Chief Financial Officer

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Chief Financial Officer

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GIA (Gemological Institute of America)

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The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is seeking a Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer ("CFO") to lead its global financial strategy and operations. This executive role involves overseeing finance functions across multiple international locations, supporting both non‑profit and for‑profit entities, and ensuring compliance with legal and tax requirements. The CFO also oversees Global Procurement, Real Estate, Facilities and Security.

Organization Overview

Established in 1931, GIA’s global headquarters are based in Carlsbad, California.

Revenues exceeding $300 M in 2025 and approximately 3,000 employees worldwide.

Laboratories in nine locations : Carlsbad, New York, India, Thailand, South Africa, Botswana, Dubai, Hong Kong, and Japan.

Educational campuses in Carlsbad, New York, Hong Kong, India, United Kingdom, Thailand, and Taiwan.

Research facilities in Carlsbad, Las Vegas, New Jersey, New York, and Thailand.

Role and Reporting

The CFO reports directly to the President and CEO.

Significant interaction with GIA’s Board of Governors.

Day‑to‑day impact on company operations, analyzing, strategizing, and growing the financial position and operations.

Key Responsibilities

Oversee all finance functions : Financial Reporting, Accounting and Control, Investments and Treasury, Financial Planning and Analysis, Budgeting, Tax, Insurance, and international finance operations.

Global responsibility for Real Estate, Facilities, Security and Procurement.

International scope : advise on finance and accounting of affiliates, manage multi‑country audits, tax matters, multi‑currency transactions, dividends and royalties, and oversee finance staff in multiple countries.

Financial Reporting, Planning and Analysis : internal control, audit oversight, tax reporting, relationships with external auditors, financial institutions, and tax advisors.

Monitor progress toward financial goals, adjust objectives and work plans, prepare detailed reports for board meetings and management.

Provide monthly financial information to management and Board of Governors.

Ensure legal compliance with non‑profit regulations and for‑profit entities’ statutory requirements.

Coordinate annual operating, capital, and program budgets and reporting.

Develop best practices and tools for fiscal management, project coordination, cross‑team communication, and workflows.

Ensure compliance with national and local financial requirements through legislative research and action.

Financing, Treasury Management, and Investments

Manage investment funds, investment policies, retirement plans, insurance, and banking relationships.

Preserve Institute assets and oversee 401(k) and 457(b) retirement plans.

Administer retirement, insurance, and risk management programs.

Direct the treasury function : custodian of funds, securities, and assets.

Maintain contacts with financial institutions managing investments and cash.

Ensure cash flow compatibility with operations.

Perform risk management through analysis of liabilities and investments, and evaluate capital and reserve structures.

Support Business Growth and Cost Structure

Analyze new revenue and partnership opportunities, economic trends, and internal operations.

Identify areas for cost reduction and process enhancement.

Procurement

Oversee Global Procurement managing external contracts, working with IT and other functions.

Handle direct and indirect expenditures, operational and capital, domestically and internationally.

Global Real Estate, Facilities & Security

Oversee all real estate, facilities, and security with a Vice President reporting directly to the CFO.

Projects include lease renegotiations and construction of new facilities.

Supervisory Role

Directly manage six direct reports and approximately 40 U.S.‑based finance employees, plus international finance staff and others in procurement, facilities, and security.

Authority over hiring and performance management under a matrix structure.

Qualifications, Skills, and Attributes

CP A or equivalent; preferably Big‑Four training or experience.

Minimum ten years of experience outside accounting in mid‑market organizations, working with operations on business and corporate development initiatives.

Experience in not‑for‑profit and for‑profit environments.

Significant international experience, ideally including India.

Strong financial reporting expertise.

International tax knowledge and ability to handle complex tax challenges, corporate and withholding taxes, and diverse operating models.

Experience presenting to a Board.

Experience managing investments, banking, insurance, cash management, and foreign currency.

Exceptional verbal, written, and visual communication skills; polished presenter.

Excellent leadership, resolve, and personal integrity.

Other Requirements

International and domestic travel required.

Language skills : read, analyze, and interpret scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents; present to executive management and the Board of Governors.

Mathematical skills : apply fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions.

Reasoning ability : solve practical problems with limited standardization and interpret instructions in various formats.

Salary range : $350k – $500k

Seniorith level

Executive

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Finance and Sales

Industries

Non‑profit Organizations

An Equal Opportunity Employer

All employment decisions are made without regard to unlawful considerations of race, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

Disclaimer :

This job description indicates in general terms the type and level of work performed and may be changed by management at any time. Other duties may also apply. Nothing in this job description changes the at‑will employment relationship existing between the Company and its employees.

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