Director of Finance Operations

About the role

The Director of Finance Operations is responsible for the leadership, management, and continuous improvement of the Metropolitan Opera's transactional and operational finance functions. This position oversees Accounts Payable, Payroll, Gift Processing, Media Finance, Business Systems, and finance process improvement initiatives.

The Director ensures efficient, scalable, customer-focused operations while maintaining strong operational controls and service levels. The role partners closely with the Controller to support accurate accounting and compliance and with the Director of Financial Planning & Analysis to support financial planning and operational decision-making.

Primary Responsibilities

Finance Operations Leadership

• Lead core transactional finance functions:
• Accounts Payable
• Gift Processing
• Media Finance
• Business Systems
• Establish service standards, operational metrics, and accountability measures.
• Develop and mentor finance operations staff.
• Create a culture focused on customer service, process excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with the Controller to ensure effective operational controls and compliance.

Accounts Payable Operations

• Oversee invoice processing and payment execution.
• Ensure timely and accurate vendor payments.
• Manage banking and payment vendor relationships.
• Optimize payment timing and cash disbursement processes.
• Improve cycle times, exception handling, and workflow efficiency.

Revenue Operations

Gift Processing

• Oversee recording and processing of contributions.
• Ensure compliance with donor intent and gift acceptance requirements.
• Partner with Development on donor reporting and stewardship needs.
• Manage major gift processing activities.

Media Finance

• Oversee financial operations associated with media distribution activities.
• Manage invoicing, collections, cash application, reconciliations, and revenue tracking.
• Coordinate reporting for media partners and revenue-sharing arrangements.
• Support audit and reporting requirements associated with media activities.

Business Systems Administration

• Lead finance-related business systems and technology platforms.
• Partner with Information Systems to establish finance system priorities.
• Ensure data integrity and system effectiveness.
• Support ERP enhancements, upgrades, and integrations.
• Develop reporting and workflow solutions that improve efficiency and accuracy.

Process Improvement and Transformation

• Lead finance automation initiatives.
• Evaluate and redesign business processes to improve efficiency and scalability.
• Reduce manual work and eliminate redundant processes.
• Implement best practices for finance shared services and transaction processing.
• Develop operational dashboards and key performance indicators.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Partner with:
• Controller
• Director of Financial Planning & Analysis
• Human Resources
• Development
• Information Systems
• Legal
• Support organization-wide initiatives involving finance processes, systems, and controls.
• Participate in major system implementations and transformation efforts.

Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive finance operations experience.
• Minimum 3 years leading finance operational teams.
• Strong experience managing Accounts Payable, Payroll, and business process improvement.
• Experience leading ERP and financial systems initiatives.
• Advanced Excel and data analysis skills.
• Strong project management and change management experience.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.