Director of Finance

About the role

The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and hands-on financial leader to serve as Director of Finance. As a member of the Leadership Team, the Director of Finance will provide strategic leadership for financial planning, accounting, budgeting, forecasting, financial systems, and organizational stewardship while ensuring the Garden has the financial strength and capacity to advance its mission and Strategic Framework. This role is for a leader who is equally comfortable thinking strategically and contributing directly to the work. The Director will serve as a trusted financial advisor and organizational partner while working alongside the Finance team to ensure strong day-to-day accounting operations, accurate reporting, and successful execution during month-end and year-end close, audits, budgeting, and other high-demand periods.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted financial advisor to the President & CEO, Leadership Team, Board, and key Board committees.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, long-range financial planning, reporting, and financial operations.
• Provide direction and oversight to the Finance team while remaining actively involved in accounting operations and critical departmental priorities.
• Strengthen financial systems, internal controls, processes, and reporting to support organizational effectiveness and growth.
• Partner across departments to evaluate opportunities, manage risk, allocate resources, and strengthen financial decision-making.
• Help shape the Garden’s future as an active member of the Leadership Team.

Requirements

• Believes strong financial stewardship creates the foundation for mission success.
• Moves comfortably between strategic leadership and hands-on execution—knowing when to provide direction, when to delegate, and when to directly contribute.
• Has significant experience leading accounting, budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, audits, and organizational financial management.
• Can translate complex financial information into clear, meaningful insight for colleagues and Board members.
• Enjoys improving systems, developing people, solving problems, and helping others succeed.
• Leads with integrity, curiosity, accountability, kindness, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

About the organization

The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is a dynamic nonprofit organization where plants connect people to nature, learning, and one another. Guided by our Strategic Framework and values, we're investing in our future through thoughtful leadership, innovation, and collaboration.