Strategic CFAO

quality writing, ability to explain complex ideas and situations in accessible language as well as strategic thinking. 4 scenarios - lay out all four strategically - naming assumptions made Scenario Exercise 1 As CFAO you are responsible for the Finance & Accounting, Human Resources, and Information Technology (IT) areas. One of these areas, IT management, is outsourced. There is an employee at the national office whose responsibilities include being the liaison with the outsourced vendor. IT performance would be rated satisfactory or unsatisfactory by employees of Jeremiah. There have been many technology related issues over the years and as the organization expands, the issues increase. Additionally, the Finance team is seeking to improve their financial tools/systems. The external auditors have recommended this and the need for other reporting is increasing. An HRIS exists in a limited way via the payroll system. Other technologies are used to support development, participant data and volunteer data. Describe how you, as the newly appointed CFAO, would approach the IT needs and solutions for the organization. Scenario Exercise 2 It is the time of year that performance evaluations are completed and annual compensation adjustments are under consideration. Executive Directors at program locations have submitted their recommendations. The annual increase was budgeted at a 3% average; however, some locations have exceeded the 3% for their teams. The CFAO works closely with the HR Director on merit planning. What process would you recommend the CFAO and HR Director take to evaluate and recommend adjustments for staff throughout the organization? Scenario Exercise 3 Jeremiah Program is structured as one 501c(3) with a National Governing Board of Directors and local Advisory Boards comprised of volunteers at each of our locations. Advisory Boards are considered committees of the National Governing Board. Consider a scenario in which a local Advisory Board seeks to secure and protect selected financial assets for their location only. For purposes of this scenario, assets for consideration are listed on the location’s Balance Sheet as $1M Donor Endowment and $2.5M Board Designated Endowment. Though identified on the location’s internal balance sheet, these financial assets are consolidated on the total Jeremiah Program audited financial statements. The Advisory Board has alerted the Chairman of the National Governing Board of their plans. Who should address this interest of the Advisory Board and who should be informed of this request? What are the next steps for the CFAO? Scenario Exercise 4 One of Jeremiah Program’s locations has requested a restructuring of their staff effective immediately. This will include one additional headcount with total compensation of $75,000 along with 10% and 20% increases for two other staff members. This restructuring was not part of the annual budget and this location is having difficulty achieving their budgeted contributions and program goals. What actions should the CFAO take to address this request?