Chief Financial Officer, Denver Zoo

Position: Chief Financial Officer

Company: Denver Zoo

Location: Denver, CO (in-person)

Reporting Relationship: President & Chief Executive Officer

Website: https://denverzoo.org/

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND

About Denver Zoo:

As one of Colorado’s most vital cultural cornerstones, Denver Zoo is dedicated to providing the communities we serve with an intimate, inspiring and informative first-hand encounter with the wonders of nature. But, while we proudly provide families with an accessible and inviting place to connect with wildlife—and one another—we’re so much more than that, too.

Our 84-acre campus is an enchanting urban field station and home to more than 3,000 animals representing more than 450 species that serve as ambassadors for their wild counterparts all over the world. The Zoo is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, and the city’s oldest and most passionate advocate for the natural world. We are among the most visited cultural destination in Colorado, serving almost 2 million people per year, and accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), which assures the highest standards of animal care. With the mission inspiring communities to save wildlife for future generations, the Denver Zoo dedicates almost $2 million annually to Zoo-led programs aimed at protecting animals within their natural habitats around the world.

Our award-winning education and outreach teams spark curiosity for learners of all ages throughout metropolitan Denver. In addition, our global Field Conservation and Emergency Wildlife Response teams have worked tirelessly for more than two decades to protect species threatened by human encroachment, habitat loss and catastrophic events.

As a non-profit organization, we rely on support through memberships, visits and donations to instigate action on behalf of our endangered Earth, first by igniting AWE in our visitors. That’s why we’re more devoted than ever to our living our mission—Inspiring Communities to Save Wildlife for Future Generations—each and every day. The survival we ensure may be our own.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a strategic partner to the Denver Zoo Chief Executive Officer, Bert Vescolani, and the full Executive Management team. The CFO will be responsible for strategically and operationally managing and safeguarding the assets of the organization and for ensuring that all Denver Zoo financial functions perform in an optimal manner. H/She will work closely with senior leadership to develop and drive the Zoo’s Strategic Imperatives Master Plan. The CFO will lead and enhance the organization’s finance operations, including people, processes, and systems in support of its’ mission and performance. H/She will lead all financial administration, including but not limited to accounting, finance, forecasting, budgeting, and reporting as well as the Information Technology staff.

The CFO will be a key member of the Executive Management team and partner across all functions and programs. The CFO will also actively communicate with the Zoo’s Board of Directors and work closely with the Finance and Audit Committees.

The CFO will drive the development / transformation of Denver Zoo’s Finance department, ensuring that it partners effectively throughout the organization, delivering excellent, proactive, customer-oriented information, planning, analysis, and services. The CFO and the finance team will continuously evaluate with a fact-based view of the resources, support structures, and activities that the organization has in place to create value as well as which programs actually do create value. The CFO will develop innovative, transformative, and strategic programs, driving growth initiatives, and improving the finance function to support the broader organization and mission.

KEY ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

Serve as the strategic finance leader and business partner for the Denver Zoo, working closely with the CEO, full Executive Team, Board, One Zoo Team and key external constituencies to formulate and communicate institutional economics, goals and priorities.
Help develop and drive organizational strategy. Partner with the Executive Management team to develop innovative methods, ideas and programs for increasing attendance and revenues while maintaining the mission of the zoo and optimizing the guest experience.
Develop and manage the finance team, processes, and systems in a responsive, proactive, and impactful manner to optimize performance and support the Zoo’s strategy. Lead, attract, manage, motivate, develop, and retain a high performing finance team.
Oversee the Finance and Administrative functions which include accounting, finance, cash flow and forecasting, budgeting, and reporting as well as oversight of the Information Technology strategy and program.
Manage and develop the Zoo’s annual operating and capital budgets and maintain the overall financial integrity of the organization by monitoring associated operating revenues and expenses, contributions, capital expenditures, and other related financial matters.
Provide accurate and timely reporting and analysis on operating budget(s) and the capital budgets for each project. Work with other departments to track the progression derived from the revenue goals of the long-term plans.
Ensure that revenue streams are budgeted, monitored, and tracked by creating and regularly reconciling annual business plans with primary revenue generators.
Ensure the capital assets including the buildings, grounds, exhibits, and equipment are protected.
Identify, prepare, and report financial analyses, in both quantitative and qualitative terms, to facilitate both long-term and short-term financial planning.
Oversee management of financial systems, including periodic update, enhancement, or replacement of such systems.
Enable business unit and functional department-level decision making through financial reporting/dashboards.
Regularly prepare and approve all financial reporting materials and annual financial statements for funding organizations and Board of Governors. Present to the Board of Governors and Committees of the Board around issues, trends, and changes to the Zoo’s operating model.
Manage communications and interaction with external auditors and oversee the production of financial statements and tax documents. Oversight of legal, contracting and purchasing functions.
Primary liaison to the outsourced investment partner for all investment and accounting activities for Colorado Zoological Trust.
Maintain responsibility for the Zoo’s 403(b) plan.
Partner with the Executive Management team to develop and monitor the strategy to increase or change revenue streams and to cut or reallocate costs.
Identify, review and report on areas of potential organizational risk and propose mitigations. Lead through and respond to organizational crises while building long-term organizational resilience.
Continually assess the organization’s financial strategies to ensure they remain compliant with regulatory, operational, and legal requirements / standards.
Support and advise on the implementation of business modeling and new program evaluation within the organization.
Oversee all financial management policies, procedures, and systems to ensure the highest level of integrity and ethics.
Create a work culture that values teamwork, accountability, and outstanding customer service.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Ideally the Denver Zoo CFO candidate has led an enterprise-wide Finance function (as CFO) or will have served as a senior Finance business leader/partner for a significant business unit (as a #2 / direct report to the Chief Financial Officer or equivalent). The candidate should have 10+ years of progressive technical, operational, and strategic finance leadership experience.
The candidate should be an experienced leader in a comparable mission-based non-profit organization, or CFO in a for-profit enterprise but now committed to moving their career into a non-profit mission-focused organization.
Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in applying Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), OMB Circular A-1333 and Department of Labor rules related to pension plans.
Experience as a true business partner who leads by example to ensure the finance function is integrated into all aspects of the organization, including deeply engaged with the core programmatic and fundraising functions.
Experience working closely with CEO, Executive Management team, and Board in developing strategy, best practices, and policy of a comparable organization.
Track record of successfully leading / delivering core finance processes, including accounting, reporting, controls, FP&A, treasury services, accounts payable/receivable, revenue processing.
Well-balanced finance leader who demonstrates a good mix of hands-on operational / technical finance management and strategic financial leadership. Able to stay close to the details while also able to contribute at a broader level.
Action-oriented leader focused on both the short-term and long-term strategic vision of the organization. Committed to the innovation and digital transformation of the Zoo to assist the decision-making strategies of the organization.
Understanding and oversight of legal, contracting and purchasing functions. Familiarity and experience with regulatory, reporting and tax aspects of not-for-profit enterprises.
Outstanding negotiation skills and the ability to handle sensitive information with diplomacy.
Thrives operating in a fast-paced and demanding environment; nimble and flexible style that can pivot in response to growth and organizational priorities. Considered an effective change agent and sponsor of best practices and business growth.
Exceptional communication skills (both written and verbal) that resonate well with both financially oriented and less financially oriented audiences and individuals. Confident and effective at communicating across all levels of the organization, presenting to Boards and other external constituencies.
Reputation for developing a best-in-class finance organization within a comparable or larger non-profit institution (or selectively, for-profit organization). Consistent track record of attracting, motivating, mentoring, developing, and retaining high performing accounting and finance talent at all levels, both on an individual and team basis.
Demonstrated engagement and initiative with organizational diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts both internally and externally.
Sophisticated emotional intelligence and resiliency skills to lead and/or actively participate in advancing the Denver Zoo’s work relative to racial, social, and economic justice.
Team player and business partner who demonstrates the ability to work in a collegial, collaborative, and forward-thinking organization. Strong listening skills, empathy, patience, and the ability to lead through influence and by example.
Effective project, time, process, and people management skills which enables her/him to manage multiple, changing priorities and initiatives, and to “get things done” in a timely manner.
Demonstrates genuine interest and passion for the Zoo’s mission to enhance lives by maximizing daily choice, challenge, and control for their animal family.

EDUCATION / CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree is required, ideally in accounting or finance or related field. Advanced degree (e.g., MBA or MS, Accounting) or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience is preferred but not required.
Must possess current and valid US Work Authorization and be eligible to work for any US employer without sponsorship.

COMPENSATION

Bachelor’s estimated salary: $225,000 - $260,000.

Denver Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome diversity in our workforce and encourage all qualified applicants to apply.

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Korn Ferry shall provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified candidates, and will refer candidates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected basis.

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Average salary estimate

$242500 / ANNUAL (est.)

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$225K

$260K

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