Following a search, William Buttz, an experienced controller with more than 35 years of work in accounting, finance, and audit, has been selected to serve as 窪蹋勛圖厙's associate vice president for Finance.
Buttz will fill the position currently held by Interim Associate Vice President for Finance Rick White, who is retiring from IUP on January 1, 2021, after 34 years of work at the university.
Buttz will begin work at IUP on December 21. He comes to IUP after serving as controller at Edinboro University of 窪蹋勛圖厙. He has also worked as controller and assistant controller for Lafayette College in Easton and Savannah College of Art and Design, respectively.
Rick is extremely technically competent and diligent in his work, Vice President for Administration and Finance Debra Fitzsimons said. He has been a great colleague and resource for members of our division, as well as for so many offices and individuals throughout the university.
Rick has consistently provided very strong and steady leadership, which has resulted in clean audits throughout his time at IUP, she said. I want to thank him for his dedication and service. While we are sorry to see him go, we wish him all the best in his retirement, she said.
Mr. Buttz's experience in both industry and education will be key to a seamless transition for this position. It is a critical one for the university, especially during our ongoing work in NextGen planning and as we position IUP for the future, she said.
In commenting about his retirement, White expressed his support for Buttz's selection, and his appreciation for his time and colleagues at IUP.
I have enjoyed my time and my career at IUP immensely, White said.
I could not be more pleased with the selection of Mr. Buttz as the new associate vice president for Finance. He is coming here with experience in SAP and Banner, which will be extremely valuable in his ability to hit the ground running and supporting the work of the university. I look forward to working with him as he begins his tenure at IUP. He will be joining an absolutely fantastic team of professionals in the finance area. I know they will support him and continue the excellent work they do on behalf of IUP.
Buttz's work in the private sector includes positions with Comcast Corporation, AIRGAS, Inc.; PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP; Safegate Airport Systems, Inc.; Charming Shoppes; ADP; and KPMG.
He earned an MBA from Villanova University and completed his bachelor's degree in accounting at Drexel University. He is a licensed CPA and a member of the 窪蹋勛圖厙 Institute of CPAs and the American Institute of CPAs.
He retired from the United States Army Reserve as a lieutenant colonel, last serving as commander of the 365th Engineer Battalion in Schuylkill Haven. He has completed US Army Engineer Officer basic and advanced courses.
The associate vice president for Finance reports directly to the vice president for Administration and Finance and provides leadership and executive management of the offices of Financial Operations (General Fund Accounting, Affiliate Accounting, Student Aid and Plant Accounting, Grant and Special Fund Accounting, Accounts Payable, Cash Disbursements, and Travel Office), Bursar's Office (Student Billing and Collections), and affiliate organization accounting functions.