Description
Chief Financial Officer
Connecticut Science Center
FLSA status: Exempt; full time (40 hours per week)
Leadership and reporting relationships: Works directly with the President & CEO on financial strategy and business performance; reports to the Vice President Administration.
Supervision: One employee and multiple vendor relationships
Annual salary range: $120,000-$140,000
Benefits: Health insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, Flexible spending account, Company provided life and short-term disability insurance, 401(k) matching, Paid parental leave, Employee assistance program, Paid time off, Bonus potential
Location: Hartford, Connecticut; on site
Position Summary
Serving more than 250,000 adults and children annually and operating with a $10 million annual budget, the Connecticut Science Center is a leading destination for informal science learning, a major visitor attraction, and a statewide resource for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and workforce development.
As a key member of the leadership team, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) works directly with the President & CEO on financial strategy, business planning, and organizational performance. The CFO leads financial planning and analysis, reporting, and accounting operations and reports to the Vice President Administration, who provides continuing financial oversight, institutional knowledge, and support for the finance function. The CFO translates financial and operating data into practical recommendations and creates and delivers clear, compelling presentations for executive leadership and the Board of Trustees. The position also oversees financial compliance, banking and investment relationships, and third-party information technology and telecommunications services.
This is a hands-on leadership opportunity for an accomplished, mission-oriented financial professional seeking to contribute to a prominent community institution. Nonprofit experience is strongly preferred; candidates from other sectors who bring strong business and accounting capabilities and a commitment to the Science Center's mission are encouraged to apply.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Strategy and Business Analysis
• Lead annual budgeting, ongoing forecasting, and short- and long-term financial planning in collaboration with department leaders, the Vice President Administration, and the President & CEO.
• Develop financial models, scenario analyses, and business plans that guide resource allocation, revenue growth, expense management, and investment decisions.
• Analyze the financial performance of programs, services, retail, and other business activities, including revenue and cost drivers, contribution margins, activity-based costs, and return on investment.
• Evaluate pricing, new initiatives, and operating alternatives; explain assumptions, financial risks, and tradeoffs, and recommend actions that support financial sustainability and mission outcomes.
• Develop near- and long-term capital plans, assess funding needs, and evaluate the financial implications of proposed projects.
Financial Reporting and Executive and Board Presentations
• Produce accurate, timely monthly financial statements and management reports covering the organization and its major programs and business activities.
• Explain results against budget, forecast, and prior year; identify trends, emerging risks, and opportunities, and recommend corrective action when needed.
• Create polished executive and board presentation materials, including PowerPoint decks, dashboards, charts, and concise written narratives that make complex financial information understandable and useful.
• Deliver clear, confident presentations to the management team and, as assigned, board committees and the full Board of Trustees. Explain findings and recommendations, respond effectively to questions, and tailor communications to audiences with varying financial expertise.
• Work with the President & CEO and Vice President Administration to support the board's Finance Committee with financial plans, projections, and analysis for oversight and decision-making.
Accounting and Financial Operations
• Oversee accounting, bookkeeping, accounts payable, reconciliations, and financial records; supervise one finance employee and independently produce or review financial work as needed.
• Maintain effective internal controls, appropriate separation of duties, and documented financial policies and procedures.
• Manage cash flow planning, liquidity, investments, and asset management to ensure funds are available for operating and capital needs.
• Coordinate the annual independent audit and preparation and filing of required tax returns; ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards and financial regulations.
• Partner with the Development Team and program leaders to prepare grant budgets, financial reports, and requests for funds; oversee compliance with funding restrictions, subcontractor agreements, and pass-through funding requirements, as applicable.
• Maintain current knowledge of nonprofit accounting, audit practices, and state and federal requirements relevant to the Science Center.
Leadership and Technology Oversight
• Serve as a collaborative financial advisor to leaders across the organization, strengthening financial understanding, accountability, and business performance.
• Manage relationships with banks, investment managers, auditors, and other financial service providers, and contribute to organizational policy development.
• Oversee third-party IT and telecommunications support to maintain reliable, efficient networks, connectivity, voice and data services, and equipment.
• Evaluate and guide the responsible use of AI and other technologies to improve financial analysis, reporting, and business processes while maintaining accuracy, confidentiality, and appropriate controls.
• Other duties as assigned.
Requirements
Education and Experience
• Bachelor's degree in accounting required; CPA and/or MBA a plus.
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in finance and accounting, including a senior financial management role and demonstrated success partnering with executive leaders on budgets, financial strategy, and business decisions.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial statements, internal controls, and audit processes, with the ability to oversee others' work and perform detailed financial work independently.
• Nonprofit financial management experience is strongly preferred but not required. Qualified candidates from other sectors must be willing and able to develop proficiency in the nonprofit accounting, grant administration, and reporting requirements relevant to the role.
Skills and Competencies
• Advanced business and financial analysis skills, including financial modeling, forecasting, scenario analysis, program and project economics, and ROI evaluation.
• Demonstrated ability to turn financial and operating data into clear insights, practical recommendations, and useful management reports.
• Proven ability to independently create effective executive and board presentation materials and deliver engaging, credible presentations on financial performance, strategy, and investment decisions.
• Expert Excel skills and strong PowerPoint proficiency, including the ability to build clear financial charts and visuals; proficiency with Microsoft Office and financial management systems.
• Effective collaboration, staff supervision, and vendor management skills, with the ability to work across disciplines and support leaders with differing financial backgrounds.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Integrity, discretion, and a strong commitment to the Science Center's mission and responsible stewardship of its resources.
• Ability to gain proficiency in the Science Center's systems, including Abila MIP, Tessitura, Clover, EZ Content Manager, and Adaptive Budgeting and Reporting. Experience managing IT and telecommunications vendors is desirable.
Work Environment and Physical Requirements
• This position works on site at the Connecticut Science Center in Hartford, Connecticut.
• Work involves extended computer use, typing and writing, periods of sitting and standing, and use of standard office equipment. Duties may include reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling or crouching, and lifting or moving materials weighing up to 10 pounds.
• Essential functions may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.
Selection Process
Qualified applicants will participate in an application and interview process. Employment is contingent on successful completion of background and credit checks, conducted in accordance with applicable law.
