Career Center
Posted: 08-Dec-25
Location: Belmont, North Carolina
Type: Full Time
Organization Size:
Organization Type:
Salary Range:
Work Experience:
Preferred Education:
Internal Number: JN -112025-49032
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) – Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Inc.
Location: Belmont, NC
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Website: sistersofmercy.org
Primary Contact:
Jill DiGiovanni, Managing Associate, ZRG Partners
Email: jdigiovanni@zrgpartners.com
Phone: +1.757.734.1108
Organization Overview
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Faith-based, Catholic nonprofit organization dedicated to mercy, social justice, and service.
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Over 1,700 sisters in the Americas; part of a global network of 5,000+ in 30 countries.
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Staff of 700+ manage operations including convents, care centers, ministries, and a national property portfolio.
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Core values: Spirituality, Community, Service, Social Justice (Critical concerns: Earth, Immigration, Nonviolence, Racism, Women).
Position Overview
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Lead Institute-wide financial planning and management.
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Ensure long-term sustainability to support members’ living, healthcare, spiritual needs, and ministries.
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Work closely with COO, Institute Leadership Team, Investment Services, and financial committees.
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Promote mission-aligned financial strategies, shared best practices, and effective stewardship.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
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Assess financial health and recommend strategies aligned with SMA mission.
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Guide long-term and capital budgeting, actuarial forecasts, and investments.
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Collaborate across departments and Mercy-related corporations.
Member Support
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Manage sisters’ banking and financial needs with clarity and sensitivity.
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Oversee wills, estate settlements, and probate matters for deceased sisters.
Financial Oversight
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Administer budgets, accounting, auditing, cash management, banking, and risk management.
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Provide regular financial reports and identify operational improvements.
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Ensure insurance coverage and compliance with regulatory standards.
Operations, Legal & Risk
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Supervise IT, procurement, legal matters, and contracts.
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Lead modernization and process improvement efforts.
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Ensure cybersecurity, emergency planning, and business continuity.
Department Management
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Lead Stewardship Department; manage and mentor staff.
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Oversee policy implementation, dashboards, succession planning, and professional development.
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Partner with leadership on cross-departmental initiatives.
Board & Committee Engagement
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Serve on Mercy Investment Services Board and Audit Committee.
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Provide mission-aligned financial insights for strategic decisions.
Qualifications
Values: Must share SMA’s core values (respect, stewardship, integrity, hospitality, compassion).
Education: Bachelor’s in Accounting, Finance, or related; MBA or CPA preferred.
Experience:
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10–15 years in finance leadership in complex nonprofits or healthcare organizations.
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Supervisory experience in multi-state/distributed environments.
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Knowledge of financial systems, SRI investing, risk management, insurance, government programs, contracting, and vendor management.
Skills & Competencies:
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Strategic thinker, strong project management, analytical and financial expertise.
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Excellent oral, written, and presentation communication.
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Ethical, culturally sensitive, collaborative, discreet, and team-oriented.
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Commitment to building collaborative relationships and consensus-driven leadership.
Other:
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Willingness to travel up to 30%.
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Familiarity with Catholic and Mercy culture preferred.
Location: Belmont, NC
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Small city near Charlotte with strong Catholic heritage.
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Campus includes convents, ministries, administrative offices, and educational facilities.
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Offers a high quality of life, outdoor activities, historic downtown, and affordable cost of living.
Recruitment Process (via ZRG Partners)
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Initial interviews with ZRG.
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Presentation to SMA for selection of candidates.
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Candidate online assessment.
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Finalist interviews with broader leadership.
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Formal referencing.
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Offer extended.
Key Leadership Contacts – Sisters of Mercy of the Americas
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Susan Sanders, RSM – President of the Institute Leadership Team
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Eileen Skinner – Chief Operating Officer
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Anne Searl – Senior Director of Human Resources
CFO Position Requirements
Values / Cultural Fit
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Must share SMA’s core values: respect, stewardship, integrity, hospitality, compassion.
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Commitment to learning about, supporting, and respecting vowed Sisters of Mercy.
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Sensitivity to cultural differences and diverse Mercy ministries.
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High degree of personal integrity, ethical standards, and discretion.
Education
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Required: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
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Preferred: Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, MBA, or CPA license.
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Familiarity with Catholic and Mercy culture is a plus.
Experience
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10–15 years of progressively responsible experience overseeing finance in large, complex organizations (nonprofit and/or healthcare preferred).
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Experience managing finance during periods of change or transition.
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Supervisory and leadership experience in multi-state or distributed environments.
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Familiarity with financial systems, information technology, and process modernization.
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Knowledge of investment programs and socially responsible investing (SRI).
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Experience assessing risk and managing insurance coverage.
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Expertise with government entitlement programs (Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid), health care, and long-term care.
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Experience with contracting and managing external vendors or consultants.
Skills
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Strategic thinking and conceptual leadership.
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Strong project management skills (planning and implementation).
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Technical and financial expertise: cost accounting, non-profit accounting, benchmarking, and financial analysis.
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Open and transparent communication: oral, written, and presentation skills.
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Ability to analyze complex financial decisions and explain implications clearly.
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Collaboration, mentoring, and team-building skills.
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Ability to operate in a consensus-driven, collaborative environment while exercising independent judgment.
Competencies / Key Traits
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Ability to function as a thought partner to COO and Institute Leadership Team.
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Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
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Commitment to building collaborative relationships.
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Ability to set, manage, and hold team goals accountable.
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Appreciation for effective processes and operational excellence.
Other Requirements
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Willingness and ability to travel regularly (up to 30%).
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Commitment to safe, clean, and professional work environment.
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Alignment with Sisters of Mercy mission and vision.
