William Woods University promoted Julie Houseworth from controller to university chief financial officer (CFO). Scott Gallagher, university vice president, said Houseworth started filling the role of the university's CFO when the prior CFO, Cale Fessler, left for a job at Missouri Western more than a year ago.
"We knew she was going to be the person we would want in that position," Gallagher said. "She's really been doing it since Fessler left us."
Houseworth was hired on as the university's controller about two years ago. About six months later, Fessler left William Woods.
"I'm doing the same things I had been all along," Houseworth said of her new title. "At this point, it (the promotion) is not as big of a change."
The university's CFO develops and manages the university's operating budget. William Woods has a revenue of more than $34 million, according to the university's most recent 990 - a financial form nonprofits file with the government. The position also directs William Woods's financial planning, accounting, lending and donors.
When William Woods hired Houseworth two years ago, Gallagher said the university was excited to add her experience to its staff.
"She's been a fantastic addition to the university," Gallagher said.
Houseworth has a bachelor's of science degree in accounting from the University of Missouri in Columbia. She is pursuing a master of business administration degree at William Woods. She was a staff auditor for the Missouri Sate Auditor's Office in Jefferson City and she became a certified public accountant.
Houseworth left the Auditor's Office to work for Boone County National Bank in Columbia as a staff accountant. She worked her way up to be vice president and controller at the bank. After almost 15 years in the banking and service industry, Houseworth switched to higher education and came to William Woods.
She said going from banking to higher education was a big change for her. However, she described the transition as seamless. She said having students around was a nice change.
"The interaction that we have with students - I obviously didn't have that in my prior position," Houseworth said. "That has been rewarding and fulfilling."
Houseworth and her husband live in Fulton with their two sons - Owen, 13, and Wyatt, 10. She had been looking for a job closer to home when she saw the open controller position. She thought it seemed like the perfect fit for her.
Houseworth said she is excited to fill the CFO role.
Megan Favignano can be reached at (573) 826-2417 or [email protected].