Chief Financial Officer

Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

The Jewish Federation of Western Mass and Jewish Endowment Foundation is looking for an experienced, team-oriented Chief Financial Officer to oversee the organization’s financial and administrative operations. For 100 years, the Federation has worked to create a vibrant, caring, connected and enduring Jewish community by strengthening Jewish identity, caring for Jews in need, and fostering deep connections with Israel and Jews around the world. The Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts is home to more than 30,000 Jews and we are a thriving, vibrant, multi-faceted Jewish community.

Federation staff are passionate about community building; highly collaborative, often going above and beyond their own job description; and always learning. We bring a wide range of experiences and backgrounds to our work and welcome all applicants for this dynamic position.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chief Financial Officer of the Jewish Federation of Western Mass is responsible for developing the overall financial strategy in accordance with and in service to the organization’s overall mission and strategy. The role will provide leadership and management direction to accounting and finance, risk management including all financial and accounting operations, policies and procedures, reporting systems, annual audit, tax returns, and internal financial statements. In all functions and responsibilities, the Comptroller provides the highest level of client service and responsiveness to all stakeholders of the Federation as well as leadership and embodiment of the highest standard of integrity and transparency.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Financial Management

• Support the ongoing development of a sustainable business model strategy in conjunction with the Board, lay committees and leadership teams.
• Oversee development of the annual operating budget.
• Oversee audit and tax preparation processes for the Federation; work closely with Budget and Finance Committee.
• Formulate and implement accounting policies and practices in conformance with all relevant law and IRS regulations.
• Develop, monitor and improve internal accounting controls and performance efficiencies.
• Provide disciplined financial analysis to major organization decisions.
• Produce regular financial information and analysis for management, Board of Trustees and relevant committees.
• Ensure that all grants made by the Federation comply with all appropriate policies, procedures, regulations and legal requirements.
• Complete bank reconciliations
• Record payroll into general ledger
• Allocate investment activity across funds

Investment Oversight

• Manage financial assets under the guidance of the Investment Committee of the Board.
• Responsible for the cash management and treasury functions.
• Represent Federation to donors.
• Champion, provide support and partnership for our investing efforts with lay subcommittee.
• Rebalance investment portfolio
• Sell and reinvest investment offerings

Business Operations

• Oversee payroll, purchasing, and all disbursement functions of the Federation.
• Seeks continuous improvement in organizational performance, effective use of financial and human resources, and reporting to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the organization.
• Responsible for organization’s risk management including general liability and related insurance coverage and risk mitigation and disaster response.

Management

• Leverage the strengths of the current staff, providing training, development and supervision in order to maximize and reach optimal individual and organizational goals.
• Evaluate direct reports and ensure timely and meaningful evaluation of all staff.
• Act as primary staff liaison to Finance Committee, Investment Committee, and Audit Committee. Attend meetings for the Executive Committee, Board of Trustees, and with donors and other supporting organization boards as appropriate and requested.
• Closely collaborate and strategize with CEO to align on business strategy, resource allocation, project implementation, and performance measurement.

QUALIFICATIONS (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES)

• Experience in not-for-profit financial accounting is required.
• Experience with oversight of endowment investment functions is required.
• Highly skilled relationship manager and communicator, both verbal and written, with a wide range of stakeholders, including management, board members, and community leaders.
• Experienced manager with demonstrated ability to select, develop, motivate, mentor, and retain high-performing staff.
• Knowledge of or experience in Jewish communal services is a plus
• Demonstrated financial, analytical and project management skills.
• Experience related to business process re-engineering for increased efficiency and cost reduction; not afraid to be hands-on looking at people, processes, and technology to develop and implement recommendations.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and delegate responsibilities, to motivate lay leadership and staff and to manage multiple and varied projects.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 8–10 years of successful management and leadership experience in all aspects of accounting, finance, investment management, and information technology with a demonstrated track record in personnel management and evaluation, budgeting, financial reporting and strategic thinking, and decision making.
• CPA, CMA and/or MBA is highly preferred.

The Federation offers excellent benefits — medical, dental, vision, vacation, sick pay, holidays (including Jewish), and retirement plan.

EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES

The Federation strives to create a community that draws upon the widest possible talent pool to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values. The Jewish Federation of Western Mass and Jewish Endowment Fund is an equal-opportunity employer.

To apply in confidence, please submit cover letter of interest and resume to asolender@jewishwesternmass.org