Executive Brief
Chief Financial Officer
Buck Institute
Chief Financial Officer - Position Description & Responsibilities
Reports to: Remy Gross, President & Head of Partnering and Administration
Location: Novato, Marin County, California
The Buck Institute seeks a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to guide the financial systems that empower this enterprise. The successful individual will be an experienced finance leader who thinks strategically and will contribute to the Buck’s long-term vision and mission, joining the team of high-performing professionals. Pristine and strategic financial practices will position the Buck for continued success.
Reporting to the President and Head of Partnering and Administration, Remy Gross, and working closely with the COO, this CFO will be responsible for leading the financial operations of this complex non-profit organization. This seasoned strategist will understand current non-profit accounting practices and trends and also will have experience overseeing investment activities and adapting to ever-changing best practices. With an inclination toward forward-thinking growth, this CFO will be part of a leadership team and culture that values collaboration and transparency with the goal of protecting and enhancing the future of the Buck. CFO experience is preferred, but not mandatory.
Objectives of this role
- Provide strategic guidance from a finance and investment lens; collaborate with the ELT on enterprise risk and growth scenarios.
- Remain current, and regularly report on dynamic/ever-changing federal (NIH) and other grant protocols.
- Effective Board communication and engagement regarding risk scenarios and strategic opportunities will be a key aspect of the role.
- Hold responsibility (either directly or via staff) for all cash management, investments, insurance, budgeting, audit, and financial reporting.
- Coordinate the development of annual operating, capital, and program budgets, as well as their reporting.
- Ensure cash flow is compatible with operations by overseeing the Institute’s day-to-day accounting, recording, reporting, and internal control activities.
- Develop and implement best practices and tools to ensure a well-controlled yet flexible organization that has strong fiscal management, project coordination, cross-team communications, and workflows.
- Study changing national and local financial requirements, taking appropriate action to comply with new and existing legislation.
Key Responsibilities
- Be proactive and an effective communicator relative to informing the CEO, members of the Board of Trustees, and appropriate staff members on key matters relating to financial strategy and opportunities, forecasting, risk matters, and policy.
- Oversee the annual budget and planning process, monitor progress and changes, and inform the Board of Trustees, CEO, and senior leadership of the institute’s financial status. Take initiative in terms of ‘course corrections’ as appropriate.
- Ensure timely, accurate, and consistent financial reporting to stakeholders, ranging from department heads to the Board of Trustees.
- Lead the effort to forecast multi-year financial and operational plans.
- Oversee investment and endowment management and reporting.
- Perform risk management through analysis of organization liabilities and investments and evaluate and manage capital structure and fundraising initiatives.
- Ensure annual financial statement audits, tax returns, reports, and statements and adherence to all regulatory and compliance requirements.
- Conduct financial assessment and analysis of potential projects and decisions as needed.
- Analyze internal operations and identify areas for cost reduction and process enhancement.
- Serve as staff support for the Board of Trustees Finance Committee and Audit Committee.
- Represent the Institute in matters involving its outside professional relationships, including bankers, auditors, general counsel, insurance brokers, and investment bankers.
- Manage finance and purchasing personnel and oversee financial systems.
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