Director of Finance

The Director of Finance provides strategic financial leadership for the Madison Symphony Orchestra and its affiliated entities, partnering with the Executive Director and senior leadership to ensure financial resilience, operational discipline, and governance alignment. This on-site role is based in Madison, Wisconsin.

Position details

Location: Madison, WI (onsite)

Compensation: USD 80,000 - 85,000 per yearly

Responsibilities

• Act as the organization's senior financial executive, overseeing all MSO, MSOF, and MSOL bank accounts, and ensuring robust financial reporting and internal controls. This role reports to the Executive Director and serves as the principal financial liaison to the Board of Trustees and its committees.
• Provide staff support to the Finance Committee.
• Collaborate with the Finance Committee Chair to prepare agendas, deliver analysis and recommendations, and present financial data as required.
• Lead the creation of the annual operating budget, including forecasting, scenario planning, and multi-year financial modeling to advance the organization’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Develop and maintain financial dashboards, scorecards, and KPIs to monitor performance across the organization.
• Oversee treasury activities, including cash-flow planning and relationships with banks, custodians, and investment managers.
• Direct risk management activities, including insurance coverage and review of contractual terms.
• Participate in a small leadership group overseeing union relationships and negotiations.
• Manage the external audit process and serve as the primary liaison to the shared services provider.
• Collaborate with the Development team to oversee gift accounting, ensuring accurate records and proper documentation of donor intent for pledges, planned gifts, and restricted/endowment funds.
• Partner with Development to provide financial modeling, budgets, reporting, and compliance documentation for grant proposals and post-award reporting, ensuring accuracy and funder compliance.
• Work with Marketing, Orchestra Operations, and Education and Community Engagement to forecast and reconcile earned revenue streams such as box office, merchandise, and rentals, and lead show settlements to protect margins and maintain strong cash flow.
• Collaborate with affiliated entities including the Madison Symphony Orchestra League, Friends of the Overture Concert Organ, and the Madison Symphony Orchestra Foundation to provide accounting services, write checks, maintain books, generate monthly reports, and prepare for audits.