The CFO’s Roadmap for the Future

Tackle NACUBO’s Top 5 Issues with Confidence

Today’s CFOs are navigating one of the most complex landscapes academia has ever seen. Technology is advancing rapidly. Workforces are strained. Skepticism about the value of a college degree is rising. And financial constraints continue to tighten. 

NACUBO’s Top 5 Business Issues reflect these realities. But behind each challenge lies an opportunity—to modernize, refocus, and lead transformative change. 

At CampusWorks, we partner with finance leaders to turn uncertainty into clarity and pressure into progress. Our services are designed to align people, process, and technology—so you can stabilize operations and make bold moves with confidence. Here’s how we help you address each of NACUBO’s Top 5. 

1. Investing in Essential Technology

Key CFO Concerns: Legacy systems, cybersecurity threats, digital transformation, ROI 

Technology is the backbone of higher education. Yet too many institutions are operating on outdated, siloed systems that undermine performance and security. Strategic technology investments—aligned with institutional goals—can unlock efficiency, improve service, and reduce long-term costs. 

How CampusWorks Helps: 

• ERP/SIS Modernization: We support your full technology journey—from business process analysis to system selection, contract negotiation, and change management. Learn more » 
• Application Managed Services: Our experts keep your systems stable, secure, and efficient—freeing up your team to focus on transformation. Learn more » 
• Technology Assessments: We identify vulnerabilities and help strengthen your institution’s defenses against evolving threats. Learn more » 

The CFO’s Advantage:
Avoid costly missteps, reduce cyber risk, and make every tech dollar count by aligning investments with institutional strategy. 

2. Supporting and Maintaining the Workforce

Key CFO Concerns: Compliance, burnout, staffing gaps, succession planning 

Your people are your most important asset—and they’re under strain. Regulatory changes like new Department of Labor (DOL) overtime rules, coupled with staffing shortages and leadership turnover, are disrupting operations and morale. A healthy, well-supported workforce is essential to achieving your goals. 

How CampusWorks Helps: 

• HR & Payroll System Optimization: We modernize systems to streamline processes, reduce errors, and ensure compliance. Learn more » 
• Interim Leadership: From HR and IT to finance, our experienced professionals help stabilize departments during transitions. Learn more » 
• Staff Augmentation: Expand your existing team by providing on-demand access to specialized skills you may be missing. Learn more » 

The CFO’s Advantage:
Boost retention, improve compliance, and ensure continuity—without overextending your internal team. 

3. Communicating Mission and Value

Key CFO Concerns: Public perception, enrollment pressure, board expectations, transparency 

Stakeholders are demanding clearer answers to one big question: “Is college worth it?” To maintain trust and support, institutions must communicate their value in ways that are transparent, data-informed, and mission-aligned. 

How CampusWorks Helps: 

• Strategic Planning Services: We help clarify institutional goals and align initiatives across finance, academics, and student services. Learn more » 
• CampusLens: This predictive analytics platform enables institutions to become data empowered by providing clear, actionable insights to improve student retention, close equity gaps, and drive smarter resource allocation. Learn more » 

The CFO’s Advantage:
Strengthen stakeholder confidence by backing your value proposition with data, clarity, and results. 

4. Ensuring Successful Student Outcomes

Key CFO Concerns: Completion, retention, equity gaps, return on investment 

The link between student success and institutional financial health is stronger than ever. Yet supporting students effectively requires more than good intentions—it requires predictive insights, personalized interventions, and seamless cross-departmental coordination. 

How CampusWorks Helps: 

• CampusLens: Leverage real-time analytics and predictive modeling to spot risk, intervene early, and track progress. Learn more » 
• Process Reimagine & Redesign: We streamline process across the institution to streamline student support and increase success. Learn more » 

The CFO’s Advantage:
Link budget decisions directly to measurable student outcomes—and invest in what truly works. 

5. Navigating Resource Constraints

Key CFO Concerns: Enrollment declines, revenue diversification, budget pressures 

Colleges are being asked to do more with less. Resource constraints require prudent budgeting, tough tradeoffs, and new approaches to financial sustainability. Flexibility, creativity, and a clear-eyed view of institutional priorities are essential. 

How CampusWorks Helps: 

• Interim Leadership: Our vice president and director level professionals can fill any administrative vacancy and will strengthen operations in preparation for your new hire. Learn more » 
• Staff On-Demand: Gain access to the functional or technical talent you need—when you need it. Learn more »  
• Shared Services: Identify areas to reduce duplication, lower costs, and increase impact without sacrificing quality. Learn more » 

The CFO’s Advantage:
Move from reactive cuts to proactive strategy—by aligning spending with mission, market, and long-term viability. 

Why CFOs Choose CampusWorks 

Today’s CFOs are more than financial stewards. You’re strategy leaders, transformation drivers, and institutional risk managers. CampusWorks is here to support you every step of the way. 

We partner with you to: 

• Connect operational decisions to strategic outcomes 
• Break down silos between finance, IT, HR, and academics 
• Introduce technologies that improve service and insight 
• Stabilize operations with expert leadership and staff 
• Improve institutional resilience and readiness 

Our deep experience with two-year, four-year, public, and private institutions means we understand your challenges—and how to solve them.

Let’s Build the Future—Together

If you’re grappling with one—or all—of NACUBO’s Top 5 issues, you’re not alone. CampusWorks is here to help you lead with confidence, clarity, and purpose.