VP, Chief Financial Officer

The Tennessee Aquarium is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Vice President, Chief Financial Officer to lead its financial operations and strategy. This includes the Tennessee Aquarium, the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater, the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute, and all assets of the private, nonprofit organization.

Additionally, the VP, Chief Financial Officer oversees the financial operations of the Creative Discovery Museum and the Hunter Museum of American Art.

At the Tennessee Aquarium, we value our people as our most important asset. The organization's purpose, vision, mission, core values, strategic plan, and overall regional impact inspire everyone within the organization to meet or exceed all of its objectives while generating broad community support for our mission. This position will assist in securing our presence in downtown Chattanooga, while helping chart the Aquarium’s future.

The selected Vice President, Chief Financial Officer will play three critical roles: 1) a steward, managing risk and preserving financial and investment assets, 2) An operator, running an efficient and effective financial system, 3) a catalyst, helping to drive organizational strategy and execution to achieve financial goals across the Tennessee Aquarium and its additional revenue streams.

Occupational Summary

The Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, provides financial leadership and stewardship while playing a critical role in ensuring the organization’s health, enabling the aquarium to expand our impact, and meet our mission. As a member of the executive leadership team, and reporting to the President & CEO, the CFO is responsible for analyzing, interpreting, and presenting the financial condition and prospects of the Tennessee Aquarium, the Creative Discovery Museum, and the Hunter Museum of American Art in identifying and analyzing strategies to ensure the organizations achieve their short and long term financial and budgetary objectives.

The CFO is responsible for:

• The management of the Accounting, Payroll, and Finance functions of the Aquarium, the Creative Discovery Museum, the Hunter Museum of American Art and managing their investment activities.
• Responsible for managing the overall budgets, auditing, tax and regulatory compliance, treasury, investments, and capital planning.
• Responsible for the commercial insurance programs, contracts, and legal work.
• Manages the work of the Aquarium Finance Department personnel in collecting, summarizing, and interpreting financial data for the use of the management team and the Board of Trustees for all three organizations.
• Cash management for the organizations.
• Conducting special financial analyses as required by management or the Board of Trustees.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee all financial operations.
• Provide timely, accurate and relevant internal and external financial reports including budgeting, forecasting and cash flow management.
• Oversee cash counting operations and controls.
• Develop, implement, and maintain a system of internal controls, including policies and procedures to safeguard assets and ensure the integrity of financial reporting.
• Primary relationship manager with external accounting firms, banks, and investment advisers.
• Review all agreements to protect the organizations from exposure to risks and liabilities.
• Function as the organization’s primary legal contact and engage law firms as needed.
• Ensure the financial systems and external reports comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for non-profit organizations.
• Ensure proper allocation and use of restricted and unrestricted funds.
• Prepare financial statements for internal use that reflect the modified approach utilized for internal reporting.
• Develop and manage annual budgets, conduct financial forecasting, and provide financial analysis to support strategic decision-making.
• Oversee the annual operating and capital budget process.
• Develop financial modeling that evolves as the organization changes and responds to external events and internal strategic decisions.
• Develop and present, as required, longer-term adaptable financial models for annual, five-year, or strategic plans that inform management and Board decision-making.
• Participate with the Executive Leadership Team and Board of Directors in annual and long-range strategic planning and take a proactive role within management, identifying and presenting financial requirements, risks, and options to the President & CEO for decision.
• Assist the Aquarium’s grants team as needed to manage the financial aspects of all applications, reporting, and compliance.
• Manage the Aquarium’s property and liability insurance programs, including ongoing risk analysis.
• Review efficiency and effectiveness of employee benefit programs, seeking approaches to lower costs while maintaining required quality levels.
• Provide fiduciary leadership in the Aquarium’s 403b retirement plan.
• Provide financial reporting during Board and Executive Committee meetings.
• Manage the negotiation and execution of contracts and business relationships with funding sources, vendors, and collaborative business partners.
• Perform all of the above for the Creative Discovery Museum, the Hunter Museum of American Art, and the Tennessee Aquarium.
• Provide leadership to and mentor the finance team, fostering a culture of responsiveness, collegiality, excellence, and accountability in accordance with the Tennessee Aquarium values, service standards, and policies.

Knowledge, Skill, and Ability Requirements

• High-level knowledge of finance and accounting principles.
• Exceptional leadership and dynamic people skills, with a demonstrated ability to work effectively and play a leadership role within the executive team and with the Board of Trustees.
• The highest level of written and oral communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Advanced proficiency in various Microsoft applications, including utilizing advanced features and functionalities for complex Excel tasks and projects.
• Strong skills in operational analysis, planning, budgeting, forecasting and cash management with a firm understanding of internal controls, decision analysis, financial technology, risk management and substantial experience in financial modeling and data analysis.
• Excellent organizational, administrative, and project management skills.
• Knowledge of business law and regulations with a focus on non-profit operations.

Education/Experience Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field with a strong understanding of GAAP nonprofit accounting and 501c3 organizations is required.
• An active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is required.
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) is strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience, including service as a CFO or Controller. Experience in a non-profit organization with previous CPA firm experience is preferred.
• the Tennessee Aquarium, Hunter Museum of American Art, and the Creative Discovery Museum’s investment portfolios.
• Strong ability to navigate bank relationships and negotiations.
• Deep understanding of financial regulations, accounting principles, and tax laws
• Proven record of managing complex financial operations and driving profitability within an organization.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and other organizations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present to large and small groups.

Supervises

• Director of Finance
• Assistant Controller
• Cash Control Assistant Manager
• Accounting Coordinator
• Payroll Specialist
• Payables Specialist

Working Conditions

• Normal office environment
• Some outdoor environments when necessary; this may include a range of weather conditions and terrains

Physical Demands

• Ability to navigate multiple buildings on and off the Tennessee Aquarium campus.
• Prolonged computer usage (typing, etc.).
• Remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time, including at a desk and working on a computer.
• Communicate information and ideas so others can understand and exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Occasional overnight trips and industry travel as necessary.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range for the CFO Position:
  • $150,000-$200,000, plus bonus potential
• Benefits:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Text Care, Life insurance, 401k with a base and match, parking, ID Protection Coverage, STD, LTD, Veteran Time Off, and Monthly Volunteer Time Off.
• Company Paid Time Off:
  • 3 Weeks of Paid Vacation
  • 10 Paid Holidays and up to 2 Flexible Holidays
  • 12 Sick Days each year

To apply, submit an online application and cover letter through the Aquarium’s career site at tnaqua.applicantpro.com/jobs/.

All submissions must be received by August 1, 2025.