Job Description

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION Our client is a renowned contemporary art museum located in downtown Los Angeles, dedicated to making contemporary art accessible to the widest possible audience. Since opening in 2015, the institution has welcomed nearly 900,000 visitors annually and is home to one of the world’s leading collections of postwar and contemporary art. The museum offers free general admission, an active program of exhibitions and live events, and serves as the headquarters for an international art lending foundation. A major expansion is planned ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics, significantly increasing public access and institutional reach.

ABOUT THE POSITION
The museum is seeking a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead all financial functions and serve as a strategic partner to the Founding Director and COO, and Board of Directors during a transformative phase of growth and expansion. This includes overseeing the financial dimensions of a major capital project and planning for long-term endowment growth.

The CFO will report to the Founding Director and COO, and will be responsible for finance, accounting, treasury, tax, compliance, bond reporting, and risk management. This is a mission-driven leadership opportunity for an experienced financial executive with deep nonprofit expertise and a passion for cultural institutions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Lead institutional financial strategy, including multi-year forecasting, scenario planning, and budget development.
• Advise executive leadership on capital allocation and financial decision-making aligned with strategic goals.
• Partner with senior leadership and the Board to develop long-term financial and capital planning.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the Finance and Audit Committees, providing insights to support institutional growth.
• Oversee financial compliance related to debt obligations, including tax-exempt bonds.

Finance & Accounting Oversight

• Direct all accounting operations, including GAAP-compliant reporting, budgeting, and audits.
• Ensure transparent, timely reporting of financial performance to executive leadership and the Board.
• Strengthen financial controls, procedures, and risk mitigation frameworks.
• Lead audit preparation and manage regulatory and tax filings.

Organizational Management

• Lead and develop a high-performing finance team.
• Ensure compliance with financial and tax regulations for nonprofit and foundation operations.
• Collaborate cross-functionally on major initiatives, capital projects, grants, and earned revenue strategies.
• Act as the primary liaison to the Board’s Finance and Audit Committees.

Technology & Efficiency

• Leverage financial technologies (e.g., Sage Intacct, dashboards) to improve visibility and efficiency.
• Create and implement a financial technology roadmap that supports scalability and operational insight.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive financial experience, including 5+ years in a senior leadership or CFO role.
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field; MBA, CPA, or similar credential strongly preferred.
• Experience in a cultural center, university or non-profit a must
• Deep expertise in nonprofit financial management, including fund and project accounting.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, investment reporting, audits, and tax compliance.
• Experience managing endowments, capital projects, and debt instruments such as municipal bonds.
• Excellent communication and Board presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a finance function in a mission-driven, growth-oriented environment.
• Collaborative leadership style with a track record of cross-functional influence.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the workplace.
• High integrity and ethical standards.

COMPENSATION

Salary up to $250,000

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