Interim CFO (Columbus)

Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO) – Nonprofit Organization (Columbus, Ohio)

Salary Range: $140,000 – $180,000, commensurate with experience

Overview

A nonprofit organization in Columbus, Ohio is seeking an experienced Interim Chief Financial Officer to provide executive‑level financial leadership during a period of transition. This role partners closely with the CEO, executive team, and Board of Trustees to ensure financial stability, transparency, and operational continuity while supporting the organization’s long‑term success.

Position Purpose

The Interim CFO will be responsible for maintaining financial integrity, strengthening financial operations, and delivering clear, actionable insight to leadership and the Board. This individual will act as both a strategic advisor and a hands‑on operator, ensuring the organization remains financially sound and well‑positioned for the incoming permanent CFO.

Core Responsibilities

• Stabilize and oversee all core financial operations, including cash management, financial close processes, internal controls, and reporting
• Deliver accurate, timely, and decision‑ready financial reporting to the CEO, executive leadership, and Board
• Lead cash flow forecasting and liquidity management across multiple funding sources typical of nonprofit operations
• Identify, assess, and mitigate financial and operational risks during the transition period
• Partner with executive leadership as a trusted advisor, supporting strategic planning and organizational decision‑making
• Maintain and strengthen financial policies, procedures, and compliance standards
• Ensure continuity and consistency in financial operations to avoid disruption
• Prepare the organization for a smooth transition to a permanent CFO

Success Metrics

• Consistent, accurate, and timely financial reporting with no unexpected variances
• Stable cash position and reliable forecasting
• Strengthened financial controls and operational discipline
• Increased confidence among executive leadership and the Board
• Clear documentation and transition readiness for incoming permanent CFO

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Proven experience serving as an Interim or Transitional CFO, preferably within a nonprofit or mission‑driven organization
• Extensive background in cash management, liquidity forecasting, and multi‑source funding environments (grants, donations, government funding, etc.)
• Strong track record overseeing month‑end and year‑end close processes, financial reporting, and internal controls under pressure
• Demonstrated experience working directly with CEOs and Boards of Directors or Finance Committees
• Experience navigating organizational change, leadership transitions, or periods of financial uncertainty
• Deep understanding of nonprofit financial operations, compliance, and governance is strongly preferred

Leadership Style & Approach

• Calm, steady, and composed under pressure
• Hands‑on, practical, and solutions‑oriented
• Clear, direct communicator who can translate complex financial information into actionable insights
• Comfortable identifying risks, presenting tradeoffs, and guiding executive decision‑making
• Collaborative partner who builds trust quickly across leadership and governance stakeholders

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal Interim CFO is a seasoned executive who brings structure, clarity, and confidence to complex financial environments. They are equally comfortable operating at a strategic level with the Board as they are diving into operational details. This leader thrives in transitional environments and is motivated by stabilizing organizations, strengthening financial systems, and positioning teams for long‑term success.