The Director of Finance is responsible for overseeing the financial operations and fiscal strategy. As a key member of the leadership team, this person ensures financial integrity, prudent resource management, and regulatory compliance to support long-term organizational sustainability.
Position Overview
The Director of Finance is responsible for overseeing the financial operations and fiscal strategy. As a key member of the leadership team, this person ensures financial integrity, prudent resource management, and regulatory compliance to support long-term organizational sustainability.
Reports to: Executive Director
Core Responsibilities
Financial Leadership & Strategy
· Develop and execute long-term financial strategies aligned with organizational goals and sustainability objectives
· Direct all accounting operations including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and financial reporting
· Lead annual and multi-year budgeting processes with precision, transparency, and stakeholder input
· Monitor economic trends and recommend proactive strategies to mitigate risks and capitalize on opportunities
· Integrate financial strategy with programmatic priorities to support mission-driven growth
Reporting & Analysis
· Prepare and present accurate financial statements, reports, and analyses to executive leadership and board of directors
· Provide program-level and organization-wide financial reporting with actionable recommendations
· Interpret financial data to assess organizational health, identify trends, and inform executive decision-making
· Conduct cost-benefit analyses, margin reviews, and scenario modeling to evaluate strategic options
· Translate complex financial metrics into actionable insights for non-financial stakeholders
Compliance & Risk Management
· Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local financial regulations
· Design and implement internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure financial integrity
· Oversee timely submission of tax filings, audit documentation, and grant reports
· Identify and mitigate financial, operational, and reputational risks through structured assessments
· Coordinate audits and work with external auditors to ensure transparency and accountability
Team Leadership
· Build and mentor a high-performing finance team with clear roles, accountability, and growth pathways
· Foster a culture of integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement
· Delegate effectively while maintaining oversight of critical financial functions
· Support professional development and high performance across the finance department
Stakeholder Engagement
· Communicate financial information clearly and persuasively to internal and external audiences
· Build trust with funders, auditors, board members, and program leads through transparent engagement
· Present financial reports and strategic recommendations with clarity and confidence
· Assess and negotiate contracts, investments, and financial partnerships to strengthen fiscal position
Key Qualifications
Required
· Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field
· 8-10 years of progressive finance experience with at least 5 years in leadership or executive role
· In-depth knowledge of financial regulations, accounting standards, and risk management practices
· Strong analytical, organizational, and decision-making skills
· Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities with proven leadership track record
· Proficiency with financial software and tools
Preferred
· Master's degree or CPA certification
· Nonprofit financial management experience
· Multi-year financial forecasting across diverse funding streams
Essential Competencies
Strategic Thinking — Aligns financial strategy with organizational mission and anticipates funding shifts, policy changes, and economic trends to guide proactive decision-making
Financial Analysis — Interprets complex financial data to identify patterns, inefficiencies, and opportunities; evaluates program-level performance to improve ROI
Risk Management — Designs internal controls to prevent fraud and mismanagement; conducts regular risk assessments and develops contingency plans
Regulatory Compliance — Maintains current knowledge of financial regulations and ensures timely, accurate reporting for all compliance requirements
Problem-Solving — Navigates complex financial challenges with composure and creativity; resolves discrepancies, funding gaps, or compliance issues with structured analysis and decisive action
Leadership — Inspires teams, manages change, and drives results while maintaining fiscal discipline and mission alignment
Typical Duties
· Review and approve monthly financial statements and reconcile discrepancies
· Lead quarterly and annual financial planning processes including budget revisions and forecasting
· Maintain and update fiscal policies ensuring alignment with current regulations
· Supervise payroll processing, accounts payable/receivable, and general ledger maintenance
· Prepare financial reports for grant applications, renewals, and compliance audits
· Conduct financial risk assessments and present mitigation strategies to executive leadership
· Oversee procurement processes and vendor contract negotiations
· Facilitate finance committee meetings and present financial updates to the board
· Collaborate with program directors to align financial planning with programmatic goals
Professional Development Opportunities
· Access to executive leadership training focused on strategic finance and governance
· Support for CPA licensure, CGMA, or nonprofit financial management credentials
· Sponsored attendance at financial leadership conferences and sector-specific forums
· Engagement in CFO roundtables and peer networks to share best practices
· Training in financial software, data visualization, and automation platforms
· Opportunity to mentor emerging finance leaders
Key Challenges & Opportunities
· Complex Funding Streams — Managing diverse revenue sources including grants, contracts, and earned income requires precision and adaptability
· Regulatory Navigation — Staying ahead of changing financial regulations presents opportunities for strategic leadership
· Cross-Departmental Collaboration — Strengthening financial literacy across departments and aligning fiscal strategy with programmatic goals
· Technology Integration — Implementing financial systems can streamline operations and improve data accuracy
· Economic Volatility — Navigating funding fluctuations and market uncertainty demands proactive planning and scenario modeling
$78,000 - $80,000 per year