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Chief Financial Officer

Employer
American Library Association
Location
Illinois, United States
Salary
Salary Commensurate with experience
Closing date
May 14, 2021

View more

Position Type
Executive
Fields
Other Fields
Employment Type
Full Time

The American Library Association (ALA) is the oldest and largest library association in the world.  Founded in 1876, our mission is to share our vision of the importance of libraries, literacy, and free access to information which now also encompasses equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) through the lens of social justice.  ALA is an inclusive, flexible, work environment that values diversity, teamwork, collaboration, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit.  

 

We are seeking a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to act as a strategic business partner to our ALA Executive Director, to create both short and long-term organizational growth, identify new opportunities and business initiatives, and guide ALA’s newly formed cross-functional teams to not only preserve the financial health of the association but transform it in terms of revenue streams that augment are current sources from publications, membership, and continuing education.

 

The CFO will serve as the financial leader and partner to the Executive Director, the Executive Board, and the organization, implementing the best practices of other associations to grow membership and maintain financial stability.  The ideal candidate will also serve as a financial advisor and thought partner to the Executive Director to stimulate creatively and provoke innovation at ALA.

 

Key Responsibilities:

 

  • Drive ALA’s financial planning and oversee financial operations to increase revenue levels.
  • Perform risk management by analyzing our liabilities and
  • Decide on investment strategies by considering cash and liquidity risks.
  • Control and evaluate ALA’s fundraising plans and capital structure.
  • Develop financial strategies to ensure cash flow is appropriate for our operations.
  • Supervise and manage finance team.
  • Develop and manage vendor relationships.
  • Study economic trends, to prepare reliable current and forecasting reports.
  • Evaluate and oversee ALA’s finance IT system.
  • Ensure compliance with the law and ALA policies.

 

Salary:  Negotiable based on relevant experience and current market. ALA has an excellent benefit package that includes medical and dental insurance, generous paid vacation, retirement annuity and a 35-hour workweek.

 

Closing Date:  Consideration of candidates will begin April 23, 2021 and continue until the position is filled. 

 

FOR CONSIDERATION:

 

Apply online, including resume and cover letter detailing your past accomplishments.

 

Or

Send resume and cover letter detailing your past accomplishments to:

Mary Pullen

ALA Sr Human Resources Manager

Email: mpullen@ala.org

 

The American Library Association is an equal opportunity employer.

Requirements:

 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance
  • CPA required. MBA strongly preferred.
  • Prior CFO or finance officer experience, in an association and/or volunteer organization – non-profit or for-profit environment.
  • Minimum of 10 years managing finance, accounting, budgeting, control, and reporting experience; six years minimum as a CFO with a budget more than at least $30 Million with multiple sources of revenue.
  • Reliability and significant experience working with external auditors, internal controls, and compliance related issues.
  • Wide range, In depth financial knowledge of investment, accounting, financial law and risk management practices.
  • Excellent knowledge of data analysis and forecasting methods. Comfort with unpredictability. 
  • Experienced in selecting and implementing new software and systems.
  • Demonstrated experience in innovation in accounting practices and modernization of standard practices.
  • Outstanding communication (in person and in writing) as well as presentation skills for any audience along with a customer service orientation.
  • Collaborative and transformational organizational leader and team leader for staff.
  • Excellent analytical, reasoning, time management and problem-solving skills.

 

Desired Qualifications:

 

  • Familiarity and understanding of resource accounting.
  • Experience managing and growing an endowment.
  • Facilities management
  • Experience/familiarity with Development.
  • Knowledge and passion for ALA’s mission

 

More about ALA

 

 

 

ALA offers professional services and publications to members and nonmembers, including online news stories from American Libraries and analysis of and advocacy on crucial issues from our office of Public Policy and Advocacy located in Washington, DC. Our main headquarters in Chicago is located on the Magnificent Mile, Michigan Ave, with other satellite offices in Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. 

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