Southwest Michigan First is seeking a visionary and results-driven Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join our executive leadership team. This critical role will be responsible for shaping the financial future of our organization, driving strategic decision-making, and ensuring long-term financial sustainability and operational excellence. The ideal candidate is a strategic partner with a deep understanding of finance, operations, and leadership in complex and dynamic environments.
If you are a seasoned financial executive with a passion for mission-driven work and the ability to lead with integrity and innovation—we want to hear from you.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategic Financial Leadership
- Lead the development and execution of financial strategies that support the organization’s vision and long-term goals.
- Direct robust budgeting and forecasting processes that inform strategic planning, resource allocation, and performance measurement.
- Collaborate with the leadership team to identify opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement.
- Oversee financial planning, analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting to ensure transparency, accuracy, and alignment with strategic objectives.
- Serve as a key advisor to the CEO, executive leadership, and Board of Directors on financial matters, business modeling, and risk management.
- Manage financial risk management, treasury functions, investment strategies, and capital structure optimization.
- Manage relationships with external stakeholders, including financial institutions, auditors, legal advisors, investors, and regulatory agencies.
Operational Excellence
- Collaborate with the CEO and senior management team to develop and execute strategic plans.
- Optimize operational infrastructure and financial systems to support scalability, efficiency, and innovation.
- Lead and integrate core business functions, including Finance, Human Resources, Investor Engagement, and Events.
- Champion process improvements and technology enhancements that drive operational effectiveness and cost savings.
- Oversee compliance with financial regulations, audit requirements, labor laws, and industry standards.
- Manage internal and external audits, including federal Single Audits as required.
- Manage vendor relationships and negotiate contracts to ensure favorable terms for the organization.
People & Culture Leadership
- Lead high-performing teams, fostering a culture of accountability, empowerment, and continuous improvement.
- Partner with the CEO and senior leadership on strategic planning and organizational development.
- Support the integration of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles across all areas of finance and operations.
- Develop talent strategies to retain and grow top-tier professionals across departments.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Proven experience (7 – 10+ years) in a senior financial management role, preferably as a controller, VP of Finance, CFO, or similar.
- Proven track record of success in leading financial strategy, risk management, and operations in complex organizations.
- Advanced degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field; MBA or Master’s preferred.
- CPA designation strongly preferred.
- Expertise in financial modeling, strategic planning, and organizational change management.
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, drive enterprise-wide initiatives, and influence at all levels.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to present complex financial data to diverse audiences.
- Tech-savvy and comfortable leveraging modern financial systems and analytical tools.
Interested? Apply now! All applications require:
- Cover Letter
- Resume
About Southwest Michigan First
Southwest Michigan First is an organization of privately funded economic development advisors who act as the catalyst for economic success in Southwest Michigan. Founded in 1999 on the principle that the greatest force for change is a job, the organization works across all industries throughout the seven counties making up the Southwest Michigan region.
Southwest Michigan First provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local laws. In addition to federal law requirements, Southwest Michigan First complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.