Chief Financial Officer

REPORTS TO: President and CEO

DIRECT REPORTS: Controller (team of 4 including Assistant Controller, Payroll and Accounting Associate, Accounts Payable Manager, Financial Planning Analyst), Director of Human Resources (team of 3) and Director of Information Technology (team of 2)

KEY INTERACTIONS: President & CEO, Executive Management Team (Chief Operating Officer (COO), Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO), Chief Marketing and Communications Officer (CMCO). Board Chair; Treasurer; Chair of Endowment Trust

POSITION SUMMARY: Reporting to the President and CEO, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is responsible for managing the financial, capital, technological and human resources strategies, overseeing all financial aspects of the SLSO. The CFO plans and directs the organization’s overall financial plans, accounting policies and practices including strategic planning involving projections, evaluating progress and meeting objectives. Oversees and directs budgeting, audit, tax, accounting, insurance, pension, endowment, assets including facilities, information technology and human resources.

After a two-year renovation and expansion, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO) has returned to Powell Hall at the Jack C. Taylor Music Center in September 2025, a pivotal time in the history of the institution upon completion of a $155 million campaign (closing at $174 million). As a key member of the executive leadership team, this is an opportunity to create a lasting impact on the overall organization and the St. Louis community, shape the future of one of America’s leading orchestras and elevate the SLSO as a leading arts organization in our region as it approaches its 150th anniversary in 2030.

This inspirational leader will:

• Provide vision and execution of strategic plan via business process improvements and system enhancements for greater control, operating efficiencies, and best practices across the organization while embracing SLSO’s core mission of enriching people’s lives through the power of music.
• Lead, coach, and develop resources towards better financial processes, performance metrics, and business analytics.
• Partner with the Executive Team to advance strategic, artistic and operational initiatives that meet or exceed financial objectives.
• Reinforce financial integrity through oversight of standardized processes and practices, and consistent application of policies.

PRIMARY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

1. Leadership – Drive the transformation of the finance and accounting function through structural design, process improvements, and systems application to support effective and efficient financial management and analysis. Establish financial strategies and build team to support alignment around strategies in both a union and non-union environment.

2. Financial Analysis – Oversee the analysis and evaluation of financial results, trends, fluctuations, and ratios that will drive higher levels of financial performance, improvement initiatives, and growth. Assist in analyzing the financial impact of major business decisions and artistic/operational issues affecting the organization.

3. Strategic Planning – Serve as a resource, sounding board, and analyst to align financial, technical and human resources under the Strategic Plan. Develop the annual budget and long-term projections in support of plan. Develop and implement the Capital and Campaign budgets and related financing requirements.

4. Accounting Oversight – Provide oversight for accounting, financial reporting and compliance. Steward financial reporting accuracy and consistency, and the development and maintenance of effective internal control systems. Oversee the audit engagement and ensure compliance with policies and procedures. Responsible for tax, risk management, legal and related areas.

5. Building Management – Oversee the future preservation, enhancement and functioning of Powell Hall at the Jack C. Taylor Music Center, SLSO’s concert venue and music campus from an asset standpoint (financial, capital maintenance, insurance etc). Work in partnership with President and CEO, COO, CMCO and Facilities team to provide safe building environment and plan for future capital improvements and expansion.

6. Information Technology and Human Resources – Ensure proper information technology infrastructure and platform to maximize productivity and job satisfaction. Provide counsel to President and CEO and HR team on internal resource needs, management and planning, insurance and pension. Work closely with HR team on human resources, developing a culture that supports retention and career advancement and training.

FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB:

1. Direct the Finance Team in providing and directing procedures and systems necessary to maintain proper records and to afford adequate accounting controls and services; oversee daily financial operations including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, etc.

2. Develop accounting policies to comply with generally accepted accounting principles, tax requirements, and management reporting requirements. Determine cash balance and allocate funds.

3. Provide and implement strategy on budget process, capital expenditure planning, campaign and forecasting needs. Direct and oversee annual budget preparation and maintain forecasts; generate monthly and annual reports that reflect financial activity.

4. Review and approve all financial statements. Analyze financial data as requested; develop long-term financial projections and strategies.

5. As a member of Executive Team, work on long-term strategic and revenue generation planning, and new product financial modeling.

6. Manage insurance programs – board liability, property and casualty, employment liability, health insurance and retirement plans in partnership with Director of Human Resources; negotiate organization’s insurance coverage on annual basis. Ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreement as applicable.

7. Provide support to manage organization’s endowment investments in conjunction with Endowment Trust board and committee members.

8. Oversee building insurance coverage and capital maintenance.

9. Oversee information technology operations including hardware and software requirements; supervise Director of Information Technology.

10. In collaboration with the President and CEO, oversees the functioning and membership recruitment for the Audit & Finance and Endowment Trust.

11. Maintain excellent communication with Executive Team and the President and CEO. Work with each department to ensure accurate and efficient tracking systems for income.

12. Attend, prepare presentations and set agendas for various staff, committee and board meetings as needed.

13. Respond to finance related or general information inquiries from staff, vendors, or general public.

14. Perform other duties as needed or directed.

REQUIREMENTS:

The ideal candidate will have very strong interpersonal skills and be comfortable interacting with individuals from varied and diverse backgrounds. They will have broad finance and operations experience, including experience with nonprofit organizations and will be adept at working with multiple stakeholders to assess strategic needs, to deploy resources to the most critical priorities, and to balance the needs of the organization with continuous improvement. Embracing the mission of the SLSO and a genuine love for music and the arts will be critical to this position.

Knowledge and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related area. Master’s preferred. Ten or more years of applicable experience with experience working for a nonprofit in a supervisory role. CPA designation (required) and Public accounting experience (preferred). Knowledge and understanding of the economics of a nonprofit organization. Knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting and cost control principles including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Knowledge of financial and accounting reporting systems. Experience must include supervisory, and ideal candidates would have information technology and human resources experience with sufficient background to perform duties of the position.

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent leadership skills and ability to motivate and influence teams in a positive manner.
• Strategic planner with ability to deal with complex factors not easily evaluated.
• High level of financial analytical skills and data analysis. Knowledge of short- and long-term budgeting and forecasting techniques, capital and campaign experience a plus.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to display considerable tact while achieving results and working with diverse constituents. Strong presentations skills for both small and large audiences.
• Superb problem-solving skills and ability to handle full and complete access to confidential data and to perform difficult, involved, or highly technical projects.
• Ability to supervise, coach, and develop individuals and teams. Experience working with board leadership.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint required).
• Strong attention to detail and exceptional project management skills.
• Commitment to the mission of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Knowledge of orchestral music and the performing arts a plus.

Working Conditions:

• Attendance at SLSO concerts and events (including evenings and weekends) is expected as a key representative of the organization.
• Active participation in broader community events and civic gatherings is expected to represent the SLSO and build strategic relationships.
• Occasional travel may be required.