CHAIR - ACCOUNTING & FINANCIAL STUDIES PRGM

Job Title: Chair - Accounting and Financial Studies Program

Academic Enterprise(s): School of Business

Reports To: Dean - Business and Education

University Mission: Rochester Christian University is a Christ-centered institution that empowers students to lead lives of personal and professional significance while serving God in a changing world.

Position Summary: Supports the Dean of Business and Education by providing internal oversight of the Accounting and Financial Studies Program. This includes strategic, curriculum, and budget planning; engaging faculty in program review; and managing personnel, including the hiring, training, and oversight of adjunct instructors. Teaches 21 credit hours per academic year and advises approximately 20 students.

Desired Qualifications:

• It’s preferred that the ideal candidate will have an earned Ph.D. or D.B.A. in an accounting or finance-related discipline from a regionally accredited institution.

  • Candidates with a Master of Accountancy (M.Acc.) or M.B.A. from a regionally accredited institution combined with a CPA license and substantial industry experience will be considered.

• Record of successful higher education teaching and administrative experience.

• Three plus years of professional experience in public, corporate, governmental, or non-profit accounting/finance.

• Previous experience as a department/program chair or director or leading curriculum and accreditation efforts (e.g., ACBSP, AACSB).

• Experience with modern accounting software, data analytics, or AI-integrated financial tools.

The faculty member upholds RCU’s EPIC Academic Philosophy - Exploring, Preparing, Integrating, and Calling - ensuring that even a single-course role reflects the university’s commitment to student formation, Christian mission, and purposeful learning.

EPIC-Aligned Competency Responsibilities:

• Promotes connections between general education, RCU virtues for the formation of students, and vocation, across the School of Business and the Accounting and Financial Studies Program.

• Expand contextual understanding and intellectual breadth across programs (liberal arts foundation).

• Design learning activities that help students explore diverse ways of knowing, problem-solving, and engaging with academic content.

• Connect course content on study strategies to students’ broader academic goals and intellectual curiosity.

• Stay current with best practices in college success pedagogy and learning strategies research.

• Research and pursue grants and outside funding to support the School of Business and the Accounting and Financial Studies Program.

Preparing

Academic Readiness, Skill-Building, and Professional Competency

• Manage classes and curriculum, which includes: preparing and presenting changes to the School of Business, assessing program effectiveness, preparing reports for accreditation agencies, adjusting class offerings to match demand, and ensuring efficient scheduling of classes.

• Facilitate engaging, effective learning activities appropriate for college students in-person and online.

• Provide knowledge and skill instruction tailored to diverse learners, including adult learners and first-generation college students.

• Collaborate with School of Business and Accounting and Financial Studies faculty to ensure consistent delivery and quality across all course sections.

• Engage faculty in strategic planning, program review, and quality improvement initiatives for majors offered by the program.

• Use current technology effectively to support instruction and student engagement in both seated and online learning modalities.

• Represent the department to external stakeholders, including businesses, governments, and nonprofits, and actively seek external partnerships for the School of Business.

• Act as a brand ambassador for the School of Business and the Accounting and Financial Studies Program.

• Hold regular program and advisory board meetings.

• Help students connect academic study skills to real-world application across their disciplines and future careers.

• Grade assignments and provide timely, constructive feedback that supports student growth and self-awareness.

• Guide students in accessing campus academic resources and support services as an integral part of the course.

• Contribute to School of Business team meetings and course alignment discussions to support program coherence and student success outcomes.

• Evaluate transfer courses within 48 hours or less.

• Provide academic advising to students, as assigned by the dean or advising services.

Calling

Faith Integration and Vocational Discernment

• Uphold and model the university’s Christian mission in all teaching, feedback, and student interactions.

• Help students connect academic goal-setting and learning strategies to a broader sense of purpose, calling, and service.

• Create a classroom environment that reflects Christian values of dignity, encouragement, and care for the whole person.

• Encourage students to view their academic development as part of their formation as persons of faith and vocation.

• Participate in scholarship and service, and maintain a strong presence on campus as outlined in the faculty handbook.

Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes

• Ability to manage program budget and personnel, including faculty evaluations and workload, as well as hiring, training, and oversight of adjuncts.

• Experience and skill in teaching diverse learners, and the ability to use current technology.

• Ability to manage time independently and to collaborate with campus partners.

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with others.

• Deep understanding of how students learn, leveraging innovative curriculum and support strategies to drive student success and employability.

• Insight into industry trends, job market opportunities, and the evolving education landscape.

• Leadership style that emphasizes collaboration, teamwork, and facilitation.

• Supportive of the University mission. Indicators of this support include a demonstrated personal faith in Jesus Christ and being active in a local church.

REQUIRED WITH APPLICATION

1. Cover letter - Explicitly highlight your leadership philosophy and explain why your experience fits the specific needs of the Accounting & Financial Studies Program and a Christian university

2. Curriculum Vitae