Akua Matherson, CPA

Chief Financial Officer

Professional Overview
Akua Matherson is an accomplished finance executive with over 20 years of experience in higher education administration. As the Chief Financial Officer at North Carolina Central University, she is responsible for overseeing the institution's financial operations, budgeting, and strategic planning. Matherson is known for her strong analytical skills, financial acumen, and collaborative leadership style.

Experience Summary

Current Role
Akua Matherson has served as the Chief Financial Officer at North Carolina Central University since 2021. In this role, she is responsible for developing and implementing financial strategies to support the university's long-term objectives. Matherson oversees the institution's $350 million annual budget, manages the finance and accounting teams, and ensures compliance with all applicable financial regulations.

Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Matherson held various leadership positions at North Carolina Central University and North Carolina A&T State University. She served as the Finance Director at North Carolina Central University from 2015 to 2021, where she played a key role in improving the university's financial reporting and cash management processes. Additionally, Matherson spent nearly a decade at North Carolina A&T State University, serving as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Budget and Planning.

Early in her career, Matherson gained valuable experience in the private sector, working as a Financial Analyst at Union Pacific Railroad and a Capacity Planning Analyst at US Airways.

Academic Background
Akua Matherson holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from North Carolina A&T State University. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and has completed several professional development programs in finance and higher education administration.

Areas of Expertise

• Financial planning and analysis

• Budgeting and resource allocation

• Financial reporting and compliance

• Strategic financial decision-making

• Higher education administration

• Change management and process improvement

Professional Impact
During her tenure at North Carolina Central University, Matherson has played a crucial role in enhancing the institution's financial stability and sustainability. She led the implementation of a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, which has improved the efficiency and accuracy of financial reporting. Matherson has also spearheaded initiatives to optimize the university's procurement processes, resulting in cost savings and improved vendor relationships.

In addition to her role at the university, Matherson is an active member of the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) and serves on the finance committee of the North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) organization.

Conclusion
Akua Matherson is a seasoned finance executive with a proven track record of success in higher education administration. Her strong financial acumen, strategic vision, and collaborative leadership style have made her an invaluable asset to North Carolina Central University. Matherson is committed to driving institutional growth and financial sustainability, positioning the university for long-term success.