For over 35 years the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum and the Leslie Science & Nature Center have been creating moments of discovery that inspire curiosity, exploration and respect for STEAM and the natural world. Our Museum and Nature Center sites, outreach programs to school classrooms, and digital distance learning programs provide opportunities for people to explore the world around them.

We encourage our team members to be curious, foster innovation, visualize the big picture and take the lead when creating and implementing strategies for achieving our mission. As the Chief Financial Officer, you’ll advance our mission by leading the development and execution of financial strategies while ensuring nonprofit financial best practices. This position will report to the President & CEO and will supervise one Finance Manager while collaborating with cross-functional staff. This position partners with the treasurer of the Board of Trustees to manage the Finance Committee of the board, and supports the board broadly.

How you’ll contribute:

• Develop and implement financial strategies to support a $4.8M budget with diverse funding streams including restricted and unrestricted funds; to include strategizing for upcoming campaigns, pledges and planned giving. Provide financial reports and information for both daily and long-range decision making to the President & CEO, various committees of the Board including the Finance and Audit Committee and the Retirement Committee of the Board of Trustees, and various funding sources
• Collaborate to develop and monitor the organization's annual operating and capital budgets (fiscal year begins October 1)
• Work to assure budget compliance, preparing cash flow statements and financial analysis and forecasts; addresses shortfalls and expenses overages and unanticipated needs
• Plan and oversee the annual audit and completion of form 990 by external accounting firm; see to the preparation of all materials to support completion of the audit in a timely manner; address any management comments resulting from the audit
• Develop and manage investment strategies, lead contract negotiations, review of legal documents with outside counsel, and conduct risk assessments
• Ensure appropriate financial control practices are in place, updating and serving as the subject matter expert for all necessary business policies, processes, and accounting practices
• Ensure the organization follows current not-for-profit US GAAP accounting standards
• Directly manage benefits administration, worker’s compensation audit and retirement fund
• Monitor and forecast cash balances
• Manage the accounting system/books and train staff in use and compliance
• Oversee all applicable tax and information returns to be filed with the state and federal governments
• Provide fund development support including grant budget tracking and reporting
• Review and evaluate new software packages as required for their impact on financial process and controls. Provide guidance in areas such as payroll administration, benefits administration, including evaluation and leading the review of benefit selection, payroll and benefit systems set-up, processes and procedures and business forms filings
• Serve as backup for daily accounting tasks including journal entries and maintenance, deposits, A/P, A/R and payroll
• Supervise and mentor one finance staff member
• Contribute to and advance our Core Values

o  Champion Excellence

o  Embody the Learner

o  Facilitate Flexibility

o  Invite Optimism

o  Provide Opportunity

o  Think Globally

o  Inclusivity

Experience and qualifications you bring: We acknowledge that people bring all of themselves to their work, and your perspective, talents and skills may come from a wide range of work and life experiences. Your qualifications may include paid work, volunteer work, projects in a different field, or other experiences that have helped you build the competencies and knowledge needed to be successful in this role. We welcome and encourage diverse perspectives combined with a spirit of collaboration and community. We excitedly anticipate your application.

• College Degree in Finance or Accounting, or equivalent years of relevant experience
• CPA certification is a plus
• 5-10 years of accounting experience within a multi-fund nonprofit or complex small business required
• Experience in financial statement preparation, restricted fund management, accounts payable/receivable, inventory management, payroll and tax return preparation/review
• Ability to analyze financial data to make recommendations and projections
• Expertise in accounting and point-of-sale systems; QuickBooks and excel experience highly preferred
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work with groups and individuals with diverse financial knowledge and experience to achieve organizational goals and objectives
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while also collaborating and providing support to a variety of stakeholders
• Operates with integrity and transparency

Salary and Benefits

This is a full-time, exempt position that includes access to a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental healthcare, paid vacation & sick days, 9 paid holidays, retirement plan, EAP, membership discounts and more! The salary range is $110,000 - $130,000, commensurate with experience.

The CFO will work alongside our team primarily in-office at our Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum location. There will be some remote work flexibility as necessary.

Application Process & Timeframe

Cover letters and resumes will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Initial phone interviews will be conducted immediately with next step interviews beginning in April. The anticipated start date for this role is May 2026.