The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is responsible for directing the fiscal functions of the Institute in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board and other regulatory organizations and in accordance with financial management practices appropriate within a non-profit research institute. Reporting directly to the President, the financial executive provides accounting, budgetary, operational, programmatic support, and financial advice to all Institute programs and activities. The CFO directly oversees and supervises the financial/accounting staff and other departments as directed by the President. The CFO serves as an active member of the Executive Management Team helping to develop and implement the Institute\’s vision and mission.

• Plan, develop, organize, implement, direct, and evaluate the institute\’s fiscal function and performance, including establishing quality assurance measures and controls associated with the financial administration of grants and contracts.
• Participate in the development of the Institute\’s plans and programs as a strategic partner.
• Evaluate and advise on the impact of long-range planning, introduction of new programs and strategies, and regulatory action.
• Provide timely and accurate analysis of budgets, financial reports, and financial trends to assist the President, the Board of Directors, and the Executive Management in performing their responsibilities.
• Assist in developing and overseeing budgets for the Institute as a whole, individual programs, and new/proposed/expanded services.
• Continual improvement of the budgeting process through education of department managers on financial issues.
• Ensure, enhance, and enforce internal controls, policies, and procedures of the organization by way of systems that will improve the overall operation and effectiveness of the institute.
• Provide strategic financial recommendations and leadership on issues affecting the organization, i.e., evaluation of retirement funds, investments, potential alliances, partnerships, acquisitions, and mergers.
• Provide oversight and financial management of the HudsonAlpha Foundation Endowment Fund and other foundation funds.
• Maintain a reliable cash flow projection process and reporting mechanism which includes managing to a minimum cash threshold to meet operating needs.
• Optimize the handling of the institute\’s banking relationships and activities and initiate appropriate strategies to enhance cash position.
• Participate in the negotiation and execution of Institute contracts with funding sources, vendors, and collaborative service providers.
• Monitor changes in legal, regulatory, and administrative environments and implement changes in procedures as needed to maintain compliance while maximizing operational and financial results.
• Collaborate with other departments in the management and oversight of the Institute\’s spending, seeking approaches to minimize cost and operate within budget without sacrificing service.
• Provide technical financial advice and knowledge to others within the financial discipline.
• Evaluate the finance department structure and team plan for continual improvement of the efficiency and effectiveness of the group. Provide individuals with professional and personal growth opportunities. Serve as the Institute\’s primary liaison with its independent Auditor to ensure the annual audit is completed smoothly and in a timely manner.
• Assist in the management of the procurement team and processes.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

• Non-profit accounting standards and practices
• Federal regulations, grant budgeting, sponsor guidelines, post-award requirements, and the Federal Office of Management and Budget Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) as they relate to sponsored program activity
• State of Alabama contract/grant budgeting/reporting procedures and requirements.
• Deltek Costpoint project and accounting management software
• FandA rate proposals

Ability To

• Function as an energetic, forward-thinking, and creative individual with high ethical standards.
• Work well with, and be responsive to the needs of, internal and external stakeholders.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage priorities effectively to meet needs of the institute.
• Quickly assimilate new information and technology.
• Foster and cultivate business opportunities and partnerships.
• Perform in a dynamic, technical, and growing environment.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the appropriate rules and regulations and apply them in difficult, stressful, and complex situations. Able to interpret and explain rules and regulations that are ambiguous or unclear. Directs others in interpreting rules and regulations on the job and trains others in them.

Education And Experience

• Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university; with Master\’s degree preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant, a plus
• Five to seven years of senior management experience in a non-profit organization of comparable size or similarly operating organization or an institution of higher education.
• Managerial experience with an organization providing research contract services to government agencies, especially in compliance with 2 CFR 200 or FAR accounting, a plus.