Interim Chief Financial Officer

The Chief Financial Officer directs the fiscal functions of the organization and its affiliates in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles issued by the Financial Accounting Standards, the Board, and other regulatory and advisory organizations and participates in the development of the organization’s plans and programs as a strategic partner.

Essential Functions:

Financial Strategy, Oversight & Advisory Services

• Serve as a strategic financial partner to the President/CEO, Board, and senior leadership in the development and execution of organizational priorities related to finance and accounting.
• Lead long-term financial planning, forecasting, cash flow management, risk management, and financial analysis.
• Meet periodically with the Finance and/or Executive Committee to discuss strategic priorities, financial performance, financial risks, and matters critical to the financial success of the organization.
• Provide oversight, guidance, and support to accounting and finance personnel, including the Staff Accountant and VP of Finance and Operations.
• Review monthly financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, budget-to-actual reports, and treasury/cash flow reporting.
• Analyze revenues, expenses, operating results, and variances to budget and provide recommendations regarding cost control and financial performance.
• Lead and oversee development of the annual organizational budget, including assisting with the preparation of the 2027 annual budget.
• Oversee accounts payable, disbursements, accounts receivable, and other core financial processes to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and appropriate internal controls.
• Analyze and manage current and forecasted cash flows and liquidity needs.
• Review recurring payroll runs and provide appropriate financial oversight.
• Manage critical financial relationships, including banking institutions, insurance providers, granting organizations, investment advisors, and other financial stakeholders.
• Periodically review investment accounts with Waddell & Associates and provide financial oversight of the operations of the Chamber Foundation.
• Provide oversight of general financial and regulatory compliance, including applicable reporting requirements to the Tennessee Secretary of State, IRS, grantors, and other regulatory bodies.
• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, IRS requirements, Form 990, grant restrictions, and other federal and state financial regulations.
• Provide strategic financial input on significant organizational decisions, including evaluation of contracts, leases, affinity programs, and other financial commitments.
• Review contracts and agreements into which the organization may enter from a financial and risk perspective.
• Oversee the monthly close process and ensure complete, accurate, and timely financial reporting.
• Review bank account, credit card, general ledger, and other account reconciliations.
• Review or prepare additional account reconciliations as needed to ensure the integrity of financial records.
• Review journal entries and month-end adjustments prepared by accounting and finance personnel and prepare entries as needed.
• Prepare and/or oversee preparation of monthly financial reporting packages, including income statements, balance sheets, budget-to-actual comparisons, cash flow/treasury reporting, and other management reports.
• Provide timely and accurate analysis of financial reports, trends, and projections to assist the President/CEO, Board, Finance and/or Executive Committee, and senior leadership in decision-making.
• Ensure the organization maintains complete, accurate, and reliable financial records and reporting.
• Oversee the annual audit process and coordinate with external auditors and other financial professionals.
• Perform other functions necessary for the successful financial oversight and operation of the organization.

Leadership & Stakeholder Relations

• Directly supervise the Staff Accountant and VP of Finance and Operations, providing direction, establishing expectations, delegating responsibilities, monitoring performance, and supporting professional development.
• Present financial updates and recommendations to the Board and appropriate committees.
• Communicate effectively with donors, banks, granting organizations, investment advisors, auditors, and other external stakeholders.
• Promote strong financial controls, accountability, ethical standards, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or business.
• Ten years work-related experience in accounting and finance with at least five years of experience as a CFO.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, and cost control principles including generally accepted accounting principles.
• Knowledge of contracting, negotiating, and change management.
• Knowledge of automated financial and accounting reporting systems.
• Knowledge of federal and state financial regulations.
• Ability to analyze financial data and prepare financial reports, statements, and projections.
• Ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner and gather and analyze information skillfully.
• Ability to speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations, demonstrate group presentation skills, and conduct meetings.
• Willingness to delegate work assignments, give authority to work independently, set expectations, and monitor delegated activities.
• Willingness to include staff in planning, decision-making, facilitating, and process improvement; make self available to staff; provide regular performance feedback to staff; and develop employees' skills and encourages growth.
• Ability to make decisions independently, exhibit sound and accurate judgment, and make timely decisions.
• Prioritize and plan work activities; use time efficiently; develop realistic action plans.
• Demonstrate high ethical standards and expect the same from all others in the organization.