TITLE:                        Finance Director

REPORTS TO:          VP Operations

 STATUS:                   Full-Time, Exempt

 HOURS:                    Monday through Friday 9am – 5pm, with flexibility as requested

 LOCATION:               Harrisburg based with travel as needed, occasional work remote

OPPORTUNITY – About Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts

Join a team that is passionate about making a difference and helping our community thrive!

Our mission is to serve as the center for scientific, artistic, cultural and educational activities to enhance the region’s quality of life and economic vitality.

About the Role

We're seeking an experienced professional with a demonstrated history of providing leadership in the areas of accounting and financial management. The Finance Director is responsible for managing the financial operations of the organization, ensuring the organization’s financial health and sustainability. This role will oversee all financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis. The Finance Director works closely with the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and Board of Directors to develop and implement financial and information technology strategies that support the organization’s mission and goals.

Primary Responsibilities

Financial Management

Develop and implement financial strategies that support the organization’s mission and goals.

Manage and oversee all financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.

Ensure the accuracy and completeness of financial records, including the general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, and other financial systems.

Prepare and present financial reports to the ELT, Finance Committee, and Board of Directors, providing analysis and recommendations as needed. Reporting to include key performance metrics for organization programs and services.

Ensure compliance with all financial reporting and regulatory requirements, including tax filings, audits, and other reporting requirements in the non-profit sector. 

Create and maintain appropriate internal control systems for all organization assets, including cash, sold and unsold tickets, receivables, donor pledges and grants, endowment accounts, computer systems, other property, plant and equipment, and all financial records.

Collaborate with the ELT, Finance Committee Chair and investment advisors to manage and report performance for all endowment accounts.

Serve as Plan Administrator for the organization's 401K Plan.

Manage relationships with external partners, including banks, auditors, investment advisors and other financial service providers.

Budgeting and Forecasting

Develop and oversee the annual budgeting process, working closely with ELT, program managers and other stakeholders to develop operating and capital budgets.

Monitor actual performance against budgets and provide regular updates and analysis to the ELT and Board of Directors.

Develop and maintain financial forecasting and cash flow models that support long-term financial planning and decision-making.

Tax Filing and Compliance

Oversee all tax filings and compliance requirements, ensuring that the organization is in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.

Strategic Planning and Leadership

Advise CEO on key risk management factors for organization.

Collaborate with the Finance Committee Chair, to lead the Finance Committee.  Collaborate with other committee members to provide strategic financial guidance and support to the organization.

Collaborate with VP, Development to review financial considerations of all grants and assist, as needed, in meeting reporting requirements.

Provide leadership and mentorship to the finance team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development

Collaborate with senior leaders to develop and implement strategies that support the organization’s mission and goals.

Other duties as assigned by ELT in support of the organization’s mission and goals.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in accounting

CPA or Master’s degree preferred.

5+  years of experience in a financial role in a nonprofit or for-profit organization.

Preference for non-profit experience.

Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, holidays and special events. 

Ability to successfully complete a Pennsylvania State Police Clearance, a Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance obtained through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and a Federal Bureau of Investigation Criminal History Record Information obtained by submitting a full set of fingerprints to the Pennsylvania State Police or its authorized agent for submission to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Attributes

Leadership Competencies

Strong analytical skills

Proven ability to analyze financial and operations data to guide decision-making.

Problem analysis and resolution skills at both functional/strategic levels.

Proactive and independent thinker: demonstrate a commitment to excellence; ability to complete and manage a high volume of tasks and projects timely and with little guidance.

Collaborative team player with a solution-oriented approach who works effectively with cross-functional teams.

Strong organization skills

Ability to organize, prioritize and balance workloads across the organization.

Proven training, mentoring and coaching abilities.

Creative problem solver

Ability to analyze problems and develop creative solutions to complex issues.

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Ability to communicate effectively with employees, contractors, vendors, volunteers, board members, donors and the general public in a professional manner.

Strategic thinker

Ability to see the “big picture” while integrating key operational and financial details.

Adaptability: ability to react with appropriate levels of urgency to situations and events that require quick response or turnaround with technical proficiency and problem-solving skills.

Detail-minded 

Specific ability to analyze and interpret contract documents and prepare requests for proposals, agreements, and contracts. 

Legal lens

Maintains priority of legal requirements.

Knowledge of wage and hour laws and regulations for payroll administration.

Maintains highest levels of confidentiality, credibility, discretion and judgment when dealing with employee information and sensitive situations

Physical Requirements

Able to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative requirements.

Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with legal requirements.

Must be able to talk, listen and speak clearly on the telephone.

Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.

Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts is fundamentally committed to the principles of diversity, equal access, and inclusion in all aspects of its operations.  This includes creating  a welcoming accessible environment that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and where our staff, volunteers, guests and communities feel respected, welcomed, and valued.  

Our goal is to empower our guests to improve our world through science, technology, and the arts.  We believe every person deserves access to learning and exploring their creativity regardless of background.

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