Description

BerryDunn has partnered with our client, the Portland Museum of Art (PMA), to find a strategic, forward-thinking Director of Finance  to help guide the next chapter in the nonprofit institution’s history.  For more than 140 years, the Portland Museum of Art has been shaped by three enduring pillars: community enrichment, collection stewardship, and campus sustainability. From its founding by artists and civic leaders in 1882, to transformative gifts and expansions that defined its place in Maine’s cultural landscape, the PMA has always evolved in partnership with its community and  mission.

Today, fueled by a growing and varied collection, record attendance, community momentum, and a once-in-a-generation opportunity to expand and unify its campus, the PMA is entering an ambitious era.  You will help shape a future that honors a remarkable legacy while embracing bold progress. This is a rare opportunity to play a central role in a transformational moment—strengthening the foundation that allows art, community, and creativity to thrive for generations to come.

The Head of Finance serves as the Museum’s  trusted strategic partner to the Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director, and Board of Trustees. This leader will steward the PMA’s financial health while helping translate vision into action—aligning resources with strategy, strengthening systems, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of this cultural institution.

This is a highly visible role for a finance leader who thrives at the intersection of strategy, governance, operations, and mission.

You Will:

Lead with Vision and Strategy

Act as a strategic business partner to senior leadership, contributing to institutional planning, growth initiatives, and long-range financial strategy
Translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insights for leadership and the Board
Establish and drive annual financial objectives aligned with institutional priorities
Develop policies and practices that support innovation, accountability, and sustainability

Ensure Financial Excellence and Integrity

Oversee all accounting, reporting, and compliance functions in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit regulations
Lead budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis across departments
Manage audits, tax filings, and grant reporting in partnership with external advisors
Strengthen internal controls and risk mitigation practices

Guide Investment and Risk Strategy

Partner with the Investment Committee and advisors on endowment and capital funds
Monitor portfolio performance and spending policies
Oversee cash flow and liquidity planning
Lead enterprise risk management, insurance oversight, and financial due diligence

Build Modern Financial Infrastructure

Optimize financial systems, tools, and reporting platforms
Drive process improvements that enhance transparency, efficiency, and decision-making
Ensure compliance with funder and contract requirements

Lead and Develop a High-Performing Team

Mentor and manage the finance team with a focus on growth, accountability, and collaboration
Set clear goals, provide coaching, and support professional development
Partner with Human Resources on hiring, onboarding, performance management, and succession planning

Engage Beyond the Balance Sheet

Bring an inclusive, community-centered lens to financial decision-making
Build relationships with funders, financial institutions, and peer organizations
Represent the PMA in professional and cultural forums
Support initiatives aligned with the PMA’s commitment to access, equity, and belonging

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field (MBA or CPA ideal)
• 7–10 years of progressive financial leadership experience, ideally including nonprofit and/or public accounting experience
• At least 5 years of people management experience
• Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting, compliance, and governance (501(c)(3))
• Experience working with executive leadership and board committees
• Investment oversight, audit, and financial strategy experience
• Familiarity with Sage or comparable financial systems
• A strategic thinker who connects financial stewardship to mission impact
• A clear communicator who makes financial information accessible and meaningful
• A collaborative leader who builds trust and develops teams
• Comfortable navigating complexity, change, and competing priorities
• Data-driven, detail-oriented, and solutions-focused
• Curious, adaptable, and committed to continuous learning
• Values diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential to organizational success