Chief Financial Officer of the Museum of the American Revolution – Museum Studies

Job Title: Chief Financial Officer

Job Status: Full-time

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Salary: $150,000

Description

Overview:

The Museum of the American Revolution is located in Philadelphia’s Old City district, home to iconic historic sites and museums including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the National Constitution Center and Independence National Historical Park. The Museum opened to the public on April 19, 2017, and has welcomed more than one million visitors onsite since then, in addition to millions more through its robust online offerings.

The Museum’s annual operating budget is approximately $13 million with a staff of approximately 115 full and part-time employees. The institution’s endowment is currently valued at approximately $75 million, with substantial growth anticipated in the coming year. The Board of Directors currently comprises 25 members and is chaired by Morris W. Offit.

With the approaching 250^th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026 and the Museum’s 10^th Anniversary in 2027, the Museum is seeking a seasoned, strategic, hands-on, and entrepreneurial Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) to lead the Museum’s financial operations as we seek to expand our national reach and impact. This is an excellent opportunity to join and help to shape the future of one of the nation’s newest and most dynamic cultural organizations.

Essential Function:

The Chief Financial Officer is a key member of the leadership team, reporting to and acting as a strategic partner to the CEO in conceptualizing and analyzing problems and solutions in a proactive, constructive, creative manner to advance the Museum’s strategic goals and objectives as we work together to build a thriving, sustainable, long-term outlook for the Museum of the American Revolution. The CFO works closely with and serves as staff liaison to the Finance, Investment, and Audit Committees of the Board of Directors.

The CFO will direct and be responsible for the organization’s accounting functions (including general ledger, accounts receivable, payroll, grants administration, and oversight of accounts payable), maintenance of financial records, and the preparation, promotion, and interpretation of financial reports for management and external groups. They will also set policy and provide financial direction ensuring financial compliance, sustainability, and oversight. The CFO will direct and be responsible for maintaining internal controls, budgets and forecasting, financial reporting, cash management, and budgetary controls. They will also oversee the Museum’s contracts, legal, and insurance matters. They will supervise relevant finance staff (currently 4 positions).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategy, Vision, and Leadership:

Support the Museum’s mission, vision, and values by exhibiting the following behaviors: excellence and competence, collaboration, innovation, respect for individuals, commitment to our community, and accountability and ownership.
Collaborate with President & CEO to develop and implement institutional strategies and manage oversight of performance across museum departments.
Develop the institution’s short- and long-term strategies on financial performance.
Monitor the institution’s endowment and investment portfolio and act as direct liaison with Investment Advisors as directed by the Finance and Investment committees.
Apply best practices to the institution’s financial and investment management processes and procedures.
Develop and implement a sustainable financial model to help the institution operate prudently and identify/measure key performance metrics for revenue and expenses.
Work as staff liaison with the Finance, Investment and Audit Committees. Provide committee reports, and other information as requested.
Lead the annual budgeting, investment, and financial planning process; administer and review all financial plans and compare to actual results with a view to identify, explain, and correct variances as appropriate.
Oversee investment manager compliance with the Board approved Investment Policy Statement (“IPS”) and recommend and implement modifications to the IPS as needed.
Provide and interpret financial information and reports necessary to the Board of Directors and relevant Board Committees, the CEO, and other department directors.
Clearly communicate financial and operating information; monitor progress and changes to keep the leadership team abreast of the Museum’s financial status.
Develop, implement, and continuously review systems, policies, and procedures that safeguard and protect the Museum’s property, records, financial assets, historical and intangible assets.
Examine, evaluate, recommend, and implement improvements to administrative and financial internal control systems and procedures.

Team Development/Leadership:

Oversee, direct, and organize the work of the Finance Department, developing short- and long-range Finance Department goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures.
Oversee internal controls, insurance administration, and risk management.
Identify and mitigate institutional risk by maintaining adequate insurance coverage and administering contractual relationships.

Oversee departmental preparation of audit work papers, statements, and reports for the independent auditors. Serve as the primary contact during the annual and interim audits of financial reports.
Ensure proper recording of new purchases, disposals, and depreciation.
Prepare and maintain compliance with all required tax and regulatory filings including without limitation federal and state tax returns, sales and use tax returns, city and state registrations, grant applications, and financial reports.
Work with the Advancement team to create annual and long-term fundraising goals that support the operating and program expenditure budgets.
Work with Marketing and Guest Services to ensure accuracy of attendance and ticketing reports, the accurate recording and reconciliation of all Daily Sales and that ticket types are set to ensure the ability to track, analyze and record revenue. Participate in the analysis of attendance and related earned revenue trends for Museum forecasting and long-range projections.
Supervise maintenance of all donor financial records.

Work to strengthen inter-departmental communications to help achieve the Museum’s long-term strategic plans.
Monitor, approve, and maintain all contractual agreements involving the Museum.
Represent the Museum at functions as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance and/or a degree with equivalent experience.
CPA Certification or MBA preferred.
Minimum 15 years in senior level administration and/or financial management required, preferably in the not-for-profit industry or public accounting.
Significant supervisory experience in a non-profit environment and an ability to work with direct reports and other department leadership to establish financial goals for each year, coach, evaluate, and guide professional development.
Demonstrated strategic thinking abilities and proven experience as a strategic partner.
Demonstrated ability to form, lead and develop high-performing teams, preferably working within dynamic cultural organizations.
Strong knowledge of US GAAP, internal controls, and financial reporting required.
Experience working with external investment consultants and advisors.
Superior analytical and project management skills; ability to manage multiple priorities efficiently and effectively, with strong follow-through.
Ability to build and maintain effective positive working relationships with other executives, the Board of Directors, donors, vendors, and visitors.

The Museum values a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you are excited about a this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all of the qualifications, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this position or other opportunities. Please send a cover letter including resume and three professional references to employment@amrevmuseum.org.