Chief Financial Officer

TITLE:                          Chief Financial Officer

DEPARTMENT:           Business

REPORTS TO:             President and CEO

GENERAL SUMMARY: The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is the senior financial and operational leader within Phipps Conservatory, serving as a strategic business partner and fully integrated member of the Senior Leadership Team.
Under the direction of the President and CEO, the CFO will be responsible for overseeing all financial functions of the conservatory, by working closely with the President, Board of Trustees, and senior leadership to steward resources, optimize operations, and align financial strategy with evolving priorities.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Financial Leadership

Serve as a strategic partner in developing the Conservatory’s plans and programs, actively contributing to meetings with senior leadership and the President/CEO to inform organizational strategy and decision-making.

Oversee all financial functions of the Conservatory to ensure fiscal health, long-term sustainability, and strategic growth, including auditing, budgeting, financial reporting, and accounting.

Maintain and strengthen trusted relationships with department leaders, provide budget updates, guidance, and education on budget stewardship and the factors that influence their financial resources.

Lead multi-year financial planning, scenario modeling and implementation of financial strategies to improve the overall operation and effectiveness of the Conservatory.

Financial Management and Reporting

Oversee the preparation of all financial documents—including income statements, balance sheets, Board, regulatory, and grant reports—ensuring accuracy and timeliness to support organizational operations and grant initiatives.

Strengthen, develop, implement, and enforce financial policies that support the Conservatory’s programmatic and operational goals.

Enhance the finance team’s effectiveness by delivering timely, accurate analyses of budgets, financial reports, and financial trends to support the President and CEO, Board of Trustees, Finance Committee, and department managers in fulfilling their responsibilities.

Liaison with and prepare all reports for the Allegheny Regional Asset District.

Board and Donor Engagement

Attend meetings of the Finance Committee and other Board committee meetings to provide financial status and other information as needed.

Provide expertise to manage restricted grants and various fundraising vehicles requested by donors through planned giving instruments.

Risk Management and Compliance

Coordinate year-end audit by independent CPAs. Prepare all audit schedules, drafts of financial statements, notes, trial balances, etc., as required for audit.  Prepare schedules necessary for independent CPA preparation of annual tax returns.

Develop and execute financial risk management frameworks, identifying and mitigating financial risks, ensuring compliance with regulations, and collaborating with executive leadership on strategic risk planning.

Monitor grant spending and prepare financial reports required by granting agencies

Develop and maintain strong relationships with insurance brokers and maintain general liability insurance.

Analysis & Insights

Serve as a trusted advisor by providing data-driven analysis that assists the President/CEO in decision-making.

Monitor all of Phipps earned income activities and make recommendations to the President/CEO based on data analysis.

Prepare monthly financial statements and cash flow projections for operating, restricted, and capital funds, and develop departmental reports analyzing programs, exhibits, and events—comparing actual results to projections and recommending improvements to the planning process.

Analyze company operations to identify opportunities for improvement, efficiency, and growth, while evaluating underperforming areas to guide and implement improvements.

Review and maintain contracts and opportunities for contracting out services. Regularly review and rebid contracted services.

Review purchase orders; oversee the preparation of checks/disbursements.

Oversee cash and investment management, including optimizing bank and deposit relationships and monitoring the investment portfolio to support financial objectives and enhance cash position.

Oversee payroll functions and all information technology functions.

Perform other duties as requested.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND SENSORY DIMENSIONS

Physical mobility: sitting, standing, bending, kneeling, walking, lifting/carrying objects up to 25 pounds, manual dexterity to operate keyboard.

Mental effort: reading, writing, analyzing and visualizing.

Sensory requirement: ability to communicate and respond both in person and over the phone to the general public, staff and volunteers in a friendly and fair manner.

Ability to manage many projects at the same time.

Strong work ethic in all areas of job performance.

Ability to work under deadlines and stress.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Access to reliable transportation to perform principal responsibilities.

May require evening and weekend work.

Will have occasion to work in or pass through any area of the Conservatory or growing houses.

MINIMUM POSITION GUIDELINES (Education, Experience and Certification)

Master’s degree with 3-5 years of senior management experience.

Strong understanding of Microsoft Excel for financial analysis and decision-making.

Proven experience delivering outcomes and achieving results in a similar position.

 KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

Financial Planning & Analysis: Interpret complex financial data, identify trends, perform scenario modeling, and translate into actionable strategic insights.

Communication: Translate complex financial information, both written and verbally, into clear, understandable terms for diverse audiences, including the CEO, leadership team, board members, community members, auditors and staff. 

Negotiation expertise: Negotiate favorable terms for vendor contracts, banking relationships, and strategic partnerships.

Innovative Solutions: Develop creative solutions for financial challenges and resource allocation.

Talent Management and Mentorship: Lead the finance team, providing mentorship, guidance, and development opportunities to foster a high-performing team.

Professional Integrity: Uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct, confidentiality, and personal integrity in all financial decisions and interactions.

Problem Solving and Analysis: Effectively respond to sensitive inquiries or complaints with discretion and objectivity while demonstrating strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Relationship Management: Build strategic relationships, navigate organizational dynamics, and use influence to benefit the company’s reputation and financial direction.

Revisions, additions or deletions to this job description may be made at any point.