OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION 

The Finance Vice President will play a critical leadership role in advancing the organization’s work as the organization grows and implements its strategic plan. This position will lead the organization’s finance and accounting function, including financial planning, financial reporting, treasury management, and supporting the Finance and Audit Committees of the board. Reporting to the President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Finance VP will serve as a strategic thought partner to the CEO, the board, and the rest of the leadership team, and play a critical role in designing and executing strategic initiatives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Strategic Leadership 

• Serve as a strategic thought partner to the CEO, the board, and the rest of the leadership team and work collaboratively to design and execute strategic initiatives across the organization

• Lead long-term financial planning for the organization, including the development and regular review of operating budgets, financial forecasts, and scenarios

• Support the Board of Directors on finance and audit priorities and ensure finance and audit committees are effective; communicate timely, accurate, and insightful information and reports

• With the leadership team, cultivate an organizational culture that embodies the organization’s values of student-centeredness, collaboration, optimism, excellence, and innovation

• Support the development of the organization’s fundraising strategy and help support relationships with local, state, and national funders

Financial Management 

• Ensure financial sustainability of the organization through budgeting, forecasting, financial planning and analysis, cash management, and investment strategies

• Cultivate strong and deeply collaborative working relationships with program team members, with a focus on providing thought partnership on the financial aspects of current and planned programs

• Collaboratively lead the development of grant, programmatic, and project budgets and reporting

• Oversee the annual audit process and ensure a clean financial audit, in partnership with the Director of Finance

• Partner with the Senior Director of Impact to manage strategic and targeted investments through the innovation fund, fiscal sponsorship, and sub-grants

• Establish strong internal controls and ensure compliance with GAAP and all applicable state and federal laws

Operations and Risk Management 

• Manage the organization's critical financial infrastructure and lead implementation of scalable financial processes and systems

• Identify, evaluate, and proactively manage potential financial and legal risks, in close concert with the CEO and leadership team

• Manage contractors, vendors, legal, and insurance, closely coordinating with members of the program team when applicable

• Ensure that the organization is complying with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations

Team Leadership 

• Lead a high-performing finance team, including supporting a high performing Director of Finance

• Clarify roles and responsibilities; establish and monitor performance goals

• Implement professional development to set up employees for success and professional growth and provide regular and targeted coaching to team members

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS 

• Bachelor's degree required; MBA or related graduate degree preferred

• At least 7-10+ years of expanding leadership experience in finance or accounting

• Experience working in a fast-paced environment; educational, nonprofit, or social enterprise experience preferred

• Strong relationship-building and communication skills; ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels, including senior executives

• Proven project management skills with the ability to translate strategies from plans to action and to implement them with strong attention to detail

• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as strong financial modeling skills

• Inspirational and servant leader with experience managing teams