TITLE: Chief Financial Officer
REPORTS TO: Chief Administrative Officer
FLSA STATUS: Exempt-Senior Management
POSITION SUMMARYThe Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Rancho Santa Fe Association maintains overall responsibility for the fiscal integrity of the Association and its divisions, including accounting, finance/treasury, risk management and technology. This position requires the ability to develop, implement, and manage complex financial and business systems in an environment similar to a municipality while operating within a highly visible nonprofit 501(c)(4) organization.
The CFO provides strategic financial leadership and oversight, ensuring sound financial management, operational efficiency, and long-term financial sustainability. This position is responsible for building and leading a high-performing finance and accounting team, establishing clear expectations and accountability, and fostering a culture of accuracy, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
The CFO serves as a strategic business partner to Association leadership, the Board of Directors, and department heads, including Golf and Tennis, providing meaningful financial analysis, insight, and recommendations to support operational and organizational decision-making. The position requires a forward-thinking leader with strong financial acumen, the ability to anticipate financial challenges and opportunities, and a demonstrated commitment to strengthening financial systems, processes, and organizational performance.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Financial Management- Defines and implements financial strategies, policies, and tactical recommendations that support the Association's short- and long-term objectives.
- Closely monitors the financial health and performance of the Association and its divisions, identifying trends, potential risks, and opportunities for improvement.
- Oversees the preparation, maintenance, and analysis of accurate and timely financial statements, management reports, and financial planning documents.
- Leads the development of annual budgets, long-term financial forecasts, capital plans, reserve management strategies, and financial models to support the Association's long-term financial stability.
- Presents financial reports, analysis, and recommendations to the Audit/Finance Committee, Board of Directors, and Golf and Tennis Finance Committees.
- Oversees financial transactions and ensures that effective internal controls, accounting policies, and procedures are established, maintained, and consistently followed.
- Oversees long-term budgetary planning, cost management, and resource allocation to ensure financial objectives are achieved.
- Evaluates financial performance against budgets, forecasts, and strategic objectives, providing recommendations and corrective actions as appropriate.
Treasury Duties- Assesses organizational and departmental performance against annual budgets, financial forecasts, and the Association's long-term financial strategies.
- Evaluates the operational and financial impact of new and ongoing programs, projects, and initiatives.
- Oversees cash, investment, and asset management, including cash flow forecasting and liquidity planning to ensure the availability of funds.
- Oversees financing strategies and activities, banking relationships, and investment policies.
- Provides financial oversight and recommendations regarding the Association's reserves, liquidity, and capital funding requirements.
Accounting Operations and Operational Excellence- Provides leadership and oversight of the Association's accounting and financial operations, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, accountability, and compliance with established policies and procedures.
- Ensures the timely completion of month-end and year-end financial reporting, reconciliations, and financial close processes.
- Establishes and maintains effective accounting practices, internal controls, and financial procedures to safeguard organizational assets and ensure the integrity of financial information.
- Identifies opportunities to improve accounting operations, streamline workflows, strengthen financial processes, and increase departmental efficiency.
- Ensures financial systems and reporting processes provide reliable, meaningful, and actionable information to support management and organizational decision-making.
Operations and Strategic Partnership- Manages vendor relationships and maintains appropriate oversight and controls of contracts and leases.
- Develops strong partnerships with Association leadership and department heads to maximize organizational performance, identify financial opportunities, and proactively address operational challenges.
- Serves as a strategic financial partner to department leaders, including Golf and Tennis, providing financial analysis, performance reporting, budget guidance, and recommendations to support sound business decisions.
- Works collaboratively with department heads to evaluate operating results, identify financial trends, manage expenses, and improve departmental performance.
- Collaborates with and provides financial and operational support to the Human Resources department.
- Evaluates the financial implications of operational initiatives and capital investments, ensuring alignment with the Association's financial objectives.
Leadership and Departmental Accountability- Builds, leads, and develops a high-performing finance and accounting team, establishing clear expectations, performance standards, and individual and departmental accountability.
- Provides direction, coaching, and professional development opportunities to strengthen employee capabilities and overall departmental effectiveness.
- Takes ownership of departmental performance, ensuring responsibilities are clearly defined, priorities are established, and objectives are consistently achieved.
- Fosters a culture of collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement, and customer service.
- Works effectively with senior leadership and other departments to promote organizational alignment and achieve shared objectives.
Technology and Process Improvement- Directs information technology strategies and functions, including network infrastructure, hardware, software, databases, and related systems.
- Evaluates and leads the implementation and modernization of financial systems and technology to improve reporting capabilities, streamline workflows, and increase operational efficiency.
- Identifies opportunities to automate processes, improve system integration, and enhance the accuracy, accessibility, and usefulness of financial information.
- Manages security and data-related risks, establishes technology policies, and oversees appropriate security systems and safeguards.
- Manages the technology and financial aspects of the future fiber-optic network.
- Evaluates emerging technologies and recommends solutions that support the Association's operational needs and long-term objectives.
Risk Management- Develops and maintains processes and disciplines to identify, monitor, assess, and mitigate organizational and financial risks.
- Maintains appropriate insurance coverage and oversees the Association's risk management programs.
- Coordinates financial audits and ensures the timely and accurate filing of tax returns and required financial reports.
- Ensures legal, regulatory, and financial compliance across all areas of responsibility.
- Establishes and monitors internal controls and procedures designed to minimize financial, operational, and organizational exposure.
MINIMUM DESIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:- Bachelor's and/or Master's Degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
- 10+ years of progressive financial management experience, including significant experience in senior-level leadership.
- Demonstrated experience leading and developing finance and accounting teams.
- CPA license, active or inactive, with audit experience preferred.
- Experience in nonprofit accounting and financial management preferred.
- Experience overseeing complex financial operations, budgeting, forecasting, and capital planning.
- Experience with financial systems implementation, technology modernization, and process improvement preferred.
DESIRED JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:- Proven leadership ability, including the ability to build, develop, and lead a high-performing team while establishing clear expectations and accountability.
- Strong background in financial management, accounting principles, internal controls, and financial reporting.
- Experience in nonprofit accounting and financial management.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement financial strategies, long-term forecasts, capital plans, and reserve management programs.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate financial information into meaningful business insights and recommendations.
- Demonstrated ability to serve as a strategic business partner to department heads and senior leadership.
- Experience in financial systems, information technology, and process improvement initiatives.
- Strong background in, and/or experience supervising, information technology functions.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to balance long-term organizational objectives with day-to-day operational needs.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, including the ability to explain complex financial information to the Board of Directors, committees, management, and other constituents.
- Excellent business judgment, financial acumen, and problem-solving abilities.
- Skilled in managing multiple priorities, meeting deadlines, and allocating resources effectively.
- Exercises initiative, sound judgment, and independent decision-making.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with others toward shared organizational goals.
- Positive, solutions-oriented approach with a commitment to professionalism, integrity, and continuous improvement
