Job Description

The Santa Fe Institute (SFI) seeks an experienced and energized Director of Finance and Accounting to manage general accounting and financial functions of the Institute. You will partner with department heads and leadership to ensure that timely, accurate information is available and provided to all stakeholders including internal teams like Sponsored Research and SFI’s Finance Committee. Being both a confident leader and attentive listener is vital for the success in this role. SFI thrives on clear, concise, two-way communication. This is a mission-critical position and the right person for this role will be diplomatic and measured in their execution of the job.

The Director keeps up to date, detailed quantitative information on financial expenditures and revenues across key research and administrative units, presents data on investment portfolios and internal budget expenditures, and works with advancement, sponsored research, and program management to generate financial reports for internal — and, as needed, external — use. The Director also manages and coordinates annual independent audits and annual IRS Form 990 submissions, and works with the Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees to communicate clearly and lucidly the state of finances to the greater Board. This role reports directly to the President and manages accounting staff on-site in Santa Fe, NM.

Job Responsibilities

• Manages the work of the Finance and Accounting team.
• Works with the Sponsored Research Office on reporting, planning and budgeting of federal and foundation contracts and grants.
• Monitors all banking and investment activities including managing relations with financial institutions, liquidity, day-to-day operations, and cash flow needs.
• Generates regular, clear, and concise reports to guide decision-making in Institute budget-related activities.
• Works closely with the President and Finance Committee of the Board on preparation, review, and coordination of the Institute’s financial statements, reports, and filings; serves as the primary liaison to external audit and investment groups.
• Prepares and submits federal indirect cost rate proposal and handles negotiation on annual or bi-annual basis as appropriate.
• Establishes strong relationships and coordination with and between Institute personnel.
• Serves as key advisor on the acquisition and sale of Institute assets.
• Reports for federal, state, and private contributions.
• Ensures SFI finance policies and procedures are updated to reflect federal regulations.
• Remains informed and educated on non-profit best practices, audit best practices, state and federal law pertaining to non-profit operations and sponsored research accounting.

Job Requirements

• Education minimum of B.A. in business or accounting and a preferred designation as a CPA
• Mandatory 8-10 years of accounting experience with at least three years in a supervisory position within a university or not-for-profit research organization
• Detailed knowledge of standard governmental and non-profit accounting principles, institutional budget preparation, and accounting systems (experience with Blackbaud is preferred)
• Experience running a lean, highly efficient finance and accounting team
• Facilitative management style and rigorous attention to detail
• Experience managing the financial portion of federal and private foundation grants and philanthropic gifts
• Familiarity with the latest financial and accounting platforms and softwares; ability to learn new systems as needed
• Clear and competent communication skills

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