Chief Financial Officer

Requisition Id14747

About ORNL:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), managed by UT-Battelle is the largest Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science Laboratory and one of the most complex in the National Lab system. ORNL has a staff of over 7,000, a broad science and technology portfolio spanning basic research, energy, and national security, and a suite of world-class research facilities. As ORNL continues to expand its impact, the laboratory is developing strategic plans to shape its next decade, prioritizing initiatives that will drive scientific advancement and national benefit.

About UT-Battelle:

UT-Battelle, LLC, was established in 1999 as a private not-for-profit company for the sole purpose of managing and operating the Oak Ridge National Laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy. Formed as a limited liability company equally owned by the University of Tennessee and Battelle Memorial Institute, UT-Battelle is the legal entity responsible for delivering the Department of Energy's research mission at ORNL.

Position Overview:
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at ORNL, reporting to the Laboratory Director/ President and CEO of UT-Battelle, LLC, is a senior executive responsible for leading and managing all financial aspects of the laboratory. The CFO ensures the strategic alignment of financial operations with ORNL's mission while maintaining compliance with Department of Energy (DOE) regulations, federal financial standards, and industry best practices.

The CFO has financial oversight of a $2.6 billion annual budget. This role oversees financial planning, budget formulation, financial reporting, internal controls, and procurement to safeguard ORNL's assets and support its research and development initiatives. The CFO also leads pension and savings plan management, treasury functions, and acquisition activities, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.

As an officer of UT-Battelle, LLC, the CFO works closely with the Board of Governors and coordinates financial governance matters with Battelle Memorial Institute and the University of Tennessee. Additionally, this role directs a 260-member team within the Business Services Directorate, managing a $50+ million operating budget, while ensuring fiscal integrity and long-term sustainability.

This is a pivotal leadership position, requiring exceptional financial acumen, strategic vision, and the ability to drive financial sustainability and operational excellence at one of the nation's premier research institutions.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Strategy, Planning, and Budgeting:

• Financial oversight of a $2.6 billion annual budget

• Forecast financial needs and implement cost-optimization strategies.

• Present and justify ORNL's annual budget to the Department of Energy (DOE), ensuring effective communication of financial requirements and constraints.

Accounting, Reporting, and Compliance:

• Oversee all accounting and financial reporting functions, ensuring compliance with DOE financial standards, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and government auditing requirements.

• Ensure accurate financial reporting, revenue recognition, and expenditure tracking.

• Implement robust internal control systems to mitigate financial risks and safeguard assets.

Procurement, Contracting, and Financial Oversight:

• Oversee financial management of contracts, procurement, and acquisitions, ensuring adherence to Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), DOE directives, and other government contracting standards.

• Ensure effective oversight of financial operations supporting ORNL's mission-driven research activities.

Treasury, Investments, and Pension Management:

• Oversee treasury functions, pension plans, and retirement savings management for ORNL employees.

• Ensure sound investment management and fiduciary oversight of financial assets.

• Align pension and savings plans with long-term financial sustainability goals.

Leadership, Governance, and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Lead, mentor, and manage a 260-member finance team within the Business Services Directorate.

• Engage with UT-Battelle, LLC's Board of Governors and collaborate with DOE officials, Battelle Memorial Institute, and the University of Tennessee on financial governance matters.

• Communicate financial insights and recommendations to executive leadership, program managers, and external stakeholders.

Technology, Digital Transformation, and Financial Modernization:

• Oversee financial systems modernization, including the implementation and management of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions and digital transformation initiatives.

• Leverage technology and data analytics to enhance financial decision-making and operational efficiency.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, economics, or a related field.

• A minimum of 20 years of progressive financial leadership experience, including substantial experience in large-scale financial management, treasury, procurement, and compliance functions.

• At least 10 years of senior financial leadership experience in government, national laboratories, academia, or large-scale private sector organizations.

• Deep expertise in federal financial regulations, government contracting (FAR/DFARS), and DOE financial management practices.

• Proven ability to develop and implement financial strategies in a large, complex research or government-funded organization.

• Experience managing large finance teams, multi-billion-dollar budgets, and complex financial operations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree (MBA, MS in Finance, or related field).

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) designation.

• Extensive experience in pension fund management, treasury functions, and institutional investment strategies.

• Proven leadership in financial systems modernization and ERP implementation.

• Strong background in stakeholder engagement, strategic financial decision-making, and operational excellence.

• Familiarity with scientific and technological research environments, particularly within DOE National Laboratories.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with government agencies, research institutions, and industry partners.

Why ORNL?

ORNL offers an exceptional opportunity to lead financial operations at one of the nation's most advanced research institutions. The CFO will play a crucial role in shaping the financial sustainability and strategic direction of ORNL, ensuring its continued leadership in scientific innovation, national security, and energy research.

This role provides the opportunity to work at the intersection of science, technology, and financial leadership, engaging with leading researchers, government officials, and industry partners to drive ORNL's mission forward.

Special Requirement:

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

Moving can be overwhelming and expensive. UT-Battelle offers a generous relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions. If invited to interview, be sure to ask your Recruiter (Talent Acquisition Partner) for details.

For more information about our benefits, working here, and living here, visit the "About" tab at jobs.ornl.gov.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email elamcm@ornl.gov.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.