Joseph Harnisch, CPA

Chief Financial Officer

Professional Overview
Joseph Harnisch is an accomplished finance executive with over 20 years of experience in the higher education sector. As the Chief Financial Officer at Midland University, he oversees all financial operations, strategic planning, and facilities management for the institution.

Experience Summary

Current Role
As the Chief Financial Officer at Midland University, Joseph is responsible for managing the university's $50 million annual budget, overseeing financial reporting and forecasting, and ensuring compliance with all relevant financial regulations. He has played a key role in implementing cost-saving measures and streamlining financial processes, contributing to the university's financial stability and growth.

Career Progression
Prior to his current role, Joseph served as the Controller and Associate Vice President of Finance and Facilities Planning at Midland University, where he was instrumental in enhancing the institution's financial management practices and leading major capital projects. He also has extensive experience in public accounting, having worked as a Senior Manager at Seim Johnson, LLP, a regional accounting firm, for over 17 years.

Academic Background
Joseph holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and maintains memberships with the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and the Nebraska Society of CPAs.

Areas of Expertise

• Financial planning and budgeting

• Accounting and financial reporting

• Internal controls and compliance

• Capital project management

• Strategic financial decision-making

• Higher education finance

Professional Impact
During his tenure at Midland University, Joseph has played a pivotal role in securing $25 million in bond financing for a major campus expansion project, which has significantly enhanced the university's facilities and student experience. He has also led the implementation of a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, streamlining financial and operational processes across the institution.

Conclusion
With his extensive experience in higher education finance and his proven track record of driving financial stability and growth, Joseph Harnisch is a valuable asset to Midland University. He is committed to leveraging his expertise to support the university's strategic objectives and ensure its long-term financial sustainability.