Chief Financial Officer

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as the senior executive responsible for the financial leadership, fiscal integrity, and administrative stewardship of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC). Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the CFO provides strategic direction for the Center's financial operations while ensuring long-term financial sustainability in support of the organization's mission.

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the CFO partners with executive leadership, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center Commission, Board Committees, government agencies, financial institutions, donors, and other stakeholders to develop and execute strategic initiatives. The CFO provides executive oversight of Finance, Accounting, Budgeting, Treasury, Property, Procurement, Payroll, Enterprise Risk Management, and related administrative functions.

Essential Functions:

Executive Leadership:
- Serve as the principal financial advisor to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and Commission.
- Develop and execute long-range financial strategies aligned with organizational priorities.
- Present financial information, forecasts, and recommendations to executive leadership, Board Committees, and external stakeholders.
- Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Financial Management:
- Direct all accounting, budgeting, forecasting, treasury, cash management, payroll, investment, debt, and financial reporting activities.
- Ensure the integrity of financial records, internal controls, and compliance with GAAP, GASB, and applicable federal and state regulations.
- Lead the annual operating and capital budget process and monitor organizational financial performance.
- Oversee month-end and year-end close, audits, tax reporting, and regulatory filings.

Operations and Administration:
- Provide executive oversight of procurement, contracting, property, and enterprise risk management.
- Ensure effective financial policies, procurement practices, insurance coverage, business continuity, and internal control systems.
- Maintain strong banking, investment, governmental, and donor relationships.
- Evaluate financing strategies and support capital projects and strategic initiatives.

Leadership:
- Lead, mentor, and develop Finance, Property, and Procurement staff.
- Establish performance expectations and foster professional growth, accountability, and exceptional customer service.
- Support organizational planning and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications:

Education:
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required.
- MBA, master's degree, and/or CPA preferred.

Experience:
- Ten (10) years of progressively responsible financial management experience, including at least five (5) years in a senior leadership role.
- Experience in accounting, budgeting, treasury, procurement, financial reporting, audits, and strategic financial planning.
- Experience presenting financial information to executive leadership and governing boards.
- Governmental, nonprofit, public sector, or complex multi-entity organizational experience preferred.

Other:
- Full-Time, On-site position in Huntsville, AL.
- Benefits: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama insurance for medical, prescription, dental, and vision. Vacation, holidays, and sick leave. State Retirement.
- Authorized to work in the United States, valid driver's license, and successful completion of required background screening.
- Occasional evening and weekend work to support Commission meetings, audits, and organizational initiatives.