Workday Finance,HCM,Payroll
John W. Wilkinson
Kernersville,NC
Summary
A seasoned finance and operations executive with over 20 years of leadership experience spanning governmental, nonprofit, and academic sectors. Recognized for designing and implementing innovative financial strategies that enhance organizational transparency, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability. Adept at aligning financial planning with institutional mission and strategic priorities. Committed to cultivating high-performing teams and fostering inclusive, values-driven workplace cultures grounded in integrity, respect, and accountability. Demonstrated expertise in developing and executing financial models that support growth, fiscal stewardship, and strategic decision-making. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams in achieving operational excellence and administrative effectiveness. Extensive experience leveraging nonprofit and public-sector knowledge to strengthen financial oversight and mission alignment. Advocate for staff development through structured training, mentorship, and the creation of a supportive, communicative work environment.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
CFO / VP of Finance and Administration
Guilford College
05.2021 - 05.2025
- Oversaw budgets, payroll, and accounts payable and receivable.
- Prepared accurate financial statements at end of quarter to summarize financial health and business performance.
- Oversaw deployment of strategic business plans to accomplish accounting, compliance, and revenue targets.
- Analyzed operational issues and implemented corrective action to maximize profits.
- Spearheaded the implementation of a new financial reporting system, resulting in more accurate and timely data for decision-making purposes.
- Enhanced cash flow management through the development of robust forecasting models, ensuring optimal liquidity for business operations.
- Managed relationships with external auditors, ensuring a smooth and efficient annual audit process with minimal findings or issues identified.
VP of Finance / CFO
Tusculum University
Greeneville, TN
01.2018 - 10.2020
- Implemented robust internal controls to mitigate risk, protect assets, and ensure accuracy of reported financial information.
- Streamlined month-end closing process through automation, resulting in reduced processing time and increased accuracy of reports.
- Increased financial efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing cost-saving measures.
VP for Administration / COO
Mitchell Community College
Statesville, NC
05.2014 - 01.2018
- Collaborated with senior management to develop strategic initiatives and long term goals.
- Demonstrated proficient leadership skills to motivate employees and build competent teams.
- Built high-performance teams through effective recruitment practices focused on competency alignment coupled with ongoing performance management processes.
- Implemented advanced data analytics tools to drive data-driven decision-making across all levels of the organization, leading to better business outcomes.
CFO Interim
Robert Half Management Resources
Cincinnati, OH
12.2013 - 06.2014
- Oversaw budgets, payroll, and accounts payable and receivable.
- Prepared accurate financial statements at end of quarter to summarize financial health and business performance.
- Oversaw deployment of strategic business plans to accomplish accounting, compliance, and revenue targets.
- Analyzed operational issues and implemented corrective action to maximize profits.
Chief Financial Officer
All Saints Academy
Winter Haven , FL
09.2012 - 07.2013
- Collaborated with executive leadership to establish budgetary guidelines and allocate resources efficiently across the organization.
- Established strong relationships with external stakeholders, including investors, analysts, and regulatory agencies to promote transparency and build trust in the organization''s financial management.
- Cultivated company-wide culture of innovation and collaboration.
- Negotiated favorable credit terms with banks for increased borrowing capacity and reduced interest expenses.
Deputy CFO / Treasurer
Lakota Local Schools
Hamilton, OH
05.2010 - 06.2012
- Oversaw budgets, payroll, and accounts payable and receivable.
- Prepared accurate financial statements at end of quarter to summarize financial health and business performance.
- Oversaw deployment of strategic business plans to accomplish accounting, compliance, and revenue targets.
- Analyzed operational issues and implemented corrective action to maximize profits.
Chief Financial Officer
Three Rivers Local Schools
Cleves , Ohio
11.2004 - 05.2010
- Oversaw budgets, payroll, and accounts payable and receivable.
- Prepared accurate financial statements at end of quarter to summarize financial health and business performance.
- Oversaw accounts payable and receivable to track income and expenditures, drive statutory compliance and provide quantitative financial information.
- Oversaw deployment of strategic business plans to accomplish accounting, compliance, and revenue targets.
Director of Business Operations
Springboro City Schools
Springboro, Ohio
11.1999 - 06.2002
- Championed process improvement initiatives that led to significant cost reductions and improved service quality for customers.
- Led efforts to identify potential risks within business operations, developing contingency plans to minimize disruptions and ensure continuity.
- Spearheaded the development of strategic partnerships, resulting in increased market reach and revenue growth.
- Conducted thorough market research to identify emerging trends and opportunities for growth within the industry.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - History
Miami University
01.2000
Master of Business Administration - Accounting
Indiana Wesleyan University
01.2008
PhD. -
05.2025
Career Experience
- CFO / Vice President of Administration & Finance, Guilford College, Greensboro, NC, 05/01/21, 05/01/25, Senior leader of Finance, Accounting, HR, IT&S, Facilities, Convention, and Events., Created and implemented a five-year financial forecast for post-COVID-19 restructuring., Implemented the Workday HCM-Payroll and Finance ERP system., Strategized and collaborated with the President to establish alternative revenue streams., Worked with the Board's Investment Committee on these projects and monitored ROI for all initiatives., Developed departmental strategy with the AVP of Finance, improving the college's debt profile from negative to neutral., Oversaw operational and capital project cash flows., Presented monthly financial projections, prepared Board Finance Council reports, and completed monthly financial statements for compliance and Board meetings., Managed risk tolerance and negotiated insurance policies., Crafted and negotiated operational contracts with legal counsel., Developed IT strategy to mitigate security breaches, serving as PCI Compliance Officer., Recruited, mentored, and managed high-performing teams., Set performance goals, assigned responsibilities, and conducted evaluations., Fostered a collaborative work environment and innovation, providing leadership to cross-functional teams and vendors., Ensured appropriate staffing, succession planning, and talent development.
- Vice President of Finance / Chief Financial Officer, Tusculum University, Greeneville, TN, 01/01/18, 10/01/20, Senior Cabinet member leading fiscal management and operations., Created systems for accounting, budget management, financial systems, and fiscal planning., Invested in technology infrastructure to support increased bandwidth usage during the transition to an online platform during and after the pandemic., Obtained a deferment from debt service, saving $2.1 million in bond payments during COVID-19., Implemented a five-year financial forecast for restructuring financial stability., Provided input and analysis of the investment portfolio during Investment Committee meetings., Recruited, mentored, and managed high-performing teams., Created an inclusive work environment encouraging innovation and teamwork.
- Vice President for Administration / Chief Operating Officer, Mitchell Community College, Statesville, NC, 05/01/14, 01/01/18, Managed HR, Facilities, IT, budgeting, cash accounting, finance, risk management, and internal audit., Responsible for the annual $32M budget and audit processes., Led a significant capital improvement plan as part of a $3B statewide referendum for college-wide infrastructure needs., Oversaw employee compensation and benefits., Recruited, mentored, and managed high-performing teams., Created a Diversity and Inclusion program for the college.
Publications
- John Wilkinson Knows the Circuitry of Finance, From electrician to CFO, John Wilkinson reflects on the universal lessons of his many roles in the workplace.
- John Wilkinson's interviews with Jeff Slingo, Enrollment in higher education: what do campuses do?,
Professional Highlights
- Authentic and principled leader with executive-level experience in both public and private institutions.
- Effective change agent with a strong record of success in strategic planning and organizational transformation across higher education, government, and industry.
- Collaborative and transparent leadership style with a deep commitment to shared governance and institutional mission.
- Dedicated advocate for public service and the transformative impact of higher education.
- Strategic thinker who integrates data-informed decision-making to drive innovation and continuous improvement.
Skills
- Strategic financial planning
- Continuous learning mindset
- Cash flow management
- Working capital management
- Risk management proficiency
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Financial strategy development
Accomplishments
- Achieved financial stablization by introducing Wokday for Finance, HR and Payroll.
- Enhanced cash flow management by developing robust forecasting models, ensuring optimal liquidity for business operations.
- Managed relationships with external auditors, ensuring a smooth and efficient annual audit process with minimal findings or issues identified
- Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local regulations by tracking legislative changes and implementing suitable policies.
- Managed the planning, funding, and construction of a new state-of-the-art facility to support and grow both new and existing programs.
- Directed operational strategy and financial management in partnership with academic and community stakeholders.
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Affiliations
- President’s Leadership Institute – NC Community College hics Training (FERPA, Title IX, OMB, Conflict of Interest) • Eagle Scout, Order of the Arrow – Boy Scouts of America
- NC Community College Finance Institute
- Eagle Scout, Order of the Arrow – Boy Scouts of America
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeContract WorkWork Location
On-SiteRemoteHybridImportant To Me
Work-life balanceCompany CultureCareer advancementQuote
“Learn to light a candle in the darkest moments of someone’s life. Be the light that helps others see; it is what gives life its deepest significance.”
Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
Software
Quickbooks
Great Plains
Banner
Languages
English
Full Professional
Timeline
CFO / VP of Finance and Administration
Guilford College
05.2021 - 05.2025
VP of Finance / CFO
Tusculum University
01.2018 - 10.2020
VP for Administration / COO
Mitchell Community College
05.2014 - 01.2018
CFO Interim
Robert Half Management Resources
12.2013 - 06.2014
Chief Financial Officer
All Saints Academy
09.2012 - 07.2013
Deputy CFO / Treasurer
Lakota Local Schools
05.2010 - 06.2012
Chief Financial Officer
Three Rivers Local Schools
11.2004 - 05.2010
Director of Business Operations
Springboro City Schools
11.1999 - 06.2002
Bachelor of Arts - History
Miami University
Master of Business Administration - Accounting
Indiana Wesleyan University
PhD. -
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