Chief Financial Officer

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a key member of Nashville PBS’s senior leadership team, responsible for driving the organization’s overall financial strategy and management. This role safeguards the organization’s fiscal health, ensures transparency and accountability, and advances Nashville PBS’s mission to serve the Middle Tennessee community with trusted, educational, and inspiring media.

The CFO will oversee financial reporting, budget planning, cash flow management, audits, and investment oversight, while fostering a culture of collaboration, efficiency, and integrity across the organization.

We are seeking a strategic, forward-thinking leader with a proven track record of applying an analytical, metrics-driven approach. The CFO will not only strengthen the organization’s financial foundation but also enhance its reputation across the region, build and lead a high-performing team, and champion a culture of collaboration.

In 2023, Nashville PBS launched a three-year strategic plan focused on content, digital distribution, and community engagement. The CFO will play a pivotal role in developing and executing the funding strategy to successfully operationalize this plan.

Reporting directly to the President and Chief Executive Officer, the CFO will serve as a trusted advisor and critical member of the senior leadership team, while also acting as a key liaison to the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and community stakeholders.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Produce and present consolidated monthly/quarterly/annual financial reports with narrative analysis.
• Oversee accounting processes, cash flow projections, and year-end forecasts.
• Lead the development of annual and long-term budgets in collaboration with senior leadership.
• Provide financial insights to support strategic planning, resource allocation, and cost-efficiency initiatives.
• Create, implement and drive the financial strategy in support of Nashville PBS Strategic Plan to drive long-term sustainability and growth
• Provide clear financial guidance and financial literacy training for non-financial staff.
• Oversee grant accounting, reporting, and compliance with restricted funding requirements.
• Track donor-restricted and board-designated funds to ensure proper use and reporting.
• Support development staff with financial data for fundraising proposals and reports.
• Lead annual audit preparation and coordinate with external auditors.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, IRS regulations for nonprofits, and all federal, state, and grant requirements.
• Oversee annual audits and coordinate with external auditors.
• Implement internal controls to safeguard assets and mitigate risk.
• Manage insurance, contracts, and other financial risk exposures.
• Serve as payroll processing counterpart to HR
• Ensure accurate and timely payroll, benefits, and compliance with confidentiality requirements.
• Serve as the primary financial advisor to the Board of Directors, providing clear reports and recommendations that support fiduciary oversight.
• Partner with the Finance Committee to prepare materials, present updates, and ensure informed decision-making.
• Collaborate with various boards and leadership on long-term financial planning, sustainability strategies, and risk management.
• Foster transparency and accountability by communicating financial information in accessible language to all board members.
• Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

The CFO should hold a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field. A master’s degree such as an MBA or MPA is preferred but not required. Professional certification such as CPA or CFA is strongly preferred. The ideal candidate will bring at least ten years of progressive financial management experience, including a minimum of five years in senior leadership. A proven record of success in strategic financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management, as well as demonstrated expertise in audits, regulatory compliance, and risk management. Experience collaborating with executive leadership and boards of directors is essential, along with a track record of building and leading high-performing teams. Proficiency with financial systems, reporting tools, and business technologies is required. While nonprofit or mission-driven organization experience is highly valued, it is not required.

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES

The CFO must demonstrate a broad and deep understanding of nonprofit financial management, paired with the strategic insight to align financial practices with Nashville PBS’s mission. The CFO should be skilled in financial planning, budgeting, cash flow management, and investment oversight, with proven ability to communicate financial concepts to both financial and non-financial audiences, including the Board of Directors and external stakeholders. Success in this position requires exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, combined with sound judgment and a commitment to ethical stewardship of organizational resources. The CFO must be an effective leader and team builder, able to mentor staff, foster cross-departmental collaboration, and manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment. Advanced proficiency in financial systems, reporting tools, and business technologies is essential, as is the ability to adapt and innovate processes for efficiency and transparency.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Individuals may need to sit or stand as needed. Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. May require walking primarily on a level surface for periodic periods throughout the day. Reaching above shoulder heights, below the waist or lifting as required (up to 15 lbs.), filing documents or store materials throughout the workday. Proper lifting techniques required. Able to travel locally with occasional out of state travel. Occasional work on weekends and evenings may be required. For the most part ambient room temperatures, lighting and traditional equipment as found in a typical office environment.

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to Human Resources, Attn: HR, Nashville PBS, 161 Rains Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203 or email to mblair@wnpt.org.   

Nashville PBS is an Equal Opportunity Employer