Position Title:              Chief Financial Officer

Department:                Accounting and Finance

Reports To:                 Executive Director

Classification:             Full-Time, Exempt (onsite)

Position Summary

The Chief Financial Officer is a strategic partner with planning experience who directs financial activities and develops long-term strategies for the institution’s growth.  This leadership position acts as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team and has complete oversight of all the museum’s financial functions including accounting, financial reporting, budget preparation, tax, fund accounting and audit activities of the organization.  This is the top accounting and finance position in the organization.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

  • Supervise preparation of financial records and reports, including the monthly and annual financial reports and all financial statements generated on behalf of the museum.  Identify trends, areas of opportunity, and potential concerns.  Ensure accuracy and consistency of reporting, as well as compliance with all applicable accounting rules, guidelines and laws. 
  • Review monthly financial statements for each department.  Meet with department heads regularly to review results and prescribe corrective actions, as necessary.  Prepare a monthly financial analysis for review by Executive Director, COO, Deputy Director, Director of Development and Board of Trustees.
  • Prepare monthly financial projections (for the current month and for the fiscal year) and any recommended courses of action.
  • Facilitate and lead logistics for the Audit, Finance, and Investment Committees of the Board of Trustees.  Prepare reports and minutes for Audit, Finance, and Investment committee and disseminate to committee Chairs.
  • Support the Director and COO in the management of the museum’s two facilities as it relates to strategic planning, long-term capital budgeting and planning, and financial analysis.
  • Supervise the Finance team’s work related to: risk management, the payroll process review, the payroll process in correlation with the Human Resources office, and the monthly annual financial closing process.
  • Act as the main liaison with banks and financial institutions for planning and management.
  • Responsible for oversight of all record keeping and management of donor funds as it pertains to the Museum’s capital campaign.
  • Manage cash and cash flow.
  • Oversee accounting and financial system controls and standards and ensure timely preparation of financial and statistical reports for management and/or Board use.
  • In partnership with the Investment Consultant, supervise the management of the endowment funds.  Provide quarterly investment reports to the members of the Investment Committee, as well as the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer.  Conduct periodic analysis of endowment and make recommendations to the Investment Committee and senior management, as appropriate.  Transfer funds between accounts, as directed by the Investment Committee.
  • Supervise operation and management of 403b plan.  Oversee preparation of monthly pension calculation and fund transfers.  Ensure accuracy and timeliness of filings, as well as compliance with all applicable laws.  Manage plan provider; conduct annual plan reviews.  Coordinate plan activities with Human Resources department.
  • Prepare annual budget.  Manage the budget process.  Identify revenue forecast and then work with each department to ensure reasonableness of budget proposals and sources/uses of funds.  Compile individual budgets and prepare total budget for organization.  In partnership with the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, present a budget analysis to senior management and the Board of Trustees.
  • Develop, implement, and manage all policies related to accounting and finance functions.  Review annually and update as necessary.  Provide policy recommendations to Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer.  Disseminate to staff as appropriate.
  • Supervise annual audit and tax return.  Review all audit and tax return materials and report to Executive Director and Audit Committee of the Board.
  • Works collaboratively with Development department responding to grant proposals.
  • Develop financial management strategies and review with Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer.
  • Supervise Accounting and Financial Reporting departments.  Provide guidance, coaching and mentoring to staff members.  Ensure implementation of best practices throughout the department and seek areas for continued process improvement.  Lead regular staff department meetings.
  • In partnership with the Director of Human Resources, manage all non-fine art insurance contracts.  Work with the Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs on fine art insurance contracts.  Review contracts with Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer as necessary.  Coordinate renewals with insurance broker.  Approve rate increases.  Conduct annual policy reviews and recommend changes as necessary.
  • Manage donations of securities by donors.  Value securities and coordinate sale in accordance with investment guidelines approved by the Board.  Report all transactions to Executive Director, COO, and the Development department in a timely fashion.
  • In partnership with Executive Director, COO, Deputy Director and Human Resources, supervise legal matters on behalf of the museum.
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Education/Experience Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance required.
  • CPA preferred.
  • MBA in Finance or Accounting preferred.
  • Requires a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible financial leadership positions in the nonprofit or for profit sectors, including budget management, staff supervision and strategic planning.
  • Experience working in nonprofit and MIP Fund Accounting desired.
  • Experience with Capital Campaigns desired.
  • Experience working on grant proposals and reporting a plus.
  • Vendor and Independent Contractor Agreements.

Required Skills

  • Exhibits business acumen, entrepreneurial spirit and has demonstrated the ability to think “big” and to serve as a strategic partner to the Executive Director, Chief Operating Officer and the Board of Trustees.
  • Possesses excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present fiscal information and reports to Board and other groups, both internally and externally. 
  • Works well independently and within a multi-disciplinary team environment, managing multiple projects and priorities, and working cooperatively to meet internal and external requests. 
  • Must be deadline driven and possess project management and facilitation skills. 
  • Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office and Windows-based computer applications.
  • Experience managing a Capital Campaign preferred.

Physical Demands

  • Sitting for long period of time at a desk using a computer.
  • Carrying and lifting up to 25 lbs.
  • Daily walking which includes stairs.
  • Some driving/traveling required, valid driving license and insurance.

Work Environment

  • Office space may be shared.
  • Noise level is quiet to moderately noisy.

Salary Range: $150,000 to $170,000 annually

If interested, please submit cover letter and resume to resumes@sdmart.org, or mail to: The San Diego Museum of Art, Attention: HR (CFO), P.O. Box 122107, San Diego, CA 92112.

The San Diego Museum of Art is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in the hiring of personnel on the basis of sex, race, religion, color, national origin, disability, protected medical condition, marital status, age, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, military or veteran status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.