Robert A. Watling, CPA, MBA

I'm a finance and operations executive in higher education. I help institutions navigate complexity, allocate resources strategically, and build the financial foundations that let them keep their promises to students.

Over twenty years, I've worked across public and private universities, research institutions and liberal arts colleges, growing systems and schools in transition. The common thread is helping leaders make clear decisions when the tradeoffs are hard and the stakes are high.

What I do

Lead complex finance and administration portfolios—budgeting, treasury, accounting, procurement, HR, IT, facilities, and real estate—with operating budgets exceeding $300 million and teams of 70+ professionals.

Build financial models and planning frameworks that inform action, not just reporting. Translate complex data into strategic insight that boards, presidents, and faculty can use.

Deliver major initiatives: revenue diversification that reduces dangerous dependencies, capital project oversight for developments exceeding $100 million, systems modernization, and procurement reforms that generate seven-figure annual savings.

Serve as primary liaison to governing boards, presenting complex financial strategies to trustees and building the trust required for institutions to act decisively.