Chief Financial Officer

The Chief Financial Officer leads the accounting team of the Akron Area YMCA to support our $19M organizational mission and strategic goals.
Job Description

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.  The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Akron Area YMCA serves on the CEO’s senior leadership team.  The CFO oversees and manages all operational financial matters, with a daily focus on accounting activities and internal controls.  The CFO provides strategic direction and leadership for YMCA business operations and initiatives in accordance with the Constitution of the Akron Area YMCA. The CFO positions the Y as a community convener and collaborator to address critical social issues.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in business, finance or equivalent; MBA, CPA or CMA preferred.
  • YMCA Organizational Leader certification preferred or to be achieved within 2 years.
  • Eight or more years of substantive experience in accounting and fiscal management.
  • Knowledge and understanding of general business matters required including budget development, account entries, forecasting, financial reporting, cash management, business taxes, banking and debt financing instruments.
  • Knowledge of computer systems, including experience with system selection, new system implementation and project management.
  • Personal computer skills required.
  • Experience with investment management and asset allocation preferred.
  • Experience in effectively managing a staff team.
  • Experience with Fund Accounting & Lease Accounting
  • Previous experience with voluntary/nonprofit organizations preferred.
Essential Functions
  1. Ensure all financial records and statements are in line with laws, regulations, and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
  2. Actively participates in daily accounting activities while maintaining sound internal controls performing some day-to-day transactional accounting work to support the staff and ensure the efficiency of the overall finance department.
  3. Monitors monthly financial operations, prepares analysis and reports, and gives guidance to executive and operating staff.
  4. Secures, allocates, and monitors financial resources so that strategic objectives can be achieved. Prepares specific recommendations.
  5. Works collaboratively with CEO and operations staff to set and monitor benchmarks on issues that affect financial outcome in their program or project areas of influence.
  6. Reviews, updates, and/or develops internal control systems for the YMCA and oversees internal audits which check for compliance on a variety of policies and standards. Provides recommendations for improvement to the CEO.
  7. Oversees and certifies the annual audit and meets periodically with the outside auditors to maintain open communications and keep them informed of changes in the YMCA. Ensures that current accounting standards and legal requirements are met.
  8. Actively collaborates with the CEO to engage the board in challenging conversations and decision making to advance the Y's impact. Works directly with assigned committee(s) of the board (e.g., Executive & Finance Committees) to build volunteer relationships, develop policies, monitor their implementation and meet the related needs of the board.
  9. Anticipates trends and their implications on the future of the organization. Manages investments, under the direction of the Executive & Finance Committees, and within the risk tolerance expressed by the Board via the asset allocation policy.
  10. Develops performance indicators and measurement systems for tracking strategic plan objectives.  Evaluates current business models and leads efforts to modify or redesign business models where necessary.  Collaborates with CEO and other senior leaders on implementation.
  11. Oversees preparation of reports to YMCA of the USA and governmental agencies. Oversees preparation of tax returns including but not IRS Form 990.
  12. Leads the development of the annual operating budget, including all branch budgets, as well as periodic financial forecasts and scenario analyses. Guides the organization to make tough choices about what to stop, start, and continue. Works closely with the CEO and operations staff to ensure that branch budgets are well-planned and prepared in a timely manner.
  13. Establishes, maintains, and monitors all banking and financing relationships.
  14. Maintains all necessary records and accounting reports and records all transactions on a timely basis.
  15. Maintains good working relationships with auditors, bankers, investment counselors, attorneys and other professional advisors.
  16. The CEO and CFO serve as an authorized signers of contractual agreements in alignment with the goals of the Akron Area YMCA and acting within the guidelines of the Akron Area YMCA’s Constitution and Bylaws to establish contractual relationships, partnerships, and alliances.
  17. Hires, trains, supervises and develops mission focused and cause driven accounting staff members.
  18. May be assigned to supervise other leadership staff in other key areas of focus including but not limited to: Branch Executive Director, IT Director, Properties Director, Risk Management, etc…
  19. Supports the annual campaign by promoting and inspiring philanthropy among staff and volunteers.  Ensures policies exist satisfying legal and ethical standards.
  20. Local travel is required along with reliable transportation to facilitate routine visits to Akron Area YMCA locations.  Occasional long-distance travel for training and special events
Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies
  • Critical Thinking & Decision Making:  Addresses the root cause of systemic issues rather than symptoms.  Anticipates trends and their implications on the future of the organization.
  • Fiscal Management:  Applies principles of stewardship to all financial decisions.  Establishes strong internal controls and oversight to protect the assets of the organization.  Partners with CEO, board, and staff members to communicate budget rationale and options, make recommendations, and pursue value-creation opportunities.
  • Program/Project Management:  Develops organizational goals and strategic plans, balancing long-term direction and short-term requirements.
  • Volunteerism:  Cultivates a diverse pool of volunteers to ensure the Y’s relevance to strategic priorities and community needs.  Partners with the governing board to set the organization’s policies, goals, and strategic direction.
Required Certifications

Bachelor’s degree in business, finance or equivalent; MBA, CPA or CMA preferred.