The Chief Financial and Administrative Officer (CFAO) serves as a key member of the Chamber’s Executive Team and a strategic thought partner to the President & CEO. This position is responsible for overseeing financial, administrative, and human resource functions of the Chamber, its Foundation, consolidated affiliates, non-consolidated affiliates, and related organizations. The CFAO ensures the financial sustainability, operational excellence, and organizational compliance needed to advance the Chamber’s mission, helping drive a forward-thinking financial strategy that supports membership growth, optimizes revenue streams, expands grant capacity, and aligns surplus and reserve funds with long-term impact goals. The CFAO must also be a strong team leader who can cultivate talent, build a cohesive team culture, and intentionally develop the next leader of the department through coaching and succession planning.
Strategic Leadership & Financial Stewardship
- Provide strategic financial guidance to support the Chamber’s long-term goals.
- Oversee the annual budgeting and forecasting process; work closely with the VP of Accounting & Finance to coordinate department budgeting tools and Executive Team reviews.
- Provide oversight and strategic guidance to the Treasurer duties for the Nashville Chamber Public Benefit Foundation; the VP of Accounting & Finance serves in this role and supports board preparation and recordkeeping.
- Oversee financial planning, analysis, and reporting for the Chamber and related entities.
- Guide financial strategy including use of reserves, investments, and risk mitigation.
- Responsible for treasury management and bank relationships, including establishing new accounts, maintaining authorized signature on all accounts, compliance with cash management policies of the organization and managing funds for the maximum benefit to the Chamber.
- Support the Finance & Audit Committee, including preparation of reports and materials.
- Provide strategic oversight of the Chamber’s growing portfolio of private and public sector grants; build internal capacity and systems to ensure effective grant compliance, reporting, and integration into financial planning.
- Collaborate with the CEO and executive team to evaluate and optimize the Chamber’s revenue mix, including dues, program income, sponsorship, and grants, with a focus on sustainability, transparency, and impact.
- Provide financial leadership to guide strategic use of surplus and reserve funds to support mission-aligned investments and long-term growth priorities.
- Serve as a key partner in evaluating membership trends and supporting strategies to grow membership, diversify revenue, and expand the Chamber’s reach and relevance.
- Align financial planning with a refined events strategy and new revenue models that support higher impact, efficiency, and member value.
Financial Management & Compliance
- Direct preparation of monthly financial statements, forecasts, and executive-level dashboards.
- Manage financial operations including AP, AR, cash management, and payroll.
- Provide leadership and oversight of PAC accounting responsibilities.
- Lead annual external audits and coordinate timely filings: IRS 990/990-T, state franchise & excise, PAC disclosures, charitable solicitations, and more.
- Ensure compliance with GAAP, federal/state regulations, and internal financial policies.
- Maintain oversight of contracts, grants, and financial elements of fundraising strategies, with a focus on accuracy in grant reporting, alignment with funder requirements, and integration into financial planning and board reporting.
- Expand institutional expertise in grant management; support the VP of Accounting & Finance in taking on greater responsibility for grant tracking, compliance, and reporting.
- Provide leadership and oversight of PAC accounting responsibilities and support the Livability & Policy team in the creation, closure, and ongoing compliance management of Political Action Committees.
- Evaluate financial and operational support of non-consolidated affiliates (such as the Transit Alliance of Middle Tennessee) and recommend strategic changes where needed.
Human Resources & Organizational Administration
- Oversee all HR functions including hiring, promotions, terminations, and employee relations.
- Provide oversight of payroll and health insurance benefits administration, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and alignment with organizational policies; direct responsibility is carried out by the Manager of Human Resources & Payroll.
- Manage employee retirement plans (401k, DB plan) and act as fiduciary trustee.
- Partner with Chief of Staff on compensation studies, wage analysis, employee handbook updates, and internal policy review.
- Lead and coach the HR and finance team, with particular attention to cultivating team cohesion, performance, professional development, and a positive organizational culture.
- Promote intentional succession planning, career ladder development, and team-wide leadership growth to ensure long-term continuity and advancement within the finance and HR functions.
- Support the CEO in cultivating a high-performance culture that empowers staff, builds internal capacity, and ensures modern and competitive workplace policies that support recruitment, retention, and growth.
Operations & Risk Management
- Maintain adequate business insurance coverage.
- Oversee all financial and HR vendor relationships (audit, legal, HR consultant, insurance, accounting).
- Ensure compliance across all business systems and vendor engagements.
- Provide internal training to increase department leaders’ financial acumen.
- Ensure business continuity through up-to-date risk management protocols.
Key Partner on Special Initiatives
- Lead financial transition planning and risk oversight for the deconsolidation of the Nashville Health Care Council with the Chamber.
- Partner closely with the CEO and Chief of Staff to safeguard NACC’s interests during this separation, ensuring legal and financial protections are upheld.
