Chief Financial Officer

Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview

The mission of the Augustine Institute is to serve the formation of Catholics for the New Evangelization. Our core values are humility, innovation, collaboration, and excellence. Through our graduate school, media platforms, and parish programs, we intellectually, spiritually, and pastorally equip Catholics to renew the Church and transform the world for Christ.

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will play a pivotal role in the financial leadership of the Augustine Institute. This role will oversee all financial operations, ensuring the organization remains financially healthy and aligned with its mission. The CFO will report directly to the Augustine Institute President and work closely with the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and the Board of Trustees to develop and implement financial strategies that support the organization’s goals.

This position requires a proactive and strategic leader with exceptional communication, analytical, and operational skills. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of non-profit financial practices, cash flow management principles, the ability to build strong relationships, influence others, lead and manage multiple concurrent initiatives and help navigate complex operational/business challenges. 

 

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will be responsible for (specific duties listed below are not all-inclusive):

1. Financial Strategy and Leadership:
   • Develop and execute financial strategies that align with the organization’s mission and goals.
   • Provide financial insights and recommendations to the President, Executive Leadership Team, and the Board of Trustees.
   • Lead financial planning and analysis (both short and long-term), budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
   • Identify and mitigate financial risks that could impact the organization including legal, regulatory and compliance issues, cash flow challenges, market factors (such as inflation, interest rates, wages, etc.) and reputational.
2. Financial Management:
   • Oversee the organization’s financial operations, including accounting, payroll, and financial reporting.
   • Ensure compliance with all financial regulations, laws, and standards, particularly within the nonprofit sector.
   • Manage cash flow, capital, investments, insurances, and inventory planning (for parish and Catholic school products).
   • Lead the development and use of best-practice policies, processes, and tools (such as NetSuite, Concur, Beanworks, etc.) to ensure a well-controlled, yet flexible financial organization with strong execution and project management capabilities.
3. Fundraising Management:
   • Collaborate with the Advancement team to create financial strategies for fundraising efforts and grant applications.
   • Monitor and report on financial performance related to fundraising, donations, and major gifts.
4. Tax Planning and Compliance:
   • Help to maintain our 501(c)3 status.
   • Oversee tax planning and compliance (where necessary) to optimize the organization’s tax position and ensure adherence to local, state, and federal tax regulations.
5. Team Leadership and Development:
   • Lead and mentor the finance team, promoting professional growth and development.
   • Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and ethical financial practices.
6. Collaboration with Other Departments:
   • Work closely with other departments, such as operations, marketing, and sales, to provide financial insights that drive decision-making and operational efficiencies.
   • Work with the Human Resource team on managing the costs of employee benefits (such as health insurance, disability, etc.) and St. Monica Fund (a benevolence fund for employees experiencing financial hardship).
7. Stakeholder Engagement:
   • Build strong relationships with donors, community partners, and stakeholders to enhance financial support for the organization.
   • Represent the organization in financial matters to external stakeholders, including auditors and regulatory agencies.

 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree is required; a Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting or Business Administration is preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) required.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in a CFO role (preferably within a Catholic non-profit organization).
• Experience with mergers and acquisitions preferred.
• Strong alignment with the Augustine Institute’s mission to help Catholics understand, live, and share their faith.
• Ability to consistently demonstrate the Augustine Institute’s core values including:
  1. Humility – We serve the Augustine Institute Mission with humility and a service mindset.
  2. Collaboration – We work together as a united Body of Christ.
  3. Innovation – We encourage being creative and demonstrating a clever mindset.
  4. Excellence – We strive in everything we do to win souls for Christ.
• Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles, regulations, and best practices.
• Proven experience in financial planning, analysis, and strategic decision-making.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• A proactive and solutions-oriented mindset, with a strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and build relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Accountable mindset.
• Thinks and acts strategically.
• Exercise sound judgment and discretion in all interactions and communications.
• Ability to handle sensitive information and matters with the highest level of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Ability to work under pressure and deliver on aggressive timelines.
• Proven ability to execute against both strategic and tactical plans.
• Excellent listening skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), NetSuite, Concur and other relevant software tools (e.g., Salesforce, Event Temple, etc.)