The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation Director, Treasury & Tax Remote · Full time

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The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation (STBF) is a private grant-making foundation with a U.S. home office in Omaha, Nebraska and a global home office in Kigali, Rwanda. Our staff is comprised of more than 100 individuals across two continents. With annual spending in excess of $1 billion, we are one of the largest private foundations in the U.S. The Foundation is unusual among donors of its size in that it focuses on just two primary areas of grantmaking: (1) supporting women’s health and reproductive freedom in the U.S and around the world, and (2) enabling low-income students in Nebraska to attend and succeed in college. Unlike most foundations, STBF will not exist in perpetuity. After Mr. Buffett passes away (born in 1930), the Foundation’s grantmaking will increase substantially and then sunset over approximately 10-15 years.

Unit Summary 

The Finance unit includes Accounting, Auditing, Financial Reporting, Expenses, and Tax. Our team works closely with Legal and Operations on central, cross-collaborative efforts intersecting every facet and team within the Foundation. 

*This role is based in the US (Eastern or Central time zone). Applicants outside the country will not be considered. 

*This is a full-time role.  

*This role may be hybrid or remote. If the finalist is remote, they will be expected to travel to the Omaha office at least 8 times per year. 

*This role requires minimal travel, outside of office visits, to conferences or peer meetings 

Responsibilities 

Treasury 

• Manage liquidity across all banking and investment accounts, including accounts in foreign countries.  
• Coordinate cash draws from investment accounts to fund grant payments and operating needs. 
• Forecast short and long-term cash flows and recommend strategies to meet organization’s cash requirements. 
• Develop financial models for Foundation growth and sunsetting scenarios, make recommendations for future funding infusions while balancing financial risk. 
• Create and maintain various investment reports, including portfolio performance vs planning assumptions, peer ranking comparisons, Investment Policy Statement compliance, and other ad hoc reports. 
• Assist with annual budging inputs as related to investments, gain/loss, excise tax expense. 
• Maintain bank account access controls with periodic reviews. 
• Lead and manage relationships with banks, treasury service providers, brokers, and card issuers to ensure efficiency, security, and alignment with operational needs. 
• Stay informed of global trends, policy and legislation, and economic forecasts that may impact the Foundation’s investments or grantmaking.  

Tax and Compliance

• Assemble schedules and support documentation for use in the preparation of the Foundation’s 990-PF by external accounting firm. 
• Partner with Legal, Operations, and external accountants on cross-foundational tax questions. 
• Ensure timely calculation and payment of excise tax. 
• Develop and recommend strategies to manage excise tax liability related to investment income. 
• Maintain and administer the Delegation of Authority policy, including periodic review, updates approved by leadership, and staff training and communication. 
• Create and document key financial policies and guidelines. 
• Manage aspects of organizational operational compliance such as annual state filings, FBAR/FinCEN filings, SEC filings.
• Monitor and communicate financial and tax regulatory requirements affecting foundations and philanthropic entities.  

*These responsibilities may change or evolve over time in alignment with the Foundation’s needs and initiatives. 

Qualifications 

Background and Experience 

Required 

• 15+ years of progressive experience in finance, with substantial involvement in tax compliance, regulatory reporting, and treasury management. 
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. 
• Knowledge of private foundation tax rules, including Form 990-PF, excise taxes, self-dealing rules, minimum distribution requirements, and excess business holdings. 

Preferred 

• CPA or CFA designation.
• Experience with international grantmaking and related tax and compliance considerations, such as equivalency determination and expenditure responsibility. 
• Prior experience at private foundation, family office, endowment, or similar organization managing cash and liquidity. 
• Strong analytical, planning, and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, while keeping stakeholders informed. 
• Proven ability to manage external advisors, including investment advisors, global tax advisors, and external accountants. 

Attributes for Success 

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Builds partnerships with internal stakeholders, such as Legal, Payroll, IT, and other teams to support cross-functional initiatives. 
• Relationship Building: Fosters close working relationships with external partners such as banks, external accountants, and investment managers. 
• Ownership and Accountability: Operates with autonomy; manages competing deadlines without close supervision. 
• Strategic Communication: Translates complex tax, treasury, and compliance matters into clear reporting to executive leadership. 
• Subject Matter Leadership: Acts as subject matter expert in treasury processes and offers insights and recommendations for operational and financial improvements. 

Our Commitment to Equal Opportunity 

We are committed to creating a workplace where employees thrive both personally and professionally. This includes not only creating a diverse team where everyone feels represented, respected, and included, but also embedding these values across our work and practices. All applicants should expect equality of opportunity and fair treatment without regard to any protected characteristics. 

Our Commitment to Transparency 

STBF is committed to pay transparency and fairness. The salary range for this position is $265,000 - $306,000 per year, which reflects our good faith estimate of what we expect to offer. Where a candidate falls within – or, in special circumstances, above – this range will depend on factors such as experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity. We encourage open discussions about compensation throughout the hiring process. 

U.S. Based Employees have access to medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) savings plan, paid parental leave, long-term disability coverage, life insurance, wellbeing benefits, among others. Employees also receive 11 paid holidays per year, end of year holiday break, and discretionary paid time off. STBF reserves the right to modify or change these benefits programs at any time, with or without notice. 

Shared Values 

• A genuine understanding of, and appreciation for, the significance of our values: (1) Respect for Donor Intent, (2) Integrity, (3) Humility, and (4) Love of Humanity. 
• An alignment with the Foundation’s progressive values, including unambiguous support for individual reproductive freedom.