TITLE: Chief Financial Officer

REPORTS TO: Chief Administrative Officer

FLSA STATUS: Exempt-Senior Management

POSITION SUMMARY

The 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