Chief Financial Officer

Description

The CFO serves as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team and provides strategic and operational oversight of the organization’s finance and accounting functions. This role ensures financial integrity, regulatory compliance, and efficient administrative operations across the nonprofit and its affiliated entities. The CFO plays a critical leadership role in long-term strategic planning and drives financial strategies that support the organization's mission and sustainability.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Financial Oversight, Reporting & Analysis

• Oversee financial operations across the organization and affiliates, ensuring compliance with FASB standards, grant requirements, and audit regulations
• Establish and monitor key financial metrics, dashboards, and performance indicators to inform executive decision-making
• Prepare and present timely, accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements to the CEO, Board, and external stakeholders
• Lead organization-wide forecasting and scenario planning to assess financial risks and opportunities
• Translate complex financial data into clear insights and recommendations for non-financial leadership

Team Leadership & Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance team, including the Controller and Accounting Manager, fostering accountability and continuous improvement
• Set clear goals, priorities, and professional development plans aligned with organizational objectives
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to align financial strategy with programmatic and operational goals
• Promote a culture of transparency, strong internal communication, and cross-functional partnership
• Serve as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on financial implications of organizational decisions

Cash Flow, Banking & Internal Controls

• Oversee cash flow management, liquidity planning, and financial sustainability across multiple funding streams
• Manage banking relationships, lines of credit, and investment strategies to optimize financial position
• Design, implement, and continuously strengthen internal controls and financial policies to safeguard organizational assets
• Ensure compliance with risk management practices and proactively identify potential financial vulnerabilities
• Oversee financial systems and processes to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and scalability

Budgeting & Strategic Planning

• Lead the annual budgeting process, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and funding realities
• Partner with the CEO and department leaders to develop multi-year financial plans and forecasts
• Monitor budget-to-actual performance and guide leadership in making timely adjustments
• Support long-term strategic initiatives, including growth planning, new program development, and capital investments
• Provide financial modeling and analysis to inform major organizational decisions

Audit, Tax & Regulatory Compliance

• Oversee all audits, including annual financial statement audits and federal Single Audits, ensuring timely and successful completion
• Coordinate with external auditors and ensure prompt resolution of findings and recommendations
• Ensure accurate and timely preparation and filing of Form 990s, ERISA reports, and other regulatory requirements
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as grantor requirements
• Strengthen audit readiness and compliance infrastructure across the organization

Operations, External Relations & Administration

• Collaborate with internal leadership on facilities planning, lease negotiations, and space optimization to support organizational growth and operational efficiency
• Oversee and maintain strong relationships with key vendors, insurance providers, and investment partners to ensure high-quality service, cost-effectiveness, and risk mitigation
• Manage and strengthen relationships with external auditors, funders, financial institutions, and government agencies
• Represent the organization in external meetings, committees, and funder discussions, serving as a financial and strategic ambassador
• Lead and support organization-wide strategic planning initiatives, ensuring financial sustainability and alignment with long-term goals
• Partner with HR and executive leadership to support strategic workforce planning, organizational design, and capacity-building efforts

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required; CPA designation required. Advanced degree (MBA, MPA, or equivalent) strongly preferred.
• Non-profit accounting: 4 years (Required)
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive financial leadership, including at least 5 years in a senior executive role within mid-to-large scale nonprofit organizations.
• Deep expertise in nonprofit finance, including fund accounting, government grants, multi-stream funding, and complex regulatory and compliance frameworks.
• Proven track record of strategic financial oversight, managing complex multi-year budgets, diverse funding portfolios (federal, local, philanthropic, and individual donors), and multi-entity operations.
• Extensive experience directing audits, tax compliance, and financial reporting, including affordable housing or similar community-focused programs.
• Demonstrated leadership in building, mentoring, and collaborating with cross-functional teams, as well as engaging external auditors, accounting firms, and advisors.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage effectively with boards, executive leadership, funders, and external partners.
• Experience leveraging financial and operational systems, including Blackbaud Accounting and Yardi Breeze, to drive efficiency and insight.
• Broad understanding of nonprofit IT infrastructure, human resources practices, and organizational planning to support mission-driven growth.