WHAT IS A CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER/CONTROLLER ?
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Chief Financial Officer/Controller will assume responsibility for directing the financial planning, policies, and accounting practices of the AOA. In addition to playing a pivotal role in shaping the organization's overall strategy, the CFO will serve as an integral member of the Senior Leadership Team. In this capacity, they will oversee all fiscal matters in collaboration with the Board of Trustees, as well as the Finance, Audit, and Investment Committees of the Board. This position, as outlined in the AOA By-laws, entails the duties and responsibilities inherent to an officer of the organization.
Need-to-Know Overview of a Chief Financial Officer/Controller
1. Chief Financial Officer/Controller Roles and Responsibilities
- Oversees and directs treasury, budgeting, audit, tax, accounting, real estate and insurance activities.
- Secretary to Finance Committee, Investment Subcommittee, Audit Committee, Budget Adjustment Subcommittee and the Joint Board/House Budget Review Committee. Treasurer to the A.T. Still Foundation.
- Responsible for the administration of the Finance Committee, which has the responsibility of the management of the AOA finances.
- Directs activities such as custodian of funds, securities and assets of the AOA.
- Responsible for the administration of the Investment Subcommittee, which oversees the investment activities, including engaging investment advisors.
- Maintain internal controls and coordinate all audit activities in coordination with the Audit Committee, whose role is to provide oversight of management and the audit process.
- Direct management of the building management contract for 142 East Ontario including the recruitment and supervision of the building management contractor, oversight of lease negotiations and proposals, direct supervision of its building manager, providing direction for tenant relations, and inspection of routine and special reports (e.g., brokerage efforts).
- Oversee budgetary planning and cost management in alignment with AOA’s strategic plan so as to monitor progress and present financial metrics both internally and externally.
- Responsible for the administration of the Joint Board/House Budget Review Committee, which reviews the AOA strategic plan and budget during the House of Delegates.
- Coordinate the efforts of tax counsel in the timely preparation of federal, state and county tax returns, as well as other external financial reports.
- Partner with the Senior Leadership Team on all operational and strategic issues as they arise;
- Provide strategic recommendations to the Senior Leadership Team based on financial analysis and projections, cost identification and allocation, and revenue/expense analysis.
- Participate in the ongoing strategic planning process as an integral member of the Senior Leadership Team.
- Ensure that finance staff maintains financial record systems in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, and monitor the use of all funds.
- Oversee the preparation and approval of all financial reporting materials and metrics;
- Prepare and communicate monthly and annual financial statements.
- Review all formal finance-related procedures, processes, policies and administration, recommending improvements to the systems in place and managing the systems going forward.
- Oversee AOIA financials.
2. Chief Financial Officer/Controller Skills, Experience, Qualifications
- BA Degree in Accounting/Finance required or equivalent experience; CPA, MPA and/or MBA highly desired.
- Ability to deal effectively with a variety of situations requiring judgment and poise
- Strategic planning and business analytics skills
- Strong technical US GAAP knowledge.
- Experience as a sitting CFO in an organization of comparable scope and complexity
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