Description:
Position Overview
This is a unique opportunity for an experienced, strategic financial professional with a proven track record in streamlining financial systems and processes and managing complex organizations with diverse income streams and investments. The Speed Art Museum is in the midst of a capital campaign for a new Speed Art Park and is celebrating its Centennial in 2027. The CFO will support the strategic pillars of Organizational Excellence and Financial Strength for this cultural institution.
As an organization-wide resource, the CFO will lead a team responsible for all accounting and finance functions, including forecasting, reporting, and other financial activities. The CFO will also help oversee the Speed Art Museum’s endowments and serve as a strategic partner to the Director, Finance and Investment Committees, Executive Committee, and the Board of Trustees on financial and investment matters.
Reporting Relationships
The CFO has a dual reporting structure to both the Executive Director and the Chief Operating and Business Officer and is an integral member of the Senior Leadership Team. The CFO will also collaborate with Trustees and all financial affiliations of the Speed.
Reporting to the CFO is a team that includes a controller, an accountant, an accounts receivable specialist, and an accounts payable/ payroll manager. The CFO will continue to shape the finance department, leading and mentoring a high-performing team to effectively manage financial resources, monitor revenue and expenses, and control costs.
Specific Expectations
Financial Leadership
- Develop a deep understanding of the organization’s current operations and implement additional efficiencies and processes.
- Oversee the timely preparation, analysis, and presentation of financial reports for museum management, and Board of Trustees.
- Propose and implement practices that support long-term financial growth and stability.
- Lead initiatives to maximize revenue and manage expenses.
- Manage relationships with banking institutions and investment managers.
- Identify and assess opportunities for affiliations, partnerships, and business relationships for the Museum.
- Develop short- and long-term financial plans to ensure program and operational viability.
- Oversee the annual budget development process and monitor performance against budget.
- Oversee the annual audit and preparation of the 990.
- Ensure accounting and finance systems support the organization’s needs, including creating a new chart of accounts if necessary.
- Collaborate closely with Museum leadership.
- Support financial modeling efforts.
- Assist the Executive Director and strategic partners in measuring progress toward the Strategic Plan.
- Collaborate with the Philanthropy team on reconciliation, reporting, and financial matters related to donor stewardship and gift planning.
- Advise and potentially implement more effective reciprocal systems between Philanthropy and Finance
- Collaborate with the Director of People to develop streamlined HR benefits policies and procedures, review, oversee, design, and champion employee benefits including health and disability and other employee insurance programs, retirement benefits, and PTO.
- Review and advise on contracts and outsourcing arrangements in collaboration with the Chief Operating and Business Officer.
- Identify opportunities for cost savings and resource maximization.
- Ensure fiscal policies promote efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
- Evaluate the impact of long-range planning and new programs/strategies.
- Collaborate with Finance and Investment Committees on fiscal matters and work closely with the chairs of these committees.
- Ensure best practices in financial management and staff development.
- Establish performance goals for financial processes and operations.
- Cultivate relationships with partners, including funders and vendors.
- Engage in professional organizations and training opportunities to stay current on trends and best practices.
- Serve as an ambassador for the Museum as appropriate.
- Undertake special projects and other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.
Management/Team Building/Mentoring
- Build and lead a high-performing finance team aligned with the Museum's values.
- Mentor and develop team members through a supportive, collaborative approach.
- Establish and monitor staff performance goals and conduct annual evaluations.
- Promote professional development and growth opportunities.
- Advocate for the finance team’s access to technology and training.
Core Competencies
- Action-Oriented: Makes timely, clear decisions; takes responsibility for actions and projects.
- Strategic Leadership: Implements financial strategies to achieve organizational goals.
- Thoughtful Analysis: Evaluates data and information to make informed judgments.
- Key Collaborator: Builds strong team dynamics across the organization and communicates proactively.
- Technical Expertise: Applies specialized knowledge and shares insights across departments.
- Entrepreneurial: Demonstrates leadership and mitigates risks in finance-related initiatives.
Requirements:
Ideal Candidate Experience
- Proven financial leadership in medium-sized organizations; not-for-profit experience is valued but not required.
- Ability to serve as a trusted advisor to leadership and the Board of Trustees.
- Experience building relationships with institutional leadership, external partners, and the public.
- Financially sophisticated with knowledge of various revenue sources, including retail and contracted relationships.
- Familiarity with tax and accounting regulations for non-profits.
- Proven ability to drive growth and manage ambitious timelines.
- Strong strategic planning, organizational, and project management skills.
- Tech-savvy and data-driven, capable of analyzing trends and financial metrics.
- Proven ability to influence and engage peers and direct reports.
Personal Qualities
- Passion for the Speed’s mission to “Invite Everyone to Celebrate Art Forever.”
- Intellectual curiosity and attention to detail.
- Collaborative spirit with a positive, “can-do” attitude.
- Comfort with ambiguity and ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access.
- Strong communication skills at all levels.
- Mature, confident, and grounded with excellent judgment.
Education/Experience
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or relevant credentials (CPA, MBA) preferred. 8-10 years of financial leadership experience in either non-profit or for-profit organizations
- A proven track record of achievement and advancement
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