Director of Finance

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