Chief Financial Officer

VACATION STATUS: Full-Time, Exempt

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the CEO, the CFO is responsible for developing and executing the financial strategy of the Jewish Educational Alliance (JEA) and Savannah Jewish Federation (SJF), two unique 501(c)3 organizations in Savannah, Georgia. The CFO will lead all aspects of financial management including budgeting, forecasting, and risk management, and is responsible for ensuring JEA/SJF financial stability and efficiency.

Possessing excellent business and financial acumen, this individual will be responsible for managing over $11 million in endowed and donor advised funds, JEAs $4.5 million operating budget, an annual $1.2 million Jewish Federation campaign, as well as an in-process JEA capital campaign to renovate and upgrade aging infrastructure and facilities.

The CFO will be joining the JEA and SJF at an exciting time as we begin a much-needed software conversion to ensure better member services and financial accounting.

Salary Range: $105,000 - $115,000

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The CFO is responsible for all functions and matters related to the JEA/SJF’s financial stability and management, while partnering with the CEO and senior management to set the strategic direction for the organization. With accuracy and keen attention to detail, the CFO manages organization funds, financial processes, and assets to maximize the effective use of community resources in the overall operations.

● Plan, execute, and evaluate fiscal functions and performance, including annual audit, tax returns, management reports, financial reports, and year-end financial statements.

● Recruit, select, train, supervise, and evaluate staff in Finance/Accounting to promote growth of a skilled and motivated staff. Currently, the CFO directly manages a four person team including 2 senior accountants, as accounts receivable/payable and membership professionals.

● Manage the operations of Finance and Accounting, including instituting proper financial controls, and data security while continually improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the department.

● Develop, implement, and enforce policies, procedures, and systems to improve the overall operation and effectiveness of our financial management.

● Assure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

● Provide timely and accurate reports and analysis of budgets, monthly financials, and financial trends, assisting Management and the Board to monitor and respond to current operations and the external financial environment.

● Interpret financial results and suggest recommendations and next steps in line with the JEA’s and SJF’s missions and strategy.

● Manage banking, investment management, auditor, payroll service, and insurance relationships.

● Lead the implementation of a new software system to operate membership and accounting more efficiently.

● Perform other duties as assigned by the CEO

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS

● At least five years’ experience in senior financial roles, with three or more years in the philanthropic or non-profit area.

● Demonstrated proficiency managing budgeting, accounting, and non-profit organizations.

● Demonstrated ability to analyze audited financial statements.

● Expertise in MS Excel, proficiency with accounting software, including use of spreadsheet and database software, and ability to onboard new systems quickly.

● Ability to communicate financial and other information about the operation of the organization clearly in writing and through PowerPoint and presentations to the Board and to relevant committees.

● Experience with strategic planning and project management.

● Demonstrated ability to partner with volunteer leadership, committees, community agencies, and other stakeholders.

● Demonstrated leadership and strategic planning skills with high ethical standards and appropriate professional image.

● Strong knowledge of non-profit organizations

● Familiarity with Jewish customs, traditions and community preferred but not required.

EDUCATION

● Bachelor’s degree in finance/business/accounting required; Masters degree strongly preferred

● CPA (certified public accountant) or CMA (certified management accountant) preferred but not required

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATIONS

Savannah has been home to a diverse, strong, and thriving Jewish community since 1733. Supported by the Savannah Jewish Federation (SJF), the Jewish Educational Alliance (JEA), which serves as Savannah's Jewish Community Center, has continuously provided meaningful programs, activities and services for children, teens, adults, and families in greater Savannah since 1912.

While JEA and SJF are two distinct organizations, with different missions, separate budgets and separate boards, the CFO is a shared position devoting approximately 75% in oversight of JEA and 25% to SJF.

About the Jewish Educational Alliance

The JEA is a cherished community institution serving multiple generations from Jewish and greater Savannah. A leader in early childhood education and camping services, the JEAs facilities and grounds feature a new outdoor zero entry pool, indoor lap pool, two gymnasiums, state of the art fitness center and studios, art gallery, classrooms, auditorium, commercial kitchen, outdoor athletic field, playground and so much more.

About Savannah Jewish Federation

SJF is dedicated to preserving and enriching Jewish life throughout Savannah and perpetuating an identification with the State of Israel and other Jewish communities around the world. SJF operates Jewish Family Services (JFS), an assistance program for those in need, as well as PJ Library, Young Jewish Savannah, and local Hillels. SJF contracts with the Secure Communities Network and is one of the smallest communities to employ a full-time Regional Security Director. Finally, SJF also manages an endowment portfolio of more than $9 million.

About Savannah

Brimming with extraordinary heritage including original Oglethorpe Squares lined with stately homes, fountains, statues, and magnificent oak trees, Savannah is ranked by Travel and Leisure as one of the top destinations in the United States. Downtown serves a thriving tourist industry with a magnificent riverfront and numerous hotels, specialty shops, restaurants, and night spots housed in refurbished 19th century warehouses. Savannah is also the home of the Savannah Bananas whose innovative Banana ball has made them world famous, and the Ghost Pirates, a minor league professional hockey team. Savannah is a short drive to Tybee Island beaches and the Atlantic Ocean, plus a myriad of other inland waterways and rivers offering access to year-round recreational activities.

Friendly, welcoming, and a wonderful place to raise a family, Savannah enjoys a great climate with no snow. Too little to be big, Savannah has all the entertainment and arts advantages of a larger city. With a thriving port and logistics industry, greater Savannah is also poised for unprecedented and sustainable growth with the construction of a Hyundai car manufacturing and electric battery plant and the expansion of Gulfstream Aerospace.

Pay: $105,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance
Employee discount
Health insurance
Paid time off
Retirement plan

Work Location: In person

Jewish Educational Alliance and Savannah Jewish Federation Jobs

Chief Financial Officer