Position Overview

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will lead financial planning and management for SMA, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the organization and its ministries. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the CFO will collaborate closely with senior leadership and related organizations to implement mission-aligned financial strategies.

This is an executive leadership role ideal for a strategic, values-driven financial professional committed to supporting SMA’s mission of service and social justice.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop financial strategies aligned with SMA’s mission, culture, and demographic trends.

• Engage leadership and committees on financial performance and opportunities.

• Oversee long-term and annual budgeting, including property and community initiatives.

• Advise on investments, philanthropy, and socially responsible investing (SRI).

Member and Community Support

• Ensure financial services support the needs of sisters with sensitivity and clarity.

• Manage wills, estates, and probate matters for deceased members.

Financial Oversight

• Oversee budgeting, accounting, audits, cash management, and risk management.

• Evaluate organizational risk and determine appropriate insurance coverage.

• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and financial performance.

Operations, Legal & Risk Management

• Lead IT, procurement, and supply chain operations supporting SMA’s mission.

• Manage legal support and ensure compliance in contracting, documentation, and governance.

• Implement modernization and process-improvement initiatives.

Department Leadership

• Manage department staff, develop policies, and oversee budgets.

• Foster a culture of teamwork, mentorship, and mission-aligned service excellence.

• Act as thought partner to senior leadership for cross-departmental initiatives.

Board & Committee Engagement

• Serve on relevant boards and committees, including the SMA Audit Committee and Mercy Investment Services Board.

Qualifications

Education & Certification

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field required.

• Master’s degree, MBA, or CPA preferred.

Experience

• 10–15 years of progressive financial leadership experience in large, complex organizations (preferably nonprofit or healthcare).

• Proven experience managing multi-state or distributed teams.

• Knowledge of financial systems, investments, risk management, insurance, and government programs.

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic and analytical thinking with strong financial and administrative expertise.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and project management skills.

• High integrity, confidentiality, and alignment with organizational values.

• Ability to travel up to 30% for organizational needs.

Values

• Commitment to SMA’s values: respect, stewardship, integrity, hospitality, and compassion.

• Appreciation for the culture and traditions of the Sisters of Mercy.

Location

Belmont, North Carolina, is a charming, historic town along the Catawba River, just 15 minutes from Charlotte. The area offers:

• Strong community values, faith-based institutions, and excellent schools.

• Access to outdoor recreation, cultural events, and regional business centers.

• Home to Belmont Abbey College, St. Joseph Seminary, and SMA’s Sacred Heart Retirement Convent and ministries.

Application Process

Interested candidates should contact:
Jill DiGiovanni, Managing Associate, ZRG Partners
Email: jdigiovanni@zrgpartners.com
Phone: +1.757.734.1108

ZRG Partners provides a rigorous, data-driven assessment process, including initial interviews, client review, online assessment, finalist interviews, and referencing prior to final offers.

Education & Certification:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field (required).

• Master’s degree, MBA, or CPA designation (preferred).

Experience:

• 10–15 years of progressive financial leadership experience in a large, complex organization.

• Experience in non-profit and/or healthcare organizations preferred.

• Proven ability to lead and manage multi-state or distributed teams.

• Knowledge of financial systems, investments, risk management, and insurance programs.

• Experience with government programs such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, or other healthcare and long-term care programs.

• Experience managing external vendors or consultants.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strategic and analytical thinking with strong financial, technical, and administrative expertise.

• Ability to develop financial strategies aligned with mission and long-term sustainability.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and project management skills.

• Ability to lead and mentor staff, foster teamwork, and drive operational efficiency.

• Strong ethical standards, integrity, and commitment to confidentiality.

• Ability to travel up to 30% as needed.

Values & Alignment:

• Commitment to the mission and values of the Sisters of Mercy: respect, stewardship, integrity, hospitality, and compassion.

• Understanding of and appreciation for the culture and traditions of the Sisters of Mercy and Catholic faith-based organizations.

About Sisters of Mercy of the Americas

ZRG has been retained to recruit the next Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas (SMA), an international Catholic faith-based organization committed to spirituality, community, service, social justice, and the critical concerns of Earth, immigration, nonviolence, racism, and women.

Connections working at Sisters of Mercy of the Americas