The Company
The Greater Houston Partnership brings together business and civic-minded leaders to advance our region’s growth and tackle its greatest challenges. As the Houston Chamber of Commerce and economic development organization, we serve hundreds of member companies and institutions across the 12-county Houston region. With a legacy stretching back to 1840 and a formal merger in 1989, the Partnership continues to be the go-to place for collaborative, strategic action on issues that matter to Houston.
The Partnership promotes Houston’s growth by attracting global companies and supporting local expansions. Our economic development team offers site selection assistance, market intelligence, incentive navigation, and connections to key stakeholders. We cover 12 counties and work closely with regional allies to tell Houston’s story to the world.
The Partnership is the business voice for the Houston region, advocating for policies that strengthen our economy. Through collaborative efforts with elected officials and community partners, we address regional challenges in education, infrastructure, workforce, energy, and more.
As the Houston Chamber of Commerce, the Partnership represents over 900 member companies from across industries and sectors. We provide services to connect, learn, and lead through world-class events, data-driven insights, and programs designed to grow careers and companies alike.
Summary of the Position
The Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer (SVP & CFO) is responsible for management of all finance and accounting activities for GHP and its affiliates and is a member of the senior management team. The SVP and CFO is responsible for ensuring that the Partnership has the proper operational controls, systems, and administrative and reporting procedures in place to operate effectively; be compliant with local, state, and federal regulations; ensure financial strength and support growth of the organization. This individual will work closely with the EVP & COO, as well as the President & CEO and leadership team in setting strategic business goals and company-wide policies and procedures. The SVP and CFO is expected to demonstrate a high standard of ethical business conduct and to function with minimal supervision from the EVP & COO and oversight by the Audit & Finance Committees of the Partnership.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
The following responsibilities are essential to job performance:
- Provide accounting and financial reporting services for the Partnership, Greater Houston Partnership Foundation, Center for Houston’s Future, and other affiliates, but is not limited to:
- Managing all financial transactions including banking, investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and general ledger.
- Preparing financial reports in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
- Identify and manage financial risks. Ensuring the Partnership maintains compliance with local, federal, and state regulations.
- Identifying and resolving accounting and financial issues, including consultation with Audit & Finance Committee, external auditors, and others.
- Lead financial statement audits for all entities.
- Oversee the preparation of tax returns such as Form 990s and 1099s.
- Maintain an effective system of internal controls, including written documentation of key financial policies and procedures.
- Manage Finance and Accounting department staff, including:
- Supervise and mentor Finance staff, ensuring adequate training, and resources.
- Fostering an environment to promote the professional growth of staff emphasizing teamwork and recognizing the potential of each individual.
- Resolving issues with other Partnership departments and senior staff as necessary.
- Coordinate development and monitoring of the annual operating budgets for the Partnership and affiliated organizations including the establishment of budget guidelines and procedures, and preparation of analysis and reporting of actual performance versus budget.
- Provide staff support for the Finance & Investment and Audit & Risk Committees.
- Work with the EVP & COO and leadership team in setting strategic business goals and company-wide policies and procedures and provide advice and counsel on all matters of a financial nature.
- Participate in the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors meetings.
- Review and approve all significant contractual agreements (pledges, grants, foundations, vendors, leases, etc.) requiring commitment of Partnership resources, with primary focus on the identification and negotiation of financial and economic issues or exposure--involving the appropriate Partnership staff, Executive staff, outside legal counsel and others as required.
- Keep current on changes to generally accepted accounting principles, tax regulations, and best practices affecting not-for-profit entities
- Other areas of ongoing responsibility include:
- Monitor the cash position of the Partnership and performance of the short-term investment portfolio, including periodic reporting and strategy recommendations to the Audit & Finance Committees, in partnership with portfolio management company.
- Identify insurance requirements and risk exposure and arranging for appropriate coverage in consultation with the Audit & Finance Committees.
The Candidate
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
The following knowledge, skills, and abilities are desirable for job success:
- Good interpersonal and leadership skills.
- Working knowledge of appropriate internal controls, fund accounting, and cash management activities. Demonstrated ability to make decisions, using creative problem solving and analytical skills.
- Knowledge of the Houston region and its social, political, and economic issues.
- Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communications skills.
- Professional appearance.
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize assignments, work on multiple assignments simultaneously.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment, delegate responsibilities, and share tasks.
- Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize workloads and meet deadlines.
- Ability to work with diverse groups and personalities (staff and volunteers).
- Strong personal computing skills, including working knowledge of word processing, graphics, and spreadsheet software applications (Word, PowerPoint and Excel advanced level proficiency required).
Education Requirements
- Current CPA license in the State of Texas required
Preferred Experience
- 10 years of experience in accounting, finance or related business activities, with a minimum of 5 years in a senior management role such as Chief Financial Officer or Vice President of Accounting and Finance forums.
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