Chief Financial Officer

Hands On Children's Museum•Olympia, WA

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Hands On Children’s Museum is seeking a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to oversee finance, human resources, information technology, and organizational risk management. This is a strategic leadership role within a mission-driven nonprofit organization. The CFO will work closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and senior leadership team to guide financial strategy, nurture workplace culture, ensure technology supports growth, and guide long-term sustainability. The role involves developing and managing the annual operating budget, supervising accounting activities, monitoring fiscal performance, and reporting to the Board. The CFO will also lead HR and IT operations, manage consultants, insurance, licenses, and government filings. Financial expertise will extend to supporting all museum departments, including café and retail operations, visitor services, education programs, facilities, communications, and development. A key aspect of the role is partnering with senior leadership to foster a supportive and encouraging workplace culture.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field.
Minimum 7–10 years of senior financial leadership experience with strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting and GAAP.
Proven experience managing HR, IT, insurance, and regulatory compliance.
Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and communication skills with the ability to effectively present information and respond to questions in a professional manner.
Ability to thrive in a collaborative work environment and interface well with leadership, staff, and external partners.
Ability to manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines.
Able to define problems, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and create solutions.
Consistently demonstrate ethics, trust, and integrity.
Commitment to the mission and values of the organization.

Nice To Haves

Master’s, CPA or equivalent certification strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Guide financial strategy, nurture workplace culture, ensure technology supports growth, and guide long-term sustainability.
Develop and manage the Museum’s annual operating budget.
Collaborate closely with the Finance Manager and supervise daily, monthly, and annual accounting activities.
Monitor fiscal performance and report progress to department managers, the Board Finance Committee, and the Board of Directors.
Lead HR and IT operations with vision and integrity.
Manage consultants, business property and liability insurance, business licenses, and government filings.
Extend financial expertise to all museum departments, supporting café and retail operations, visitor services, education programs, facilities, communications, and development.
Partner with the senior leadership team to stay connected with staff and help build a workplace culture where everyone feels supported, listened to, and encouraged to grow.