Congregation Emanu-El of San Francisco | Chief Financial Officer | san francisco, ca

POSITION: Chief Financial Officer

ORGANIZATION: Congregation Emanu-El

LOCATION: San Francisco, California

WEBSITE: www.emanuelsf.org

ORGANIZATION: At Congregation Emanu-El, they believe that Judaism guides us on our journey to be better people, create stronger community, and repair the world. Emanu-El is the fifth largest Jewish Reform congregation in the United States, with 1,900 households, and is the oldest Jewish congregation west of the Mississippi. Officially established in 1850, and located in a landmark temple in San Francisco, Emanu-El serves as a foundation of community life for Jews and non-Jews, for members and non-members, with innovative programs in worship, community, education, social justice, and Israel that span the cycles and events of life. In 2025, after an extensive capital project to revitalize their historic building and to expand their ability to meet the strategic goal of being a welcoming and accessible home to all Jews throughout the Bay Area, they will be reopening their doors and expanding their programs to serve the evolving needs of their Jewish community. As members of the Union for Reform Judaism, their commitment to a strong, vibrant, Jewish and democratic state of Israel, secure within its borders, is unyielding. They recognize many of their community members hold diverse perspectives regarding the ongoing crisis in the Middle East and believe in a future in which an Israeli and a Palestinian state exist side by side in peace.

POSITION SUMMARY: Reporting to the Executive Director and General Counsel, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will provide overall direction and leadership to Congregation Emanu-El’s financial functions. They are responsible for developing and managing a budget of approximately $15 million in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment. The CFO works closely with the Executive Director (ED) and Board Treasurer to implement the congregation's strategic and financial and operational objectives in support of policies and goals established by the Board of Directors. The CFO leads the organization’s finance functions, including accounting, budgeting, and long-term financial planning and reporting, as well as cemetery finances and the financial aspects of property management. The individual in this role is responsible for providing accurate and timely information on the organization’s financial status to the ED, Finance Committee, Audit Committee and the Board of Directors.

The CFO will be a trusted and valued professional partner to the ED, Senior Rabbi and Board of Directors and will be a key member of the executive leadership team. The CFO will lead and develop a talented team of five finance and administration professionals.

SCOPE AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Key responsibilities for the CFO include:

Leadership

Participates in ongoing strategy and business decisions in collaboration with top leadership.

Assist and support the ED with financial forecasting models to assess viability of implementing changes to compensation, benefits, etc.

Participates in program planning and evaluation and provides financial data and analysis as necessary.

Staff the Finance and Audit committees of the Board of Directors, working closely with Board members and assisting them with their fiduciary responsibilities.

Financial Management

Oversees all financial aspects of Congregation Emanu-El.

Develops and directs annual budgeting process including budget preparation, budget monitoring, and analysis and revision.

Directs and oversees all accounting functions including the general ledger, payroll, accounts payable, billing, and accounts receivable related to contracts, grants and fees.

Oversees the treasury functions including cash management, investments and developing and maintaining banking relationships.

Works in collaboration with senior leadership to develop and refine proposed and existing program budgets.

Prepares financial reports related to programs and operations.

Manages organizational cash flow to meet organizational needs, negotiates line of credit and oversees all cash accounts.

Coordinates and directs annual audits.

Works collaboratively with the entire Congregation Emanu-El team and provides direct input to strategic leadership and oversight.

Establishes and maintains internal controls over financial activities and financial reporting, accounting policies and procedures and ensures compliance with requirements of government and private funders.

Develops financial modeling and analysis for program planning and business development.

Provides accurate and timely reporting and analysis to the ED, Board of Directors, Finance and Investment Committees, staff, as well as investment firms and bankers.

Accounting and Internal Controls

Oversees the accounting department’s daily and monthly functions, including accounts payables and receivables, payroll, general ledger and month-end reconciliations.

Reviews and manages internal controls, operations, processes and financial procedures to ensure the integrity of the financial information and reporting.

Ensure policies and procedures are documented and reviewed regularly.

Reviews and ensures the maintenance of adequate and appropriate general insurance, including property, casualty, liability, directors and officers, and workers compensation.

Recruit staff with appropriate skills and knowledge, manage and coach the team to continually develop and enhance their professional roles in the organization.

Provide support and guidance to management staff as needed.

Human Resources

Reviews and recommends changes to organizational benefits, including health, dental, vision, life, disability and flexible spending plans, as well as payroll and expense payment systems.

Works closely with the ED, human resources professional, and outside legal counsel on personnel matters.

Develops and oversees comprehensive risk management plan which includes annual analysis of insurance coverages and renewal of policies.

QUALIFICATIONS:

12 to 15 plus years of progressive management experience in finance and financial management roles.

Proven analytical skills, experience with a diversity of businesses, and the ability to drive success in complex initiatives within a fast-paced environment are a must. Must thrive in a

collaborative environment and possess the ability to foster strong internal and external relationships.

Experience managing administrative functions, human resources, IT and facilities.

The CFO will have a collaborative, inclusive, and collegial leadership style; personal integrity; demonstrated good judgment, intellectual curiosity; resilience; energy; and commitment to the mission of Congregation Emanu-El.

Experience managing large budgets with multiple funding sources with varying restrictions. Strong financial acumen with demonstrated knowledge of fiscal operation and principles. Ability to present complex financial data and analysis.

Extensive contracts experience.

Experience with complex and multiple restricted and unrestricted funds, as well as numerous budgets.

Understands financial modeling.

Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.

Experience with budget planning and forecasting.

Ability to plan, organize, implement, evaluate and modify financial programs, informational support systems and processes.

Ability to analyze and interpret financial data and prepare financial reports, statements and/or projections.

Proven ability to work creatively and effectively with a wide variety of people and interest groups.

Must have strong organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to be concurrently involved in many activities and to work under pressure to meet goals/deadlines.

Requires strong project management skills.

Must have excellent oral and written communication skills, including presentation and public speaking.

Hands-on experience with accounting and financial management software.

Can explain complex financial terms in simple language with a broad spectrum of Congregation Emanu-El staff.

Ability to thrive in a dynamic and evolving religious organization.

Familiarity with how nonprofit organizations are structured is a plus.

Ability to document internal processes.

Must have demonstrated ability to work compassionately and respectively with people from all backgrounds and cultures.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: The CFO should embody the following personal characteristics:

A deep commitment to goals and mission of Congregation Emanu-El.

A personable, flexible, diplomatic, and respectful demeanor.

High ethical standards and a commitment to transparency.

Proven ability to serve as a team player, mentor, and leader to motivate and inspire staff and colleagues.

A well-organized and focused individual that is capable of and interested in increasing the effectiveness of the finance team.

Ability to work both independently with minimal supervision and cooperatively in a team environment.

Self-starter with ability to quickly create a positive network of relationships.

A hard worker with a high energy level. A ‘doer’ with a willingness to work hands-on in developing and executing a variety finance related activities.

Willingness to accept additional responsibilities as requested by the ED and/or Board of Directors.

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree in finance, accounting, business administration or related field is required. Advanced degree in business management, finance, or accounting; certification as CPA, CFA and CMA or equivalent is a plus.

CONTACT:

Scott E. Miller

Scott Miller Executive Search