Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Civic Affiliations
Professional Affiliates
Accomplishments
Websites
Affiliations
References
Timeline
Generic
Betsy Bowers

Betsy Bowers

Pensacola

Summary

Finance executive with extensive experience in financial management and regulatory compliance at the University of West Florida. Demonstrated success in strategic planning and risk assessment, leading initiatives that improved operational efficiency and ensured fiscal stability. Skilled in fostering collaboration and achieving results in complex environments.

Overview

45
45
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Vice President, Finance & Administration

University of West Florida
Pensacola
09.2018 - Current
  • Serve as Chief Financial Officer for the University, overseeing financial accounting, financial services, and treasury management, and collaborating closely with the Associate Vice President/Controller on the University’s budget.
  • Represent the University externally on issues and matters related to administrative operations and support services, including specifically serving as the University’s representative to the State University System Council of Administrative and Financial Affairs (CAFA).
  • Work collaboratively to implement UWF’s multi-year Strategic Enrollment Management Plan, Landscape Master Plan, and the Campus Master Plan.
  • Work closely with the Board of Trustees and Board of Governors.
  • Serve as the university's senior administrative liaison to the Board of Trustees Finance Facilities & Operations Committee and the BOT Investment Committee.
  • Lead or participate in cross-divisional projects, task forces, committees, and councils as appropriate for assigned areas of strategy and responsibility.
  • Oversee facilities management, environmental health and safety, emergency management, procurement and contracts, financial accounting/controller’s office, university police, and business and auxiliary services.
  • Serve as a board member of Business Enterprises, Inc., (BEI), UWF’s entrepreneurial direct support organization.
  • Participate in formulating and executing university-wide strategy and policy, and act on behalf of the President or Executive Vice President/Provost when needed.

Interim Vice President, Finance & Administration

University of West Florida
Pensacola
09.2017 - 08.2018
  • Oversaw financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting, to ensure fiscal stability.
  • Managed compliance with GAAP, federal, and state regulations, addressing immediate audit or risk issues.
  • Lead key administrative functions, such as facilities and auxiliary services, to maintain operational continuity.
  • Provided strategic financial guidance to senior leadership during the interim period.
  • Fostered transparent communication with stakeholders on financial matters.

Associate Vice President for Internal Auditing & Compliance

University of West Florida
Pensacola
09.2015 - 08.2017
  • Responsible for planning university audits, management advisory services, accountability activities, and training.
  • Establish short and long-range objectives for the department, including the two-year work plan submitted to the University Board of Trustees.
  • Served as a liaison to university and external audits.
  • Investigated Whistle-blower, UWF Integrity Hotline, and other university complaints.
  • Assisted the State Attorney’s Office in the prosecution of investigative cases, as necessary.
  • Implemented a unique partnership with the University Police and received national recognition from several organizations.
  • Served as a department head/manager and adviser to senior administrators on policy, internal controls, accounting practices and processes, governance issues, and management information systems.
  • Chaired several interdivisional task forces and committees: Making Way for Excellence-Standards Team, Banner ERP implementation, Students First, Change and Improvement Council, and Email Policy Task Force.
  • Served on the Budget Transparency workgroup, Restructuring Task Force, Administrative & Professional Council, and various process improvement teams.
  • Evaluated workflows.
  • Implemented an automated working paper system utilizing Access, word processing, and spreadsheet software.
  • Supervised three internal auditors and student workers in the department.

Interim Vice President, Business Finance & Facilities

University of West Florida
Pensacola
11.2014 - 08.2015
  • Responsible for the effective leadership, oversight, and administration of all activities within the area of Business, Finance, and Facilities, and served as Chief Financial Officer for the university.
  • Activities within the scope of Business, Finance, and Facilities included facilities development and operations; campus buildings and grounds management; financial services; procurement and contracts; business and auxiliary services; and UWF Business Enterprises, Inc.
  • Served as a member of the senior administrative team of the institution, worked closely with the Board of Trustees and Board of Governors, and served as the university's senior administrative liaison to external groups and agencies in matters related to the administrative operations of the university.
  • Participated in formulating and executing university-wide strategy and policy, and acted on behalf of the President or Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer /Provost when needed.

Chief Audit Executive/ Internal Audit Director

University of West Florida
Pensacola
07.1993 - 10.2014
  • Responsible for planning university audits, management advisory services, accountability activities, and training.
  • Establish short and long-range objectives for the department, including the two-year work plan submitted to the University Board of Trustees.
  • Served as a liaison to university and external audits.
  • Investigated Whistle-blower, UWF Integrity Hotline, and other university complaints.
  • Assisted the State Attorney’s Office in the prosecution of investigative cases, as necessary.
  • Implemented a unique partnership with the University Police and received national recognition from several organizations.
  • Served as a department head/manager and adviser to senior administrators on policy, internal controls, accounting practices and processes, governance issues, and management information systems.
  • Chaired several interdivisional task forces and committees: Making Way for Excellence-Standards Team, Banner ERP implementation, Students First, Change and Improvement Council, and Email Policy Task Force.
  • Served on the Budget Transparency workgroup, Restructuring Task Force, Administrative & Professional Council, and various process improvement teams.
  • Evaluated workflows.
  • Implemented an automated working paper system utilizing Access, word processing, and spreadsheet software.
  • Supervised three internal auditors and student workers in the department.

Adjunct Professor

University of West Florida
Pensacola
08.2005 - 12.2011
  • Department of Criminal Justice: White Collar Crime course
  • Designed and delivered engaging curriculum on white-collar crime, covering fraud, embezzlement, and corporate misconduct for more than 50 students per semester.
  • Facilitated interactive discussions and case studies, enhancing students’ understanding of legal, ethical, and financial implications of white-collar crime.

Director, Internal Audit

Northeast State Technical Community College
Blountville
09.1990 - 06.1993
  • Established the Internal Audit function at NSTCC.
  • Responsible for planning and performance of all audits for the College (financial, operational, and compliance).
  • Conducted special investigations as requested making recommendations for improved controls, operating procedures, accounting records, and system designs.
  • Consulted on policy and procedure interpretation and internal controls.
  • Performed administrative and budgetary functions within the Internal Audit Department.
  • As a member of NSTCC’s Senior Staff participated on the President’s Council and the Quality First Team.
  • Established short and long-range objectives for the internal audit department, including the three-year audit plan submitted to the Tennessee Board of Regents.
  • Represented NSTCC at the Tennessee Board of Regents Internal Auditors Committee meetings.

Internal Auditor 2

East Tennessee State University
Johnson City
01.1989 - 08.1990
  • Responsible for the audits of the University with increased complexity in the types of audits assigned.
  • Conducted audits to determine the adequacy of internal control structure; the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of financial, administrative, and academic management; and the degree of compliance with Tennessee Board of Regents and University policies and procedures as well as applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
  • Performed NCAA athletic eligibility audits for this Division I school.
  • Performed complex operational and compliance audits at the University’s medical school.
  • Assisted in performing internal investigations.

Internal Auditor 1

East Tennessee State University
Johnson City
05.1984 - 12.1988
  • Responsible for audits of all phases of University operations including the following activities: financial and compliance, operational, special studies, management advisory services, EDP system activities, and the College of Medicine financial systems.

Grant Accountant

East Tennessee State University
Johnson City
08.1982 - 04.1984
  • Responsible for the administration of grants and contracts awarded to ETSU.
  • Routine accounting tasks included the preparation of entries to the accounting system, reconciliation of subsidiary accounts to the general ledger, grant accounting including payroll, and the preparation of various accounting reports.

Legislative Auditor

The state of Tennessee, Comptroller of the Treasury
Knoxville
07.1980 - 07.1982
  • Conducted post-audits of programs administered by the Legislature of the State of Tennessee to determine the appropriateness and reasonability of costs to ensure adherence to the Federal guidelines.
  • Examined financial records to determine compliance with generally accepted accounting principles and applicable laws.
  • Duties included evaluation of internal controls, and detailed testing of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenditures, and fund balances.
  • Supervised two to five employees in fieldwork.

Education

Master of Business Administration -

East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, Tennessee
12.1992

Bachelor of Business Administration -

East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, Tennessee
05.1980

Skills

  • Financial management and budgeting
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Risk assessment and internal auditing
  • Strategic planning

Certification

  • Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
  • Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
  • Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)
  • Certified Inspector General (CIG) Inactive
  • Certificate in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA)
  • Certified Internal Controls Auditor (CICA)

Civic Affiliations

  • University of West Florida Alumni Association
  • UWF Nautilus Society
  • UWF Argo Athletic Club
  • UWF Betsy Bowers Scholarship
  • East Tennessee State University Alumni Association
  • ETSU Committee of 1,000
  • Escambia County School Board
  • Families Count Board
  • League of Women Voters
  • Happy Birthday 2 U: The Birthday Party!
  • Pensacola Women’s Alliance

Professional Affiliates

  • Institute of Internal Auditors [IIA], 1984
  • Association of College and University Auditors [ACUA], 1983
  • Association of Certified Fraud Examiners [ACFE], 1995
  • Association of Governmental Accountants [AGA], 1980
  • National Association of College & University Business Officers [NACUBO], 1993
  • Southern Association of College & University Business Officers [SACUBO], 1993
  • Southern Association of Colleges & Schools [SACS], 1993
  • Toastmasters International, Ellyson Park Chapter, 1999
  • American Association of University Women [AAUW], 2005-2013
  • Society for College and University Planning [SCUP], 2006
  • Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics [SCCE], 2009
  • Delta Sigma Pi Professional Business Fraternity, 1980

Accomplishments

  • ETSU Distinguished Alumni in Higher Education (2022)
  • UWF Marian Viccars Leadership Award (2014)
  • National President, Association of College and University Auditors, ACUA, 2005-2006
  • ACUA Member Excellence Award (2013)
  • Institute of Internal Auditors chapter president (Tennessee and Florida)
  • Institute of Internal Auditors Professional Development Committee (international committee)
  • UWF IIA Betsy Bowers Scholarship (creted in my honor)

Affiliations

  • Southern Association of College & University Businesss Officers
  • National Association of College and University Bueinsss Officers
  • Toastmasters International
  • Society for Corporate Complaince and Ethics
  • Institute of Internal Auditors
  • Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
  • Association of Governmental Accountants
  • Association of College and University Auditors
  • Delta Sigma Pi Professional Business Fraternity
  • League of Women Voters, Pensacola Bay, Board Member
  • Pensacola Women's Alliance
  • UWF Nautilus Society
  • UWF Argo Athletic Club
  • Happy Birthday 2U: The Birthday Party

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Vice President, Finance & Administration

University of West Florida
09.2018 - Current

Interim Vice President, Finance & Administration

University of West Florida
09.2017 - 08.2018

Associate Vice President for Internal Auditing & Compliance

University of West Florida
09.2015 - 08.2017

Interim Vice President, Business Finance & Facilities

University of West Florida
11.2014 - 08.2015

Adjunct Professor

University of West Florida
08.2005 - 12.2011

Chief Audit Executive/ Internal Audit Director

University of West Florida
07.1993 - 10.2014

Director, Internal Audit

Northeast State Technical Community College
09.1990 - 06.1993

Internal Auditor 2

East Tennessee State University
01.1989 - 08.1990

Internal Auditor 1

East Tennessee State University
05.1984 - 12.1988

Grant Accountant

East Tennessee State University
08.1982 - 04.1984

Legislative Auditor

The state of Tennessee, Comptroller of the Treasury
07.1980 - 07.1982

Master of Business Administration -

East Tennessee State University

Bachelor of Business Administration -

East Tennessee State University

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