Chief Financial Officer

Department: Administration 

Classification:  Exempt 

Work Schedule:  Full-time

How to Apply: Qualified applicants should submit their resume and cover letter to employment@detroitopera.org  

Position Summary 

The Chief Financial Officer is responsible for ensuring the financial well-being of Detroit Opera, including short- and long-term financial and capital planning, accounting, forecasting, budgeting, financial reporting, treasury, and endowment management. The CFO will serve as the principal financial officer of the company, overseeing financial and various administrative functions.  

• With the CEO, formulates the long- and short-term financial strategies for Detroit Opera and establish annual financial goals for the company, in collaboration with members of the senior management team and the Board Finance Committee. 
• Provides financial guidance and strategic direction for all dimensions of the business impacting revenue and expense. Monitors ongoing financial performance against objectives; identifies problems and initiates appropriate corrective action.
• Establishes and ensures timely, accurate, and transparent financial reports to management and the Board of Directors.
• Develops and maintains cash and credit management programs working closely with the Finance Committee of the Board.
• Evaluates and advises on debt financing and debt obligations.
• Oversees retirement plans.
• Directs and oversees the finance and accounting functions of the organization including cash management, budget preparations, financial reporting, cash forecasting, banking, payroll and audit functions.
• Provides timely and accurate analysis of budgets, financial trends and forecasts.
• Oversees the organization’s risk management, including general liability and related insurance coverage, and risk mitigation.
• Evaluates and advises on the fiscal impact of strategic plans, introduction of new programs/strategies, and regulatory action.
• Establishes and maintains strong relationships with senior team to identify their needs, coordinate planning, and seek the full range of potential revenue generating business solutions.
• Provides senior management with advice on the financial implications of real estate and other business activities.
• Analyzes cash flow, expenses, and financial statements to pinpoint potential areas for improvement/risk mitigation.
• Works closely with investment advisors to provide advice on management of Detroit Opera’s investment portfolio and takes all Board approved actions regarding the portfolio.
• Holds responsibility for financial records and ensures adherence to proper accounting principles, standards and governmental reporting requirements. Ensures that effective internal controls are maintained.
• Develops a competent, productive, and efficient departmental staff.
• Develops effective financial and accounting policies and procedures and implements a periodic review process for policies and procedures to ensure they reflect the latest changes in business operations, organizational structure, technology upgrades, and the evolving regulatory landscape.
• Works with other department heads to monitor each department and make recommendations.
• Directs the preparation of all financial reports including income statements, balance sheets, cash projections, financial analyses and other reports.
• Analyzes operations to identify areas in need of reorganization.
• Performs additional duties as required.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or Finance.
• Eight to ten years of experience in financial management.
• Demonstrated management and supervisory skills.
• Demonstrated analytical and organizational skills.
• Proficient in database and accounting computer application systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in strategic and operational planning and execution.
• Knowledge of contracting, negotiating, and change management.
• Knowledge of federal and state financial regulations.
• Ability to understand diverse perspectives and acknowledge the significance of differences and complexities in backgrounds, cultures, values and viewpoints as the foundation for an inclusive environment.  

• Master’s degree in Business Administration.
• Certified Public Accountant designation.

• The person in this position remains in a stationary position for long periods of time. 
• The person in this position occasionally moves throughout the building to access files. 
• The person in this position occasionally moves materials weighing up to 15 pounds.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and continue until the position is filled.  

Additional Information 

Detroit Opera is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and encourages all employees to fully incorporate their diverse backgrounds, skills, and life experiences into their work and towards the fulfillment of the DO mission.      

About Detroit Opera:     

Founded in 1971, Detroit Opera (DO) is the premier multi-disciplined producer and presenter for opera, musical theatre, and dance in the Great Lakes Region. Based in the city of Detroit, the organization engages artists of national and international stature for stellar main stage and outreach performances, and provides compelling cultural enrichment programs for the diverse audiences and communities that it serves, making it one of Detroit’s pillars of arts and culture. DO is among a select few opera companies nationwide to own its theatre, the historic 2,700-seat Detroit Opera House, which is located in the heart of downtown Detroit.        

DO is seen as the most innovative opera company in America. DO garnered great critical and popular acclaim during the pandemic for its socially-distanced, drive-thru production of Twilight : Gods, an adaptation of Wagner’s Götterdämmerung. Brainchild of new Artistic Director Yuval Sharon, Twilight : Gods was performed across multiple levels in DO’s own parking structure, and provided performance opportunities for local cast and orchestra members, in addition to international opera stars.  Lauded for past projects such as his reverse chronological staging of Puccini’s La Bohème, Sharon in July premiered a high-tech reimagining of a Wagner opera.    

For more information, please visit https://detroitopera.org