Description

About the Role

As Chief Financial Officer, you will lead Visit Seattle’s financial strategy, ensuring fiscal integrity and long-term sustainability. This executive role is responsible for overseeing all financial functions, including accounting, budgeting, financial planning, interfacing with and presenting to the finance committee and two Boards, annual audit process, liaising with the City of Seattle’s treasury department, and financial reporting. You will ensure that Visit Seattle's financial practices support its mission and help it thrive in a competitive market. This role demands a leader with both strategic vision and practical financial skills, capable of managing complex budgets and providing financial insights and forecasts to guide the organization's decisions and effectiveness.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and oversee Visit Seattle’s financial strategy, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
• Lead the finance team in managing daily financial operations, including accounting, payroll, and budgeting.
• Prepare and present accurate and timely financial reports to the President & CEO, Visit Seattle Board, Seattle Tourism Improvement Area Advisory Board, and Finance Committee.
• Implement and maintain rigorous financial controls and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
• Drive the annual budgeting process and provide financial forecasts to support business planning and decision-making.
• Act as a financial advisor to the President & CEO and board members, offering insights and recommendations on financial planning, risk management, and resource allocation.Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including department leads responsible for budgetary sections, ensuring effective communication, collaboration, and alignment on budget management and financial accountability throughout the organization.
• Facilitate financial literacy training for Visit Seattle team members
• Maintain relationships with external stakeholders, including banks, auditors, vendors, and partners to ensure the organization's financial interests are well represented and protected.
• Oversee resource investment strategy and manage organizational funds to ensure financial health and sustainability.
• Manage banking relationships, ensuring responsible cash management, liquidity, and alignment with Visit Seattle's mission and financial stewardship principles.
• Lead financial negotiations on behalf of Visit Seattle, including contracts, partnerships, and other strategic initiatives.
• Champion continuous improvement in financial processes and systems to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

Top Priorities

• Cultivate strong connections with internal team members and quickly develop working knowledge of our teams to ensure a foundation of trust and cooperation across all levels of Visit Seattle.
• Build and maintain trusting relationships with the three key Boards that provide funding and governance for Visit Seattle: the STIA Advisory Board, the Seattle Convention Center Public Facilities District Board, and the Visit Seattle Board.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or related field; Master’s degree or CPA is preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of finance experience, including 5+ years in a leadership role, preferably within a non-profit, tourism, or related sector.
• Proven ability to develop and execute financial strategy and manage financial operations effectively.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and manage a high-performing team.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and decision-making skills.
• Deep understanding of financial regulations and accounting principles.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, capable of engaging with a variety of stakeholders.
• Skilled in presentations and adept at using data visualization and storytelling to support decision-making.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Visit Seattle and a passion for promoting tourism.
• This position is located on-site in Seattle, WA. There is a preference for talent local to the Seattle area as relocation assistance is limited.