Chief Financial Officer

• Oversee long-term budgetary planning and cost management in alignment with the Foundation’s strategic plan. 

• Partner with the CEO on strategic issues as they arise; provide strategic recommendations based on financial analysis and projections. 

• Participate in the ongoing process of strategic review and planning. 

• Serve as a strategic thought partner to the CEOs cabinet, collaborating to create the business case or business plans for new initiatives.  

• Engage the board audit committee around issues, trends, and changes in operations. 

Financial & Accounting 

• Provide strategic financial leadership for the Foundation’s operations, ensuring stewardship and protection of the annual operating budget. This includes overall accountability for custodial relationships, enterprise risk management, financial systems, and a robust framework of internal controls. 

• Oversee and continuously improve financial systems and processes, reviewing all formal finance-related procedures and recommending enhancements to ensure operational efficiency and integrity. 

• Collaborate with the Cabinet level leaders to guide budgeting and long-term financial planning; track progress and commitments, and regularly report updates to executive leadership and the board. 

• Ensure the finance team upholds the integrity of financial reporting systems in compliance with the Foundation’s policies, and provide oversight of the use and monitoring of all funds. 

• Supervise all finance-related activities, including preparation of financial reports, cash flow management, forecasting, audits, tax filings, payroll, and custodial functions. 

• Lead the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) process, partnering with the CEO’s Cabinet and reporting progress and risk mitigation efforts to executive leadership and the board’s audit committee. 

• Serve on the Foundation’s Retirement Plan Committee, contributing to fiduciary oversight and strategic planning. 

• Provide relevant financial insights and reporting to the CEO, the CEO’s Cabinet, and the Board of Directors, supporting informed decision-making across the organization. 

• Review and approve all financial and regulatory filings, including the Foundation’s annual tax return and reports to external authorities. 

• Serve as Treasurer of the Foundation, acting as the management liaison to the Audit Committee and, when appropriate, to the Board Investment Committee. 

• Monitor Foundation expenditures to ensure full compliance with applicable tax laws and IRS requirements. 

• Oversee financial reporting and policy implementation for all Foundation affiliates, including Real World Learning Initiatives and Kauffman FastTrac; serve as Treasurer for these affiliated entities. 

Grants Administration 

• Provides oversight of the Foundation’s grant management processes, procedures, documentation, and compliance to ensure the effective, efficient, and timely distribution of grants in alignment with the Foundation’s strategic vision and mission. 

• Collaborates with Cabinet-level leaders to align the grants management strategy with evolving grantee and Foundation needs, fostering continuous improvement and mutual accountability. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE  

Education: Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business or other relevant areas of focus and CPA required.   

Work Experience: 15+ years of progressive experience in finance and accounting roles. At least 5 years in a senior leadership role (CFO or VP of Finance, accounting or treasury) leading financial operations in complex organizations. Demonstrated strategic leadership and influence in dynamic environments preferred. Experience in nonprofit, philanthropic, or foundation settings is highly valued. Familiarity with grantmaking and IRS regulations for 501(c)(3) organizations of interest is preferred. 

Travel: This position requires some business travel. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

Incumbents for this position must be highly motivated, capable of self-directed work, detail-oriented, and able to work collaboratively across teams and departments. Incumbents must exhibit a keen sense of responsibility and enjoy working with multiple demands, shifting priorities, and constant change.  

• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage finance teams of 15+ staff, including accountants, financial analysts, grants administrators, payroll and tax professionals, etc., with a focus on performance oversight, professional development, and cross-functional collaboration. 

• Strong knowledge of GAAP, FASB regulations, and nonprofit accounting standards. 

• Must be able to collect data, analyze, and present analyses to support financial recommendations and operations. 

• Can change focus and shift priorities with short notice while maintaining accuracy and productivity. 

• Exhibits a keen sense of responsibility, ability to think independently, and an ability to maintain confidentiality. 

• Has a passion for advancing equitable and transformative solutions for communities served by the Foundation. 

• Has an excellent ability to get things done including the ability to persuade, encourage, motivate, and develop others. 

• Possesses excellent communication skills, including interpersonal, oral, written, and presentation.  

• Can synthesize information and distill complex ideas into clear, concise, and actionable forms (i.e. ability to translate complex financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders) 

• Has high emotional intelligence and the ability to meet people where they are.  

• Has the ability to maintain a calm and competent demeanor amid changing demands and priorities. 

• Possesses excellent judgment, flexibility, good humor, high energy level, modesty, and graciousness, and the ability to contribute at both strategic and tactical levels. 

• Possesses a passion for “doing what is right,” with unquestioned integrity, positive ethics, and values reflective of the Kauffman Foundation. 

• Has strong computer literacy skills, including word processing, spreadsheets, presentation and business applications.  

All of the above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.  This document describes the position currently available.  The organization reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time.