Director of Finance

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Director of Finance

Organization Type: Nonprofit 501(c)(3) Public–Private Partnership

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer

Location: Downtown Memphis, TN

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary

The Director of Finance is responsible for the strategic financial management and oversight of a nonprofit public–private partnership dedicated to enhancing, maintaining, and activating public park spaces in collaboration with the City of Memphis. This role leads the organization’s financial planning, budgeting, accounting, regulatory and financial compliance, and reporting functions while ensuring transparency and accountability in the stewardship of public, philanthropic, and earned funds.

The Director of Finance works closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and City partners to ensure sound financial management that supports the organization’s mission to improve public park spaces, community engagement, and long-term sustainability.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Financial Strategy and Leadership

• Develop and implement financial strategies that support the organization’s mission, long-term sustainability, and strategic growth.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO and Board on financial planning, risk management, and fiscal health.
• Translate financial data into meaningful insights to guide decision-making and operational priorities.
• Support financial planning related to park development, programming, capital improvements, and public-private partnership initiatives.

Budgeting and Financial Planning

• Lead the annual budgeting process, including operational, capital, and program budgets.
• Monitor financial performance against budget and provide regular variance analysis and forecasts.
• Collaborate with department leaders to develop and manage program budgets, grants, and project-based funding.
• Ensure alignment between organizational priorities, City partnerships, and available funding sources.

Accounting and Financial Management

• Oversee all accounting operations including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll coordination, and financial reporting.
• Ensure accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements that conforms to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
• Maintain strong internal controls and financial policies to safeguard organizational assets.
• Manage cash flow forecasting and investment oversight where applicable.

Compliance and Reporting

• Ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards, including GAAP and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Ensure compliance with the affirmative and negative covenants with the organization’s lending arrangements, as applicable.
• Manage all statutory filing requirements with federal, state and local regulatory bodies.
• Oversee preparation and filing of Form 990 and other required regulatory reports.
• Manage financial reporting and compliance related to grants, public funding, and restricted funds.
• Coordinate annual independent audits and serve as the primary liaison with auditors.

Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with City officials and departments regarding financial matters tied to Partnership agreements, park operations, and capital projects.
• Provide financial reporting and communicate such financial results to the Board of Directors, finance committee, and other stakeholders.
• Support fundraising initiatives by assisting with grant budgets, financial reporting, and donor transparency.

Operational and Administrative Oversight

• Develop and maintain financial policies, procedures, and best practices for the organization.
• Oversee financial systems and software to ensure efficient reporting and data management.
• Supervise and mentor finance and administrative staff as the organization grows.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and financial sustainability.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field required.
• CPA, MBA, or advanced financial certification preferred but not required.
• Minimum of 10-12 years of progressive financial management experience.
• Experience in nonprofit financial management strongly preferred.
• Experience working with public funding, municipal partnerships, or grant-funded programs is highly desirable.
• Up-to-date knowledge of current financial and accounting standards.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong understanding of nonprofit accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting.
• Knowledge of public-private partnerships and government funding structures preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex budgets and multiple funding streams.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
• Experience working with Boards of Directors and finance committees.
• High level of integrity, transparency, and accountability.

Work Environment

• Office-based work with occasional meetings at City offices, or community locations.
• Occasional evening or board meetings may be required.

Mission Alignment

The Director of Finance plays a critical role in ensuring that financial resources are responsibly managed to support vibrant, accessible, and sustainable public park spaces that enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors.