Chief Financial Officer

Position Title: Chief Financial Officer
Reports to: Executive Director
FLSA Status: Exempt
Last Updated: June 2024
Salary Range: $110,000-$125,000

WHO WE ARE

Adath Jeshurun Congregation was founded in Minneapolis in 1884 and is the oldest affiliate of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism west of Chicago. Our vibrant congregation consists of 1000+ households, with members ranging in age from 0 to 103, and opens many doors to Jewish life inside and outside of our building. Difference is a good thing. We believe that there are many doors to Jewish life, and it takes all of us to open them.

Adath Jeshurun, a member of the Conservative Movement, is a progressive, egalitarian, and sacred community dedicated to Torah (learning and tradition), Avodah (prayer and spirituality), and Gemilut Hasadim (acts of loving kindness).

Adath fully embraces Jewish life in America and the proliferation of Jewish literature, music, learning, social justice, and mindfulness practice. In the spirit of holding innovation as part of tradition, there are many doors of Jewish life that call us to action, especially on issues of racial justice and equity, awareness of people with disabilities, and our burial society to provide support to congregants in times of grief. Our action extends to Israel, as we are always finding new ways to affirm Adath’s historical support for the flourishing of Masorti/Conservative Judaism and religious pluralism.

JOB SUMMARY

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a senior leader responsible for effectively managing the strategic finance, accounting, information technology (IT), human resources, and risk management functions of a $5M organization with complex funding sources, a full-time staff of 30 and part-time staff of up to 100, an endowment of $10M, two cemetery properties, a 75,000-square foot building, and 52 acres of grounds.
The CFO will develop and ensure the execution of financial, human resources, and risk management strategies, programs, and initiatives that ensure the organization's financial health, stability, and future growth.

The CFO partners with colleagues, the Treasurer, and the Board of Trustees to oversee the congregation’s financial health and serves as a partner, resource, and consultant to staff members, clergy, lay leaders, the Adath Jeshurun Board of Trustees, and the Adath Foundation Board of Directors.
The CFO reports to the Executive Director, directly supervises the accounting staff, and manages the PEO and technology vendors. The position is full-time and salaried. Benefits include health care, a health savings account, life and disability insurance, PTO and holidays, and hybrid work options.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial and Administrative Leadership

• Plan and implement all the organization's financial activities, including long-range forecasting and multi-year planning.
• With the Board of Trustees and Executive Director, set financial goals for the Congregation and lead implementation to achieve those goals.
• Prepare an organization-wide annual budget with clergy, program managers, and the Board Finance Committee input and ensure its alignment with organizational goals;
• Work proactively with the Board, Treasurer, Board Finance Committee, and staff to develop a budgeting approach and philosophy. Support and build financial acumen within the staff and Board; meet regularly with budget managers to monitor performance against goals and budgets.
• Ensure sound financial and risk management practices are followed; assess and mitigate financial, legal, and organizational risks.
• Maintain and monitor financial policies and procedures, creating consistencies and efficiencies while implementing best practices.
• Contribute to and provide input into the strategic planning process, including scenario planning and long-range, multi-year forecasting.
• Support the implementation of effective capital planning and investments in the synagogue building, grounds, cemeteries, and equipment.
• Develop and ensure the effective implementation of effective, sustainable, and scalable financial, risk management, HR, and IT systems and processes to support congregational operations.
• Manage the organization’s PEO and ensure equitable HR practices that reflect the organization’s values and comply with applicable laws and guidelines.
• Establish and maintain constructive and effective relationships with external vendors and partners, including auditors, funders, bankers, investment advisors, attorneys, and other professional advisors.
• Lead and implement major organizational initiatives as directed by the Executive Director.

Accounting Management

• Coordinate and supervise the organization’s monthly and annual accounting, accounts receivable, and accounts payable functions.
  Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting consistent with generally accepted accounting practices (GAAP), nonprofit law, regulatory agencies, and organization policy. Prepare and present reports as needed.
  Maintain the general ledger, chart of accounts, and accounting software.
  Meet with budget managers monthly to report and monitor progress against budget.
  Analyze and recommend changes to programs and strategies based on financial conditions.
  Supervise organizational compliance for federal and state government and funders.
  Oversee and certify external audits, tax filings, or other required fiduciary reporting.

Staff Management

• Provide financial leadership to the accounting team and budget managers, including tactical planning and directing functional accounting and finance activities. Support the development of financial acumen across the organization.
  Lead, manage, and support finance and accounting staff and foster a healthy, inclusive, collaborative work culture that recognizes the skills and expertise of all.
  Support professional growth and development to retain a talented and high-performing team.

Board Relations

• Provide accurate and strategic financial information in a timely manner.
  Formulate recommendations for consideration by the Board, actively solicit Board input on key priority issues in a timely, effective manner, and engage the Board in strategic, fiduciary, and generative dialogue.
  Serve as a liaison and resource to the Board and lay leaders; serve as lead or consulting staff on the Board Finance, Investment, and Culture of Philanthropy—committees and other committees as assigned.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Actively support the principles of the Conservative Judaism Movement.
  Actively support the Congregation’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, access, racial justice and anti-racism. Conduct all activities with a high degree of cultural competency.
  Maintain effective, collaborative working relationships with colleagues, clergy, lay leaders, and community partners.
  When representing the Congregation to internal and external audiences, articulate Adath Jeshurun’s desired image and position.
  Contribute to building a cohesive, respectful, responsive, and productive staff environment that demonstrates the Congregation’s values and mission.
  Actively participate in all-staff meetings, trainings, and other meetings as requested.

Education and Experience - Required

• Five to seven years of financial leadership experience
  Demonstrated experience and success in strategic finance, accounting, reporting, analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and financial management policies and procedures.
  Proven ability to successfully supervise, manage, and develop an engaged and effective staff team, including leading change management

Education and Experience – Desired

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field
  Experience in nonprofit accounting, particularly faith-based organizations

Knowledge and Skills

• Expertise in GAAP, general ledger accounting, and financial statements
  Expertise in financial modeling, data analytics, and performance metrics
  Understanding of working capital, cash flow management, and cost reduction
  Strategic thinker and planner and an effective implementer
  Excellent analytical skills and the assertiveness to manage multiple priorities and achieve organizational objectives
  Detail-oriented and organized
  Demonstrated cultivation of a collaborative working environment
  Outstanding ability to communicate sensitively and diplomatically with all internal and external constituents
  Proficiency in Microsoft Office, QuickBooks, customer relationship management software, fundraising software, productivity tools; general technology skills
  Knowledge of Jewish traditions and customs and an eagerness to further develop your knowledge

In addition to job-specific knowledge and skills, all employees are expected to demonstrate Adath Jeshurun’s staff covenant values of:

• Jewish-driven ideals
  Communication that is direct, honest, kind, and reflects tzelem elohim, the Divine image in each of us; mutual respect
  Listening through relationships; hearing each other
  Serving our community and making connections
  Generosity and integrity
  Respectful disagreement
  Accountability: when we commit to something, we do it to the best of our ability
  Teamwork, adaptability, creativity, mindfulness, and openness
  Laughter with each other
  Shared understandings that make us stronger

To Apply
Please send cover letter, resume, and three professional references as one PDF document to post-66841c211fc8d483ae2785a5-1719938910@apply.jewishstaffing.com. The position will remain open until filled; submit materials by Friday, August 16th to be considered in the next round of screening. Questions about the search can be directed to Melissa Martinez-Sones at Mighty Consulting, post-66841c211fc8d483ae2785a5-1719938911@apply.jewishstaffing.com, or 651-808-3409.