Senior Director of Accounting & Finance

SENIOR DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING & FINANCE JOB DESCRIPTION 

Department: Finance 

FLSA Status: Exempt 

Work Location: Hybrid 

FT/PT: Full-time 

Last Revision Date: February 12, 2025 

How to apply: A cover letter is required for consideration of this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address: 

• Your specific interest in the position and working at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra 
• Outline your skills and experience that directly relate to the responsibilities of the role 

The Organization: The Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) is known internationally for trailblazing performances, collaborations with the world’s foremost musical artists, and a deep commitment to serving our community. Making its home in historic Orchestra Hall at the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center, the DSO actively pursues its vision to be an inclusive and culturally relevant community where all people can experience their world through music. 

The DSO is a complex organization. Operating 365 days per year in historic Orchestra Hall, one of America’s most acoustically perfect concert halls, we are a performing arts institution, an educational facility, and a community center. We are governed by an independent Board of Directors and employ both union and non-union employees as musicians, stage crew, and administrative staff. Creating a unified culture throughout the institution is an organizational imperative, and we are guided by our values of excellence, diversity, resilience, collaboration, and innovation. The DSO is also deeply invested in the city of Detroit; through our Detroit Strategy initiative, we are expanding the DSO’s participation in the growth and well-being of the city. 

The DSO’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is paramount to who we are; we work to create an environment where all employees are seen, valued, and supported to enable their best every day. This is essential as we pursue our mission to impact lives through unforgettable musical experiences by sustaining a world class orchestra for the city of Detroit and the global community. 

The DSO offers a unique, fast-paced working environment, an excellent overall compensation package, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information visit www.dso.org. 

Position Summary: Reporting to the Vice President and Chief Financial & Administrative Officer (CFAO), the Senior Director of Accounting & Finance manages key accounting functions including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, payroll, internal controls, and compliance for the DSO. The role involves supporting the Board of Directors and working closely with the executive team, overseeing the daily financial operations of a $40 million organization, and leading a team of five staff members. 

Key Responsibilities: The essential duties and responsibilities of the Senior Director of Accounting and Finance include: 

• Budgeting and Forecasting: Manage the annual budget process, assist staff with budget creation, conduct revenue/expense analysis, and facilitate budget review with the CFAO and leadership teams, finance and audit committees. 

• Reporting: Prepare accurate, comprehensive, and timely financial reports for internal and external use, including budgets, financial and cash flow forecasts, and reports for regulatory agencies, including Form 990 and Form 5500, and financial information that substantiates the organization’s compliance with donor designations, restrictions and government grants and contracts. 

• Audit: Serve as the primary liaison for external audits, ensuring timely preparation of financial statements and compliance with accounting standards. 

• Risk Management: Ensure proper internal controls, policies, and procedures are in place to protect assets and data, prevent fraud, and ensure compliance. Oversee the commercial insurance program. 

• Financial Analytics, Advice and Counsel: Conduct financial analysis, offer expert advice, and support management in making informed decisions.

• Procure to Pay Cycle: Oversee the payment process, ensuring proper authorization, documentation, and timely payments to vendors, employees, and other stakeholders. 

• Payroll, Time & Attendance and Employee Benefits: Oversee the payroll function, including accuracy and timeliness of employee pay, time & attendance administration, and compliance with employee retirement and other benefits impacting payroll.

• Fundraising Accountability Coordination: Work with fundraising teams to ensure proper recording and financial tracking of all donations. 

• Commitment to Continuous Improvement: Lead efforts to improve financial systems, processes, and services. 

• Leadership: 
• Lead, manage, coach and mentor a team of 5 staff members, with two direct reports. 
• Oversee all accounting, internal control and reporting systems, ensuring compliance with GAAP. 
• Lead the DSO’s budgeting and planning processes and manage cash flow forecasting.  
• Collaborate with the CFAO to engage the board’s audit and finance committees around issues and trends in financial operations. 
• Manage and track the performance of endowment assets. 
• Oversee annual commercial insurance renewal. 

Required Qualifications: 

• 7-10 years of non-profit accounting and finance experience in leadership roles, including management experience 
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business 
• A proactive, hands-on strategic thinker who will own, in partnership with the CFAO, the responsibility for the organization’s finance function 
• Strong audit, budget management, not-for-profit accounting and reporting skills.  
• Excellent analytic, organizational and problem-solving abilities. 
• Strong communication skills, including experience with senior leadership and board presentations 
• Ability to act independently, take initiative, and meet changing priorities 
• Successful experience working in, and contributing to, a collaborative, team environment 

Desired Qualifications: 

• 10 years of non-profit accounting and finance experience in leadership roles, including management experience 
• CPA certification 
• Demonstrated experience and investment in issues of diversity, equity and inclusion 

Physical Requirements: This role primarily works in an office environment and frequently has prolonged periods of sitting and looking at a computer screen. 

Position Reports to: Vice President and Chief Financial & Administrative Officer 

Direct Reports: Director of Accounting & Financial Reporting, Payroll Accountant