The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is responsible for managing the financial operations of Portland Japanese Garden (PJG), and three related entities, ensuring the organization’s financial health and sustainability. This role will oversee all financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis, meeting compliance requirements, and best-practice standards. The CFO will work closely with the Executive Director, the Board of Trustees of PJG, and the Board of Directors of the Japanese Garden Foundation of Oregon (JGF) to develop and implement financial strategies that support the organization’s mission and goals. The CFO is a member of Senior Staff and the Executive Team. They report to the Executive Director and have one direct report. This position currently works from our Sylvan campus, located just off Hwy 26.
Financial Management
- Develop and implement financial strategies that support the PJG’s mission and goals.
- Manage and oversee all financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, cash management, debt compliance, and financial analysis. Ensure best practices.
- Ensure the accuracy and completeness of financial records, including the general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, depreciation, and other financial systems.
- Oversee detailed monthly reconciliations of all balance sheet accounts, and related review of all revenue and expense accounts.
- Prepare and present financial information to the Executive Director, Budget and Finance Committee, and Boards of PJG and JGF, including interim consolidated and stand-alone financial statements, draft budgets, financial trends, and other financial analysis. Provide recommendations as needed.
- Advise the Executive Director and Budget & Finance Committee on investment policy and ensure adherence to those policies.
- Oversee the annual audit by outside CPA firm and ensure compliance with all financial reporting and regulatory requirements, including tax filings and other reporting requirements.
- Create, update and implement all internal controls, and oversee compliance organization-wide to ensure proper financial oversight and to safeguard the financial assets of the organization.
- Review all significant charitable contributions and grants for compliance with intent and mission
- Manage, mentor, and support a staff of three, comprised of the Director of Finance, Assistant Director of Finance, and Cash Receipts Specialist.
- Works closely with Grants Administrator to ensure accurate booking and tracking of all restricted and conditional contributions.
- Serves as “Independent Reviewer” of all Federal grants.
- Manage relationships with external partners, including banks, auditors, and other financial service providers.
Budgeting and Forecasting
- Develop and oversee the annual budgeting process, working closely with the Executive Team, Senior Staff, and program managers to develop realistic budgets which achieve the targeted surplus determined each year.
- In coordination with the Executive Director, develop and oversee the organization’s staffing budget. Collaborate with HR and Senior Staff on resource allocation and strategic workforce planning.
- Monitor actual performance against budget and provide regular updates and analysis to the Executive Director and Board of PJG and JGF.
- Develop and maintain financial forecasting models that support long-term financial planning and decision-making.
- Work with IT Manager and finance staff to continuously improve budgeting program.
Strategic Planning and Leadership
- In conjunction with the PJG Board Treasurer, lead the Budget & Finance Committee, collaborating with other committee members to provide strategic financial guidance and support to the organization including analytics, predictive modeling, and financial planning.
- Provide strategic financial input and leadership on decision making issues affecting the organization, e.g. employee benefits, improvements & acquisitions, significant project undertakings, etc.
- Act as a resource for budgeting kaizen (continual improvement) through education of department directors on financial issues impacting department budgets.
- Provide leadership and mentorship to the finance team, fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and professional development.
- Work closely with the Executive Director and senior leaders to develop and implement strategic plans and goals that support the organization’s mission and vision.
Misc.
- Develop effective analytics via business intelligence (BI) and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve or enhance business efficiencies and operational outcomes.
- Enhance and/or develop, implement and enforce processes & systems that will improve the overall operation and effectiveness of the organization.
- Work closely with HR Department on payroll-related issues.
- Develop and oversee the organization’s staffing budget. Collaborate with HR and Senior Staff on resource allocation and strategic workforce planning.
- Develop strong working relationships with the governing Boards.
- Lead annual insurance renewal, working with department managers to gather all necessary information to ensure proper coverage and effective risk-management. Present renewal summary and recommendations to the Budget and Finance Committee, comparing to prior year.
- Ensure all financial, compliance and financial-related regulatory filings are accurately prepared and submitted within required deadlines.
- Various “housekeeping” duties such as ensuring signature cards and operating/lease agreements are up to date.
Other Responsibilities
- Familiarize oneself with the organization and the Employee Handbook.
- Get to know fellow staff members, developing trust, establishing credibility, encouraging teamwork, and creating an atmosphere of open, honest, two-way communication.
- Serve as a role model for Garden volunteers, providing support and encouragement to volunteers in their roles across the Garden.
- Maintain a high level of professionalism in manner and appearance.
- Adhere to Garden Dress Code (business casual).
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the position, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for this role.
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; MBA or CPA strongly preferred
- At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in financial management or auditing, with at least 5 years in a nonprofit organization
- Understanding of and competence in applying generally accepted accounting principles, state and federal operating rules and procedures including, but not limited to, Federal Uniform Guidance (CFR 200), Oregon Administrative Rules, and Oregon Revised Statutes.
- Ethical conduct
- Proven track record of successful financial management, including experience developing and implementing financial strategies, managing budgets, and overseeing financial reporting and compliance
- Strong complex project management and time management skills
- Strong leadership, management, and collaboration skills, with experience building and leading high-performing teams
- Excellent analytical, organizational, critical thinking, and decision-making skills
- Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to communicate financial information to non-financial stakeholders in a clear, concise, and accessible manner. Actively listen and respond to feedback and diverse perspectives
- Ability to work cross-departmentally, with respect for different and varied opinions, and a sense of humor to manage those
- Passion for the mission and work of PJG
Special Requirements
- Must be able to remain in a stationary position and/or move about the Garden for several hours
- Must be able to climb flight of stairs to 2nd floor office
- Must be able to lift 25 lbs. on occasion
- Must have reliable transportation to commute between campuses (eligible for mileage reimbursement), and a valid driver’s license and clean DMV record
- Wage: $150,000 – $175,000/year, depending on experience
- This is a full-time, salaried-exempt position approximately 40-45 hours per week. Shifts are typically Monday-Friday, with the possibility to work from home up to one day per week.
- Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance (premium 100% covered for employees), with partial deductible reimbursement
- 401k plan (after 6 months, with 4% employer match after 1 year)
- Flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses
- Free access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Paid time off
- Vacation: 4 weeks per calendar year (with increases per policy)
- Wellness: 10 days per calendar year
- Holidays: 10 holidays per calendar year
To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, and three work-related references through our online Career Center (LINK PROVIDED BELOW). Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please no phone calls or hand delivered applications. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
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