Director of Finance & Operations

JOB TITLE

Director of Finance & Operations

REPORTS TO

President & CEO

DEPARTMENT

Finance

PAY STATUS

Executive Exemption The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce ("AACOC", a 501(c)(6)) is a member organization of business and community leaders dedicated to building community through business by growing jobs, advocating for a business-friendly environment, and helping businesses thrive.

PRIMARY FUNCTION

Reporting directly to the President & CEO, the Director of Finance & Operations provides financial stewardship and operational management across the Chamber and its related entities, including the AACOC Community Betterment Foundation ("Foundation", a 501(c)(3)), and 36 Montford Condominium Association ("Condo"). The Finance department also provides outsourced accounting services to the Asheville Downtown Improvement District ("ADID", a 501(c)(3)). These four entities are referred to in this job description as the Portfolio Entities. The Director of Finance & Operations is the Chamber's senior financial staff position and contributes strategic and tactical insight across a broad range of organizational initiatives. The Director is responsible for accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, audit, compliance, grant administration, certain human resources functions, IT strategic oversight, and facilities management functions. This position directly supervises the IT & Building Operations Manager and the Accounting Assistant.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Financial Management & Reporting

• Direct all accounting functions and financial operations for the Portfolio Entities.
• Prepare and present financial statements, budget variance analyses, and financial reports to the Chamber Finance Committee, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors, the Asheville-Buncombe Economic Development Coalition Board of Directors, the Foundation Board of Directors, the ADID Board of Directors and the Condo Board of Directors.
• Manage cash flow, banking relationships, operating accounts, and investments for the Portfolio Entities.
• Lead the annual budgeting process for the Portfolio Entities in collaboration with department directors, senior leadership and boards of directors.
• Prepare financial projections and pro forma analyses for new and existing programs and initiatives to support sound decision-making.
• Coordinate annual audits and assist in the preparation of tax returns (Forms 990 and 1120), partnering effectively with external auditors and accountants.
• Provide financial and operational leadership during organizational or community crisis events as needed. Grant Administration & Compliance
• Administer federal, state, and private foundation grants, leading budget development during the application phase and managing full lifecycle from award through compliance, financial reporting, amendments, and closeout.
• Ensure compliance with applicable grant requirements, including federal Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) for federal awards and subawards.
• Manage financial reporting obligations and contract modifications associated with active grants. Human Resources & Benefits
• Direct HR functions for Chamber employees, including benefits design and administration, vendor management, payroll processing, and compliance.
• Oversee recruitment support including job postings, background checks, and new employee orientation and onboarding.
• Administer the 401(k) plan and manage relationships with benefits vendors, including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability providers.
• Maintain and enhance HR policies and procedures documentation. IT Strategic Oversight & Facilities
• Provide strategic direction for IT infrastructure and systems, including vendor management, platform decisions, and cybersecurity practices.
• Oversee facilities management and supervise the IT & Building Operations Manager, who handles day-to-day IT systems for the Chamber and facilities maintenance and vendor relationships for the Chamber's commercial property. Supervision
• Directly supervise two positions: the IT & Building Operations Manager and the Accounting Assistant.
• Provide direction, performance feedback, and professional development support to direct reports.

Perform other duties as assigned by the President & CEO.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Strong financial acumen and command of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and nonprofit accounting standards.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multi-entity financial operations and present financial information clearly to boards and senior leadership.
• Experience with federal and/or private foundation grant administration and compliance preferred.
• Excellent analytical, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
• High degree of integrity and the ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive financial, personnel, and organizational information.
• Proficiency with accounting software (QuickBooks preferred) and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

Prior experience in senior financial management, ideally within a nonprofit organization, chamber of commerce, trade association, or comparable multi-stakeholder environment, will provide the strongest preparation for this role. Experience managing audits, overseeing HR functions, and working with boards of directors is highly desirable.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE A

bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required. CPA or comparable professional credential is a plus but not required.

COMPENSATION & APPLICATION

The hiring range for this position is $95,000 - $105,000. Additional benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k) plan with employer matching, life insurance, disability insurance, 10 paid holidays and PTO leave. To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. AACOC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Pay:

$95,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Disability insurance Employee assistance program Employee discount Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid parental leave Paid time off Parental leave Professional development assistance Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person