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Chief Financial Officer

For nearly 90 years, the Erie Community Foundation has strengthened communities by responding to community needs, and acting as a convenor, collaborator, and leader to deepen impact on regional progress. In fulfilling its mission to inspire, engage and empower donors and communities across the region, the Erie Community Foundation cultivates relationships with donors and people throughout the region. As the steward of over 900 endowments for individuals and organizations in Erie, Corry, North East, Union City, Pennsylvania and Findley Lake, NY, the Erie Community Foundation strives to promote a united, vibrant, and thriving region for all, both today and long into the future

The Erie Community Foundation seeks a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead its finance, accounting, and operations team. Reporting to the President & CEO, the CFO oversees the Foundation’s accounting functions, practices, procedures, and reporting in accordance with policies; manages investment liaison activities, fund accounting, grants, and gift processing. The CFO also has oversight of Human Resources, Facilities Management, and IT.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA certification required.
  • Minimum 7-10 years of relevant experience, preferably in a nonprofit or foundation environment; auditing experience preferred.
  • Experience leading and mentoring a team.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft products and integrated accounting systems.
  • Ability and willingness to learn the Foundation’s software systems.
  • Knowledge of investment management and endowments.
  • Understanding of GAAP and FASB topics related to nonprofits.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Finance

  • Develop, implement, monitor, and modify, as necessary, the financial control system to provide for accurate and timely analysis and reporting, as well as controls over financial transactions.
  • Oversee financial aspects of the Foundation, including all aspects of the Foundation’s operating system and CRM.
  • Design and implement financial systems that improve the financial information flow.
  • Develop and implement financial programs that assist in the retrieval of pertinent and accurate information and minimize costs.
  • Prepare and deliver financial reports to the President for approval. Review approved financial reports with the Audit/Finance and IT Committee, other team members, donors, nonprofits, and federal and state agencies as required.
  • Develop, implement, and monitor a system to provide for the best utilization of cash flow to maximize investment performance.
  • Consult with the President to ensure sound fiscal decisions are made.
  • Serve as staff to the Foundation’s Audit/Finance and IT Committee, which oversees the budget, financial statements and provides advice and recommendations related to IT investments.

Accounting

  • Develop, implement, monitor, and modify, as required, standard accounting policies and procedures for the Foundation and the individual funds.
  • Develop, implement, and maintain programs, policies, and procedures that ensure the consolidation and coordination of accounting systems.
  • Develop, implement, and modify as necessary a budgetary process which includes the development of accurate and timely budgets for ECF and periodic monitoring and reporting as required.
  • Develop, implement, and oversee the accurate and timely generation of financial statements.
  • Develop and prepare reports as requested by the President and the Board, including:
    • Monthly finance reports.
    • Consolidated Audited Financial statement.
    • Audited Financial Statements for the affiliate organizations.
    • Consolidated annual budget.
    • Government reports.
  • Decide on cash investment strategies that will provide the highest earnings for the Foundation’s cash as well as ensure adequate cash flows for operations, grants payable and investment capital calls.
  • Develop, implement, and maintain programs and procedures in the area of Accounts Payable, including administrative expenses and grants payable.
  • Oversee the accounting and reporting functions for regional affiliate foundations.
  • Review financial aspects of grants and gifts from donors.
  • Maintain current knowledge of GAAP and government regulations and changes that require accounting adjustments; ensure compliance with all applicable FASB and Internal Revenue Service regulations.
  • Develop, implement, and maintain programs and procedures to support the budgeting for and implementation of ongoing payroll functions.
  • Prepare for and coordinate the annual audit.
  • Directly supervise the Controller and the Director of Operations, Grants & Scholarships, who in turn supervise the Senior Account, the Database Manager, and the Office Coordinator.
  • Perform other tasks as assigned for the successful operation of The Foundation

Taxes

  • Develop and review financial schedules required for the accurate preparation of federal and state annual tax forms by the engaged accounting firm.
  • Develop, implement, and review systems and supplemental financial schedules which provide sufficient information to the engaged tax preparer for reporting any necessary federal, state, and local taxes and any other governmental reporting requirements.
  • These schedules include financial information, information about the organization’s governance, activities, compensation of key employees as well as the schedule for the Public Charity Support Test.
  • On a timely basis, review, sign, and file all tax forms (990 and state filings).
  • Prepare or assist in preparing monthly and quarterly payroll tax filings.

Investment Activity

  • Serve as liaison between ECF the Investment Committee and investment consultant.
  • Facilitate investment allocation changes approved by the Investment Committee.
  • Implement investment changes approved by the Investment Committee, including completion of documents necessary for the engagement of new investment managers.
  • Present Investment updates and results to the Board of Trustees.

Human Resources, Benefits & Payroll

  • Oversee the Foundation’s human resources policies and programs.
  • Oversee employee benefit and compensation programs, and the selection of external vendors.
  • Serve as payroll backup for the Controller, as needed.

Internal Support

  • Participate as a member of ECF’s leadership team to develop, inform and implement ECF’s strategic and organizational objectives.
  • Leads Finance and Administration team in meeting and surpassing strategic, departmental, and organizational objectives.
  • Creates and promotes supportive, growth-oriented culture where team members have the opportunity to learn, collaborate and build skills.

ATTRIBUTES:

  • Highly organized with excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Proven ability to work efficiently under pressure.
  • Collaborative leader with demonstrated ability to motivate and inspire a team.
  • Ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with bankers, attorneys, insurance representatives, auditors, agencies, consultants, as well as current and prospective donors within the community.
  • Exceptional written and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Possess a high level of professionalism, integrity, and trustworthiness.

The Erie Community Foundation offers a comprehensive and competitive compensation and benefits package.

The Erie Community Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer


Salary Range: $128,000 – $156,000, depending on experience.

Application Deadline: March 31, 2024

Interested and qualified candidates, please email a cover letter and resume to: Abigail Lechner at alechner@humancapitalassociates.net

The Nonprofit Partnership's offices at The Susan Hirt Hagen Center for Transformational Philanthropy are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.

Phone 814.240.2490
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