The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a strategic, forward-thinking leader with significant experience to lead the financial and operational functions of Chicago Shakespeare Theater. They are responsible for the oversight and coordination of administrative and financial functions including finance, accounting, budget planning, information technology, facilities, operations, and guest services. The CFO will be involved in strategic planning and long-range financial forecasting aligned with the strategic direction of the theater. The CFO is a proactive, data informed leader who contributes to big picture strategy while ensuring excellence in execution as they lead and manage the theater’s finances, ensuring financial health, and the operations of the theater facility. This person will be capable of navigating ambiguity, balancing risk, and helping to shape organizational priorities during a period of continued growth and opportunity. The successful candidate will have a commitment to mission-driven work, paired with the ability to develop and sustain a sound financial model.
The CFO also plays a key role in managing relationships with external stakeholders, particularly banks, insurance brokers, investment manager and auditors. The CFO reports to the Executive Director and is a member of the senior management team. They will staff and act as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors' Finance and Audit Committees, working closely with the committees to ensure their fiduciary responsibility and strengthen CST’s financial position. The CFO will have direct supervision responsibility for a Controller, Operations Director, and Technology Manager and lead a team of 12 full-time staff and many part-time staff. They will have indirect management responsibility for finance, facilities, information technology, custodial, and guest services teams.
They will continually evaluate best industry practices in comparison to internal systems. This person will be capable of navigating ambiguity, balancing risk, and helping to shape organizational priorities while sustaining a sound financial model.
Chicago Shakespeare Theater is deeply committed to creating and sustaining an organizational culture that values promoting a safe, supportive, inclusive and collaborative work environment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be requested to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
Financial Management
- Develop and implement financial strategies that support the organization’s mission and goals
- Manage and oversee all financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, and financial analysis
- Ensure the accuracy and completeness of financial records, including the general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, and other financial systems
- Prepare and present financial reports to the Executive Director and Board of Directors in a timely manner, providing analysis and recommendations as needed
- Ensure compliance with all financial reporting and regulatory requirements, including tax filings, audits, and other reporting requirements
- With the Controller, regularly assess the overall financial functions, ensuring that the accounting, bookkeeping, audit, budgeting, general ledger, bank reconciliations and taxes are organized and accurate
- Lead the preparation of all financial reports, including income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, and capital spending plans in accordance with financial standards
- Overall financial management responsibility including the review and approval of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting materials and metrics for executive and program leadership and board of directors.
- Regularly review existing policies and recommend new policies or revisions to ensure compliance.
- Manage relationships with external partners, including banks, auditors, investment manager, and other financial service providers
Budgeting and Forecasting
- Working with the Executive Director, develop and oversee the annual budgeting process, working closely with senior management and other stakeholders to develop realistic and achievable budgets
- Develop and support operating budget presentation to Board of Directors
- Monitor actual performance against budget and provide regular updates and analysis to the Executive Director and Board of Directors
- Develop and maintain financial forecasting models that support long-term financial planning and decision-making
Strategic Planning and Leadership
- Work closely with the Executive Director and senior leaders to develop and implement strategic plans and goals that support the organization’s mission and vision. Provide data, analysis, situational scenarios and structure to the discussions.
- Provide leadership and mentorship to the finance, operations, IT, and guest services team, fostering a culture of transparency, data informed decision making, continuous improvement and professional development
- Represent the organization at internal and external events and meetings, providing financial guidance and support as needed
Board Relations and Reporting
- Report on the financial performance of the organization to the Finance and Audit Board committees, including regular updates on budget performance, forecasts, and financial risks and opportunities
- Collaborate with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to develop and implement financial policies and procedures that align with the organization’s values and strategic goals
- Staff and support the Finance and Audit Committees, collaborating with the Treasurer and other committee members to provide strategic financial guidance and support to the organization
Tax Filing and Compliance
- Oversee all tax filings and compliance requirements, ensuring that the organization is in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations
- Manage relationships with external auditors, banks, and other financial service providers to ensure compliance with all reporting and regulatory requirements
Facilities Operations
- Provide oversight and supervision of the operations, capital needs, and maintenance of the theater buildings. Oversee the development of a plan with the Director of Operations to maintain the physical structure as well as the equipment, furniture, etc. contained within the building.
- Manage the theater’s real estate affairs consisting of leases with Navy Pier and warehouse.
- Ensure that the income potential of the physical assets is maximized.
Administration
- Direct the Information Technology (IT),, Payroll, and Legal functions;
- Manage the organization’s insurance program and broker relationship;
- Ensure internal controls, compliance, risk management, and reporting accuracy across the organization.
- Serve as a partner to the Executive Director on the organization's administrative and operational processes, with a goal of continuously developing and improving systems.
- Evaluate and improve Chicago Shakespeare’s information technology infrastructure, implementing new technologies to support key capabilities as required for future growth, and to support and drive key human resource initiatives.
- Through support of the Operations Director and Front of House Manager, ensure CST delivers the highest caliber of guest services that create a welcoming, best in class experience for audiences.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES
- Models CST’s core values of service, ingenuity, and collaboration as well as its customer service ethos.
- Champions the organization’s commitment to a respectful, inclusive, and equitable workplace.
- Serve as a member of senior staff and participate in all activities required of this group.
