Vice President of Finance and Administration, Charlotte Symphony Orchestra

Vice President of Finance and Administration

Charlotte Symphony Orchestra

ORGANIZATION:
One of the premier music organizations in the southeastern United States and the oldest continually operating symphony orchestra in the Carolinas, the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra (CSO) connects with more than 100,000 music lovers each year through its lively season of concerts, broadcasts, community events, and robust educational programs. The CSO has a demonstrated commitment to its mission of uplifting, entertaining, and educating the diverse communities of Charlotte-Mecklenburg and beyond through exceptional music experiences. The CSO’s vision is to reach out through the transformative power of live music to be a civic leader, reflecting and uniting its region.

The CSO employs a professional full-time orchestra of 65 musicians and four conductors, supports three youth orchestras, and offers an extensive array of educational and audience engagement programs. The CSO performs in a variety of venues in Charlotte-Mecklenburg and surrounding counties in the Charlotte region, principally at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center’s Belk Theater, the Levine Center for the Arts’ Knight Theater, and Symphony Park at SouthPark Mall. The CSO’s extensive community engagement activities bring music to a variety of churches, breweries, community centers, schools, and senior care centers. Now, with the introduction of its new mobile stage, CSO Roadshow, the Symphony is reaching new audiences across the region.

The 2024-2025 season features an exciting and eclectic range of concerts across the Classical, Pops, Movie, and Family series. Highlights include Kwamé Ryan’s inaugural concerts as Music Director; the return of two former Music Directors: Christopher Warren-Green and Christof Perick; performances of audience favorites like Debussy’s La Mer, Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2, and Brahms’s A German Requiem; and a diverse lineup of composers and guest artists — including works by Coleridge-Taylor, Anna Clyne, and Jennifer Higdon; and performances by Afro-Cuban band Mambo Kings, violinist Amaryn Olmeda, and clarinetist Anthony McGill.

For more information, please visit charlottesymphony.org.

REPORTS/RELATIONSHIPS:
The Vice President of Finance and Administration will report to the President and Chief Executive Officer and will be a member of the executive leadership team. This individual will manage the Accounting Associate, Office Manager, IT Consultant, Senior Accountant, and outsourced Controller.

BASIC FUNCTIONS:
The Vice President of Finance and Administration will provide oversight to the organization’s day-to-day accounting operations, office administration, treasury management, benefits administration, and strategic financial plan. The Vice President of Finance and Administration is a collaborative leader and subject matter expert, delivering strong analytical, problem-solving, collaboration, and risk management abilities.

Specific duties will include, but not necessarily be limited to:

Prepare and present financial information to the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Directors, and Finance Committee; provide advice regarding financial operations.
Develop and maintain a strong financial planning and forecasting process that aligns with the vision and strategies of the CSO 2025 Strategic Plan.
Ensure compliance with tax and regulatory reporting and filing requirements.
Oversee, direct, and organize the work of the accounting, administration, and IT staff.
Prepare and maintain the CSO budget in partnership with the leadership team.
Perform cash flow modeling and forecasting as well as monitor cash flow regularly; responsibilities include establishing customer invoicing and purchasing policies and maintaining schedules for payment of bills and financial obligations.
Serve as the primary liaison to the Finance and Audit Committees.
Manage/oversee monthly closing.
Provide analysis and reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and leadership team to support key financial targets.
Ensure accurate and timely financial statements and reports are prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Develop and implement a system of non-GAAP financial reports for management use that ensures accurate and timely forecasting and budgeting.
Oversee annual audit and 990 tax return in partnership with external accounting firm.
Manage banking, insurance carrier, and brokerage relationships.
Provide oversight of payroll process and retirement programs (403(b)) – including changes and compliance and health insurance – in partnership with the CSO’s broker(s).
Develop and maintain internal controls around accounting systems and procedures related to accounting and administrative functions.
Partner with HR to develop and implement competitive benefits and employee incentive programs.
Provide oversight and point of contact for business liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
Ensure the availability of adequate equipment and office systems; direct the implementation of new systems and major modifications of existing systems.
Direct implementation and upgrades of relevant IT systems to include hardware, software, and financial systems; build an efficient data strategy that maximizes capacity.
Serve as the primary contact for office lease, office equipment leases, and office-related vendors.
Lead cost management initiatives to drive efficiency and cost savings.
Promote a culture of trust, integrity, teamwork, and high performance with all colleagues.

REQUIREMENTS:

Five to seven years’ progressive experience in finance and/or accounting, with at least two years in a nonprofit organization.
People management experience: ability to lead, coach, manage, and motivate direct reports.
Ability to lead the team and handle complex, ambiguous issues.
Ability to set goals for the department and advance progress toward goals by motivating staff and persisting in the face of obstacles.
Willingness to collaborate with others, respecting and appreciating the perspectives and contributions of all.
Ability to assess the needs of the audience to interpret and articulate complex financial and operational data in understandable and meaningful ways.
Ability to lead, manage, and hold the team accountable, as well as the self-awareness to accept feedback for self-development and growth.
Forward thinking and organized; experience with handling multiple projects and prioritizing workflow; ability to meet deadlines.
Strong risk-management, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent executive-level verbal and written communication skills, interacting with people at all levels in both formal and informal settings.
Proficient with Microsoft Office and accounting-related software programs such as Paylocity, Bill.com, Intacct, Expensify, Martus, and banking portals.
An undergraduate degree in a related field within business, finance, or accounting; CPA certification strongly desired.

COMPENSATION:
Compensation will be commensurate with experience including a competitive base salary, bonus opportunity, and competitive benefits package.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Robin Bagby, Senior Associate
[email protected]
704.377.0362