Vice President of Finance - San Francisco - SFJAZZ

Description

SFJAZZ is seeking a Vice President of Finance (VPF) who will serve as the organization's senior financial leader, responsible for overseeing all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, accounting, investments, risk management, and compliance. This is a highly strategic, hands‑on role that shapes SFJAZZ's long‑term financial strategy and supports the organization's mission and strategic objectives.

Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Executive Artistic Director, Board of Trustees, and Board committees, the VPF ensures fiscal responsibility, strengthens financial systems and controls, and helps diversify and grow revenue while optimizing resource allocation to support organizational sustainability and growth. The successful candidate will bring strong financial acumen, collaborative leadership skills, and a deep appreciation for the arts and mission‑driven work in the nonprofit sector.

Responsibilities

Financial Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and implement financial strategies, policies, and practices that ensure SFJAZZ's financial health, stability, and long‑term sustainability.
• Serve as a key strategic advisor to the CEO, Executive Artistic Director, and Board on financial planning, forecasting, and decision‑making.
• Align financial strategy with SFJAZZ's mission, strategic plan, and organizational goals.

Financial Operations & Oversight

• Oversee all financial activities, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, payroll, and cash flow management.
• Lead the development of the annual operating and capital budgets and secure approval from the Finance Committee and Board of Trustees.
• Manage cash flow and liquidity in accordance with Finance and Investment Committee policies.
• Ensure accurate, timely, and transparent financial reporting for internal and external stakeholders.

Accounting, Compliance & Controls

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, nonprofit accounting standards, and reporting requirements, including tax filings.
• Maintain appropriate internal controls in accordance with GAAP and GAAS to safeguard assets and ensure the integrity of financial information.
• Lead and manage the accounting team, overseeing accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger functions.
• Ensure the effectiveness and continuous improvement of SFJAZZ's accounting systems and financial processes.

Audit, Risk & Insurance

• Work closely with external auditors and the Audit Committee to manage annual audits and related compliance requirements.
• Identify, assess, and manage financial risks, including insurance coverage, investments, and other financial exposures.
• Ensure the organization maintains appropriate property, casualty, and other insurance coverage, including coverage types and limits.

Investments & Endowment

• Collaborate with the Finance and Investment Committees to establish, monitor, and ensure compliance with approved investment and endowment policies.
• Recommend and implement endowment spending policies and long‑term investment strategies aligned with organizational goals.

Board & Stakeholder Engagement

• Prepare and present financial statements, analyses, and reports for the Board of Trustees, Finance Committee, Investment Committee, and other stakeholders.
• Provide clear and accessible financial information to internal constituencies, including staff, musicians, and donors.

Cross‑Departmental Collaboration

• Partner with department leaders to support budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation, ensuring financial resources are used effectively and strategically.
• Foster a culture of financial transparency, accountability, and collaboration across the organization.

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned in support of SFJAZZ's mission and operations.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field required; MBA, CPA, or comparable advanced credential preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive financial leadership experience, including senior responsibility for financial strategy, accounting, budgeting, and reporting.
• Proven experience in nonprofit financial management; experience in arts or cultural organizations strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success partnering with Boards of Trustees and Finance, Audit, and Investment Committees.
• Deep knowledge of nonprofit accounting, GAAP, GAAS, internal controls, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience leading annual audits and managing relationships with external auditors.
• Expertise in cash flow management, financial systems, and day‑to‑day accounting operations.
• Experience overseeing investments and endowments, including spending policies and long‑term financial planning.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Collaborative, people‑centered leader with experience building and managing effective finance teams.
• High integrity, sound judgment, and a strong commitment to transparency and accountability.
• Demonstrated alignment with SFJAZZ's mission and a genuine passion for the arts.

SFJAZZ has a hybrid work policy. This position is required to be on‑site at least 3 days/week. SFJAZZ produces events and performances at all times of the day/week. Evenings/weekends may be required.