Position Title: Chief Financial Officer

Position Type: Full Time

Institute Overview

The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology (www.hudsonalpha.org) is a non-profit organization with the mission to use biotechnology and basic biological research to make important discoveries, improve human health, foster entrepreneurship and stimulate economic development, and inspire young people to seek careers in science and teach members of the public the importance of science in their everyday lives. Located in Cummings Research Park in Huntsville, Alabama, one of the world's leading science and technology parks, HudsonAlpha's Biotech Campus contains non-profit laboratories for genetics and genomics research, resident biotech associate companies, and educational outreach and workforce development to benefit advances in human health and agriculture.

Department Overview

The Finance Department manages all aspects of the financial operation of the Institute, including accounts payable and receivable, recordkeeping and reporting, and audit responses, all within applicable regulations. The department also oversees financial reporting for the HudsonAlpha Foundation and all financial aspects of shared services, including cost centers and purchasing. The department handles many aspects of vendor relations such as contracting and negotiating.

Position Summary

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is responsible for directing the fiscal functions of the Institute in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board and other regulatory organizations and in accordance with financial management practices appropriate within a non-profit research institute. Reporting directly to the President, the financial executive provides accounting, budgetary, operational, programmatic support, and financial advice to all Institute programs and activities. The CFO directly oversees and supervises the financial/accounting staff and other departments as directed by the President. The CFO serves as an active member of the Executive Management Team helping to develop and implement the Institute's vision and mission.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Plan, develop, organize, implement, direct, and evaluate the institute's fiscal function and performance, including establishing quality assurance measures and controls associated with the financial administration of grants and contracts.
Participate in the development of the Institute's plans and programs as a strategic partner.
Evaluate and advise on the impact of long-range planning, introduction of new programs and strategies, and regulatory action.
Provide timely and accurate analysis of budgets, financial reports, and financial trends to assist the President, the Board of Directors, and the Executive Management in performing their responsibilities.
Assist in developing and overseeing budgets for the Institute as a whole, individual programs, and new/proposed/expanded services.
Continual improvement of the budgeting process through education of department managers on financial issues.
Ensure, enhance, and enforce internal controls, policies, and procedures of the organization by way of systems that will improve the overall operation and effectiveness of the institute.
Provide strategic financial recommendations and leadership on issues affecting the organization, i.e., evaluation of retirement funds, investments, potential alliances, partnerships, acquisitions, and mergers.
Provide oversight and financial management of the HudsonAlpha Foundation Endowment Fund and other foundation funds.
Maintain a reliable cash flow projection process and reporting mechanism which includes managing to a minimum cash threshold to meet operating needs.
Optimize the handling of the institute's banking relationships and activities and initiate appropriate strategies to enhance cash position.
Participate in the negotiation and execution of Institute contracts with funding sources, vendors, and collaborative service providers.
Monitor changes in legal, regulatory, and administrative environments and implement changes in procedures as needed to maintain compliance while maximizing operational and financial results.
Collaborate with other departments in the management and oversight of the Institute's spending, seeking approaches to minimize cost and operate within budget without sacrificing service.
Provide technical financial advice and knowledge to others within the financial discipline.
Evaluate the finance department structure and team plan for continual improvement of the efficiency and effectiveness of the group. Provide individuals with professional and personal growth opportunities. Serve as the Institute's primary liaison with its independent Auditor to ensure the annual audit is completed smoothly and in a timely manner.
Assist in the management of the procurement team and processes.

Knowledge Of

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

Non-profit accounting standards and practices
Federal regulations, grant budgeting, sponsor guidelines, post-award requirements, and the Federal Office of Management and Budget Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) as they relate to sponsored program activity
State of Alabama contract/grant budgeting/reporting procedures and requirements.
Deltek Costpoint project and accounting management software
F&A rate proposals

Ability To

Function as an energetic, forward-thinking, and creative individual with high ethical standards.
Work well with, and be responsive to the needs of, internal and external stakeholders.
Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to internal and external stakeholders.
Manage priorities effectively to meet needs of the institute.
Quickly assimilate new information and technology.
Foster and cultivate business opportunities and partnerships.
Perform in a dynamic, technical, and growing environment.
Demonstrates knowledge of the appropriate rules and regulations and apply them in difficult, stressful, and complex situations. Able to interpret and explain rules and regulations that are ambiguous or unclear. Directs others in interpreting rules and regulations on the job and trains others in them.

Education And Experience

Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university; with Master's degree preferred.
Certified Public Accountant, a plus
Five to seven years of senior management experience in a non-profit organization of comparable size or similarly operating organization or an institution of higher education.
Managerial experience with an organization providing research contract services to government agencies, especially in compliance with 2 CFR 200 or FAR accounting, a plus.

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors/Mental Functions

ADA Requirements - The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Disclaimer - All job requirements are subject to possible revision to reflect changes in the position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws). Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis.

Physical Demands

Must be able to remain in a stationary position (sit or stand) for prolonged periods (50% of the time).
Occasionally move about the office (accessing files/storage, office equipment, computers and other office productivity devices, attending meetings, etc.).
Constant use of common office equipment (e.g. computers, mobile devices, calculators, copiers, scanners).
Close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Occasionally move and transport records and documents weighing 20 pounds or less.
Communicate in person and over the telephone.

Environmental Factors

Perform work in an indoor office environment with controlled temperature.
Tolerate moderate noise level (i.e. business office with computers, phone, and printers, light traffic).

Mental Functions

Continuous mental and visual attention.
Ability to focus on tasks despite interruptions and open cubicle environment.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in the English language.
Use math and mathematical reasoning.
Analyze and solve problems.
Learn and apply new skills and information.
Perform highly detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks.
Read and interpret data, information, and documents.

It is the policy of HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, in accordance with all applicable laws, to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology

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