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The Smithsonian Institution at a Glance 



In 1846, funds bequeathed to die United States by English scientist James Smithson 

 established the Smithsonian Insdtudon. Existing as a trust of the United States, the 

 Smithsonian Institution holds and protects more than 142 million artifacts and specimens 



"for the increase and diffusion of knowledge " The world's largest museum complex, the 



Smithsonian Institution is known as a center for research dedicated to public education, 

 national service, and scholarship in the arts, sciences, and history. 



The CFO Organization's Mission and Goals 



The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) organization ensures the financial strength of the 

 Smithsonian Institution and provides the Smithsonian with effective budgeting, financial, 

 contracting, and management services. The CFO organization is committed to the growth 

 and integrity of the Smithsonian Institution's financial assets and to becoming a world-class 

 operation that consists of highly skilled, proactive, and energetic employees who: 



Work as a team, 



Think strategically, 



Promote fiscal discipline, 



Implement the most effective solutions, and 



Provide the highest level of customer service. 



The CFO organization's objectives and goals in achieving this mission include: 



1. Setting the financial management standard, taking responsibility, and sharing 

 commitment across the Smithsonian Institution by establishing and implementing 

 effective financial management policies; measuring adherence to and effectiveness of 

 internal controls; and developing improved processes and collaborating on their 

 implementation with the Smithsonian Institution's staff. 



2. Improving customer service by improving response times, coordinating information 

 requests, and providing feedback on how the information was used by the CFO 

 organization; evaluating the usefulness of current CFO-related training; and 

 developing a standard package of CFO-related training modules for Smithsonian 

 Institution employees performing CFO-related functions. 



3. Positioning for the future by building CFO component organizations with 

 appropriate skill sets and back-ups for key positions; keeping an eye toward die 

 future by creating professional development opportunities and effective employee 



