Director of Finance

Director of Finance Position Overview

The Director of Finance will be responsible for leading the financial strategy, planning, reporting, compliance, and operational finance functions of a medium-sized not-for-profit organization. Reporting to the Executive Director/CEO, the Director of Finance will serve as a key member of the senior leadership team and will provide financial oversight, analysis, and guidance to support the organization’s mission, sustainability, and long-term growth.

This role requires a hands-on finance leader who can balance strategic financial planning with day-to-day operational execution. The successful candidate will bring strong accounting, budgeting, reporting, and compliance expertise, along with the ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders, senior leadership, the Board, funders, and external partners.

Key Responsibilities Financial Leadership & Strategy Lead the organization’s financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting processes. Provide strategic financial advice to the Executive Director/CEO, senior leadership team, and Board of Directors. Support long-term financial sustainability by identifying risks, opportunities, trends, and funding implications. Develop financial models, scenario analyses, and cash flow projections to support organizational planning and decision-making. Partner with leadership to evaluate new programs, funding opportunities, grants, partnerships, and operational investments. Budgeting, Forecasting & Analysis Lead the annual budgeting process in collaboration with department leaders and program teams. Monitor budget performance, analyze variances, and provide timely reporting and recommendations. Prepare financial dashboards, management reports, and Board-level financial materials. Support program-level financial planning, including cost allocation, funding restrictions, and expense tracking. Ensure financial reporting provides clear insight into organizational performance, sustainability, and resource allocation. Accounting, Reporting & Controls Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, reconciliations, general ledger, and month-end/year-end close. Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant financial statements in accordance with applicable accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations. Maintain strong internal controls, financial policies, procedures, and approval processes. Ensure proper documentation, financial governance, and compliance with organizational policies. Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and financial transparency. Audit, Compliance & Risk Management Lead the annual audit process and act as the primary liaison with external auditors. Ensure compliance with regulatory, charitable, tax, grant, donor, and funder reporting requirements. Oversee preparation of required filings, reports, and financial documentation. Monitor financial risk and ensure appropriate controls are in place to safeguard organizational assets. Support the Finance/Audit Committee and prepare materials for Board and committee meetings. Grants, Funding & Donor Reporting Oversee financial reporting for grants, restricted funds, donations, and program-specific funding. Ensure funding is tracked, allocated, and reported in accordance with funder agreements and donor restrictions. Partner with program and development teams on grant budgets, proposals, financial reports, and reconciliations. Support funder reporting by ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of financial information. Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Partnership Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team, ensuring clear accountability, strong performance, and effective service delivery. Build strong relationships across departments and support leaders in understanding and managing their budgets. Translate financial data into practical insights for non-financial stakeholders. Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Qualifications CPA designation strongly preferred. Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. 7+ years of progressive finance and accounting experience, ideally including experience in a not-for-profit, charitable, public sector, healthcare, education, social services, or mission-driven environment. Experience leading budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, audit, compliance, and internal controls. Strong understanding of restricted funds, grant reporting, donor reporting, and not-for-profit accounting principles. Experience managing or mentoring finance staff. Strong financial systems skills, including advanced Excel and experience with accounting/ERP systems. Excellent communication skills with the ability to present financial information clearly to senior leadership, Board members, funders, and non-financial stakeholders. High attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong analytical capability. Demonstrated ability to operate both strategically and hands-on in a lean or resource-conscious environment. Preferred Qualifications Experience working with a Board of Directors, Finance Committee, or Audit Committee. Experience supporting government funding, philanthropic funding, grants, or restricted donations. Experience improving finance processes, systems, policies, or reporting frameworks. Knowledge of charitable compliance, fund accounting, or public-sector reporting requirements.