The Director of Finance & Operations provides strategic financial leadership and operational management for the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and its portfolio entities. This onsite role oversees accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, audits, grant administration, human resources, information technology oversight, and facilities management in Asheville, NC.
Role Overview
This senior leadership position directs multi-entity financial activities, ensuring adherence to GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards while guiding boards and senior leadership in sound decision making. The role also encompasses strategic oversight of HR, IT, and facilities within a multi-entity environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Direct all accounting functions and financial operations for the Portfolio Entities.
- Prepare and present financial statements, budget variance analyses, and financial reports to the Chamber Finance Committee, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors, and to the boards of the Asheville-Buncombe Economic Development Coalition, the Foundation, ADID, and the Condo Association.
- Manage cash flow, banking relationships, operating accounts, and investments for the Portfolio Entities.
- Lead the annual budgeting process for the Portfolio Entities in collaboration with department directors, senior leadership, and boards.
- Prepare financial projections and pro forma analyses for new and existing programs to support decision making.
- Coordinate annual audits and assist in the preparation of tax returns (Forms 990 and 1120), coordinating with external auditors and accountants.
- Provide financial and operational leadership during organizational or community crises as needed.
- Administer federal, state, and private foundation grants, leading budget development and managing the full lifecycle from award through compliance, reporting, amendments, and closeout.
- Ensure compliance with grant requirements, including federal Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) for federal awards and subawards.
- Manage financial reporting obligations and contract modifications for active grants.
- Direct HR functions for Chamber employees, including benefits design and administration, vendor management, payroll processing, and compliance.
- Oversee recruitment support including job postings, background checks, and new employee orientation and onboarding.
- Administer the 401(k) plan and manage relationships with benefits vendors, including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability providers.
- Maintain and enhance HR policies and procedures documentation.
- Provide strategic direction for IT infrastructure and systems, including vendor management, platform decisions, and cybersecurity practices.
- Oversee facilities management and supervise the IT & Building Operations Manager, who handles day-to-day IT systems and facilities maintenance for the Chamber and its property.
- Directly supervise two positions: the IT & Building Operations Manager and the Accounting Assistant.
- Provide direction, performance feedback, and professional development support to direct reports.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the President & CEO.
Requirements
- Strong financial acumen with proficiency in GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
- Experience managing complex, multi-entity financial operations and communicating financial information clearly to boards and senior leadership.
- Experience with federal and or private foundation grant administration and compliance is preferred.
- Excellent analytical, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational abilities with the capacity to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- High integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
- Proficiency with accounting software (QuickBooks preferred) and Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
Technologies
- QuickBooks
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Excel
Benefits
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid parental leave
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Education & Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or business administration, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Location
Asheville, North Carolina, on site.
Compensation
Salary range: USD 95,000 to 105,000 per year.
Primary Function
Reporting directly to the President & CEO, the Director of Finance & Operations provides financial stewardship and operational management across the Chamber and its related entities, including the AACOC Community Betterment Foundation (a 501(c)(3)) and 36 Montford Condominium Association. The finance department also delivers outsourced accounting services to the Asheville Downtown Improvement District (ADID, a 501(c)(3)). These four entities are served by this role.
