Finance manager jobs in Charleston, SC - 124 jobs

Spoleto Festival USA is one of America's leading performing arts festivals. Each spring, for 17 days and nights, the Festival fills Charleston's historic theaters, churches, and outdoor spaces with more than 150 performances in opera, theater, dance, and chamber, symphonic, choral, and jazz music. The 2026 Season will run from May 22 through June 7. Spoleto is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with an annual operating budget of $10-12 million and a year-round staff of approximately 30. During the Festival season, the team expands to more than 500 seasonal employees and contractors. Spoleto Festival USA seeks an experienced and strategic Chief Financial & Operating Officer (CFOO) to oversee Corporate Administration, including Finance, Human Resources, Operations and Facilities, Contracts, and Information Technology. The CFOO reports directly to the General Director and CEO and works in close partnership with the Chief Producer, Chief Advancement Officer, Marketing team, and Artistic Cabinet. The CFOO is a key member of the c-suite and serves as the primary liaison to the Finance, Audit, and Investment Committees -of the Board of Directors, as well as the Board Treasurer. The CFOO leads a dedicated internal finance and operations team and plays a pivotal, collaborative role across the Festival. The CFOO is responsible for stewarding Spoleto's financial health and business operations while supporting innovation and organizational growth. This includes ensuring transparency, accountability, and long-term sustainability. The CFOO partners closely with colleagues across departments to align financial and operational strategy with institutional priorities, enabling the Festival to deliver on its mission and vision. The ideal candidate brings a builder mindset and thrives in collaborative, resource-constrained environments. They understand that Spoleto is a complex, layered institution that operates as a producing entity, a creative laboratory, and a civic convening engine. They are energized by that multifaceted identity. This person has experience scaling systems and teams in nonprofit or entrepreneurial settings and knows how to balance structure with flexibility. They view Finance, HR, Operations, and IT as core enabling infrastructure that supports creativity, innovation, and sustainable growth. They are comfortable with iterative planning, mid-course adjustments, and festival tempo decision making. They communicate financial information in clear, accessible ways, especially to colleagues and board members without deep finance backgrounds. They approach challenges with energy, curiosity, resourcefulness, respect, and pragmatism and hold steady during high-volume periods with multiple deadlines and stakeholders. Above all, they understand that great artistry requires great management. They build systems that serve humans, not the other way around. Position Type Full-time, exempt, and benefit-eligible Hours A standard 40-hour work week; including work nights, holidays, weekends, and extended hours as required; on-call during Festival period Anticipated Start Date January 2026 Location Charleston, SC (on-site) Department Finance & Business Operations Reports to General Director & CEO Responsibilities Finance / Financial Planning Oversee and manage all accounting and finance operations, including AP and AR, payroll, reconciliations, and internal controls. Produce timely reports, dashboards, and financial statements for leadership and the board. Collaborate with department heads to develop and monitor budgets and forecasts. Advise the CEO on financial strategy and risk mitigation. Lead the annual budgeting process and the multi-year budget model. Identify opportunities for financial and operational improvement across departments. Translate data into actionable insights for staff and board leadership. Ensure accurate tracking of restricted gifts, grants, and endowment funds. Oversee audit preparation and compliance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards. Collaborate and ensure accurate financial reporting for grants and related government compliance. Maintain banking controls and authorize disbursements, including AP, payroll, wires, and EFTs. Partner with the CEO and senior team to drive strategic financial planning and modeling for high-impact new initiatives, campaigns, and projects. Oversee and collaborate with Producing, Marketing, Box Office, and Advancement on forecasting of ticket revenue, gift revenue, and expenses, and develop comprehensive financial projections and dynamic models for all earned income streams, including ticket sales and venue rentals. Direct reports: Financial Operations Manager; Accounting Specialist Board Relations / Reporting Serve as liaison to the Finance, Investment, and Audit Committees and to the Board Treasurer. Coordinate with the Investment Committee on portfolio reporting and oversight. Human Resources Drive strategic direction for all HR functions, including systems, policies, employment compliance, and benefit administration, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives. Provide executive oversight and guidance for talent acquisition, onboarding, and retention strategies, leveraging departmental leadership to optimize staffing workflows and organizational health. Champion organizational culture through final approval of the staff handbook, HR procedures, and internal communication frameworks developed by the Director of People and Culture. Ensure the effective operation of performance review systems and provide high-level support for conflict resolution strategies in partnership with the Director of People and Culture. Direct report: Director of People and Culture Operations, Facilities, Event Rentals Provide strategic oversight for off-season facility management, event rentals, vendor relationship protocols, and all non-festival logistics. Lead the development of organizational insurance coverage and strategy, comprehensive safety and risk mitigation planning, and standardized incident protocols. Direct the planning and execution of all festival security operations and vendor relationships. Drive seamless cross-department collaboration and operational efficiency across all initiatives, planning, etc. Manage high-level vendor relationships and oversee the procurement strategies for all business supplies and operational needs. Ensure optimal functioning of front-of-house operations, including reception, phone systems, and general office technology infrastructure. Direct report: Operations Manager Contracts / Legal Oversee all departmental contracts and legal agreements, providing high-level guidance and final approval for key negotiations. Establish and enforce organizational policies for contract review, approval thresholds (e.g., approving all contracts above $10k), and legal compliance. Manage the strategic relationship with external legal counsel, leveraging their expertise to ensure comprehensive risk mitigation and contract approval processes. Direct the annual review cycle for all major vendor contracts, lines of credit, mortgages, and other agreements to ensure favorable terms and optimal business outcomes. Coordinates with: Legal Counsel Information Technology Establish strategic direction and governance for organizational systems architecture, workflow tools, and software licensing protocols. Direct the CRM administration strategy, including platforms like Financial Edge and Tessitura, and enforce robust data security policies across the organization via the CRM Systems Manager and MSP. Align technology strategy with departmental needs, coordinating with Marketing on audience data requirements and with the Chief Producer and Box Office on scalable ticketing systems for the Festival. Drive data literacy and analytics strategy, overseeing the development of executive-level dashboards for marketing, ticket sales, and development in collaboration with corresponding departments/teams. Manage the high-level relationship and service level agreements (SLAs) with the external IT Managed Service Provider (MSP) and internal Director of People and Culture to ensure seamless operational support and infrastructure. Direct reports: CRM Manager; Director People and Culture; IT MSP Leadership, Culture, and Cross-Department Collaboration Act as a strategic partner to Artistic, Marketing, Producing, and Advancement leadership, fostering a culture of collaborative decision-making. Translate complex financial data into clear, actionable strategic direction for non-financial colleagues across all departments. Develop and implement scalable organizational systems and planning tools that support long-term growth and sustainability beyond the 50th anniversary. Drive a culture of accountability, clarity, and effective communication within a dynamic, fast-moving environment. Oversee the implementation of cross-departmental tools and frameworks that optimize planning, communication, and overall work culture. Required Qualifications Bachelor's or advanced degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Management, or related field required. Brings 7-10+ years of progressive finance leadership experience, ideally including nonprofit and/or growth-stage organizations. Demonstrated expertise in business management, strategic planning, and operational oversight, fostering cross-functional collaboration. Deep knowledge of nonprofit finance and fund accounting, with demonstrated expertise in audit preparation, compliance, and financial reporting. Proven ability to build and direct a high-performing finance and accounting team, delegating effectively while fostering a collaborative, supportive, and accountable work environment. Demonstrated success building systems, implementing best practices, and supporting organizational growth while maintaining financial discipline. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to translate complex financial information into clear, actionable insights for colleagues, board members, and stakeholders-including those without a finance background. Strong technological fluency, including advanced Excel skills; experience with financial systems, ERP platforms, or CRM integration is a plus. Impeccable accuracy and attention to detail, supported by strong organizational and analytical skills. Flexibility, adaptability, and a proactive mindset, with the ability to balance strategic priorities and hands-on execution in a fast-paced environment. Desired Qualifications Familiarity with Financial Edge, Tessitura, or other nonprofit financial systems. Background in the arts, culture, or live performance sector. Experience working with investment management and endowment funds. Prior engagement with a nonprofit board of directors. Experience with capital planning, facilities financing, or large-scale project budgeting. Additional Requirements Physical requirements include sustained focus and visual concentration on screens, frequent communication in various formats, the ability to sit or stand for extended periods, and lift, push, or pull up to 30 lbs. Must be able to work at a desk for long periods, use computer equipment, and travel between facilities and venues while carrying materials. Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with the ADA. Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner. Must be able to pass and maintain a clear background check. Demonstrated commitment to fostering an equitable, accessible, and inclusive environment for Festival staff, artists, audiences, and communities. Flexibility with work schedule, including work nights, holidays, weekends, and extended hours as required; must be available to work long days, nights, and weekends during the Festival with a positive attitude. This position is based in Charleston, SC, with on-site presence required during the Festival period. Remote or hybrid work may be possible with prior approval from the supervisor. Compensation The starting salary is $200,000, commensurate with the selected candidate's experience and qualifications. Full-time Employee Benefits + Perks: Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance Health Savings Account and Health Reimbursement Arrangement Life and Disability Insurance 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Match Employee Assistance Program Generous Time Off: Paid Vacation Days + Paid Office Closures (11 Holidays + 23 Office Closures) Free Onsite Parking Complimentary Festival Performance Admission for Staff and Guest To apply: Please send a resume and cover letter to ********************** with the subject line “Chief Financial & Operating Officer.” Three references with email addresses are required. No phone calls, please. Spoleto Festival USA is an equal opportunity employer and committed to diversity in hiring. Equity is central to our culture, mission, and who we are as an arts organization. Spoleto Festival USA does not discriminate in employment on the basis of an individual's race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, hairstyles or hair texture, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, individuals with disabilities, pregnancy, parental status, marital status, military status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law. Our greatest strength comes from our ability to come together as unique individuals - come as you are and bring the best version of yourself. Uncertain if you fulfill every requirement in our job description? Don't let that deter you! If you think you have the potential to shine in this role, we wholeheartedly invite you to apply. At Spoleto Festival USA, we enthusiastically evaluate a wide spectrum of candidates, valuing their diverse workplace backgrounds and experiences. Whether you're entering the world of arts and culture administration, reentering the workforce after a break, contemplating a career shift, or pursuing advancement on your career journey, we're eager to consider you for exciting opportunities within our organization. Your application will be met with appreciation and thorough consideration. #J-18808-Ljbffr