout of an innovative career development pathway model
• New philanthropy initiatives, including the development of a capital campaign
• Expansion of campus footprint

These initiatives reflect the university’s commitment to disciplined growth and long-term financial strength.

In addition, the University has just rolled out its new strategic plan, The Fourth Wave, and the plan presents an exciting opportunity
for a CFO to lead financial transformation within a high-growth education model. As the institution scales its nationally expanding adult
and online programs—already demonstrating strong revenue generation and retention—while reinvesting in a vibrant residential campus, the CFO
will shape a dynamic financial architecture that balances growth, margin, and mission. This role offers the chance to build sophisticated
segment-level economics, optimize pricing and discount strategies across diverse student populations, and deploy capital in ways that
directly fuel enrollment growth, program innovation, and long-term financial sustainability.

The successful
candidate will be a collaborative, hands-on financial leader who brings both strategic perspective and strong operational capability. The
CFO will serve as a trusted partner to the President and senior leadership team, thrive in a lean and entrepreneurial environment, and share
Cleary’s commitment to practical, career-focused education for working adults and diverse student populations.

This is an on-site position reporting to the President and units reporting to the CFO include Budget, Accounting, Student Business
Office, Payroll, and Facilities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Chief Financial Officer oversees all university budgeting, accounting, financial analysis, and financial reporting functions and
ensures that the university’s financial statements adhere to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), working closely with external
auditors. The CFO also oversees tax reporting and ensures that university operations comply with Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations
and applicable State of Michigan requirements. In addition, the CFO develops and implements policies, standards, and procedures related to
the university’s financial operations and ensures appropriate legal and regulatory compliance. Candidates for the CFO position will also be
expected to:

• Serve as a strategic partner to the President and executive leadership team in aligning financial planning with
  institutional priorities, program innovation, and long-term growth initiatives
• Develop and monitor financial models, analyses, and
  interpretation of statistical and accounting information to assess operating results
• Oversee the University’s system of accounts
  and records on all University transactions and assets
• Coordinate and direct the preparation of the budget and financial
  forecasts
• Establish major financial objectives and policies for the institution and prepare reports that outline the University’s
  financial position in the areas of income, expenses and earnings based on past, present and future operations
• Collaborate with
  advancement leadership to support evolving philanthropic efforts and ensure strong financial infrastructure for future fundraising
  initiatives

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of university
  administration and the principles and practices of financial management
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational
  skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and complex tasks simultaneously
• Experience with automated accounting
  systems and financial reporting tools
• Ability to build effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders across the
  university
• Demonstrated leadership ability, including supervising staff, delegating responsibilities, and fostering a collaborative
  team environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain a high level
  of confidentiality, and uphold institutional policies and priorities
• Demonstrated ability to connect financial strategy with
  institutional mission and student outcomes

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, accounting, or a related field
• Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in
  accounting or financial management in progressively responsible positions within a higher education institution;

Or

• Five (5) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in financial
  planning, budgeting, and financial operations

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in finance, business, accounting, or a related field
• CPA certification

About the Institution

is a private institution
founded in 1883 with a long-standing commitment to innovation, applied learning, and entrepreneurship in business education. Located in
Howell, Michigan, the University offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs designed to prepare students for immediate and
sustained success in a rapidly evolving workforce. Cleary’s main campus is in Livingston County, with an additional education center in
Detroit that extends its reach into one of the region’s major economic hubs.

At the core of the academic
experience is ^â„¢, a distinctive, data-informed
curricular framework focused on developing eight attributes most valued by employers: critical thinking, problem solving, ethics, creative
thinking, communication, persuasion, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Fully integrated across the curriculum and co-curricular experience,
The Cleary Mind™ reflects Cleary’s commitment to aligning academic programs with workforce needs and ensuring graduates are prepared to
succeed and lead in dynamic organizational environments.

Cleary serves a vibrant, career-focused student
population, including traditional undergraduates as well as working professionals pursuing hybrid and fully online programs. Traditional
undergraduate students may live in university residence halls, off-campus housing, or commute from home. The University’s emphasis on small
class sizes, personalized support, and strong industry alignment fosters meaningful student engagement and career readiness. Cleary’s
athletic teams, known as the Cougars, are an integral part of campus life, competing at the NAIA level as a member of the Wolverine-Hoosier
Athletic Conference.

Learn more about Cleary University at .

Living in the Area

Cleary’s main campus is in Howell, Michigan, part of Livingston County, one of the fastest-growing regions in
Southeast Michigan. Howell offers a blend of small-town charm and access to major metropolitan opportunities, situated halfway between
Detroit and Lansing, within easy driving distance of Ann Arbor, and less than an hour from Detroit Metropolitan Airport, providing
convenient regional and national connectivity.

The region is known for its highly ranked public schools and
family-friendly communities; abundant outdoor recreation, including lakes, parks, and trails; and a revitalized historic downtown featuring
restaurants, arts venues, and year-round community events. Residents also benefit from proximity to major employers and innovation hubs
across Southeast Michigan.

The area offers a high quality of life, combining affordability, safety, and
natural beauty with convenient access to the economic, cultural, and educational assets of Michigan’s leading cities.

Learn more about the region at

To Apply

For full consideration, please apply by May 11, 2026.

To be viewed by the search firm, you must apply directly at:

Please apply through the application link and do not email applications.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vita. Ideally cover letters should
not exceed two pages. All applications are treated confidentially.

Inquiries, referrals, and nominations
are also treated confidentially.

Inquiries and questions: Please send to ClearyCFO@acesrch.com

Nominations and referrals:
Please send the nominee’s name, title, and contact information if available to nominations@acesrch.com

Institutional Information

Cleary University is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of discrimination,
but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. Cleary strongly believes that workforce diversity creates an environment in which
its employees can thrive. Cleary understands and embraces the variety through which people gain experiences whether through professional,
personal, educational, or volunteer opportunities. Cleary University is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.