Chief Financial Officer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Employee Type: Full-Time, Exempt, Salaried

Hours: 35 hours per week

Location: New Jersey (travel required — see below)

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) oversees all aspects of Prevention Links' financial operations for an organization with an annual budget of approximately $12 million. The CFO sets the organization's financial policy and direction, leads financial planning, budgeting, and reporting, and ensures compliance with all federal, state, local, and funder requirements.

As a member of the senior leadership team and a thought partner to the CEO, the CFO helps guide the organization's financial health, sustainability, and long-term growth in service of Prevention Links' mission. Working closely with the board's finance committee and partnering with fellow executives — the COO, Chief People Officer, Chief Compliance Officer, and Chief Development Officer — the CFO drives sound financial strategy and uses technology effectively to improve efficiency and track outcomes.

Strategy and Leadership

• Serve as a strategic thought partner to the CEO, providing recommendations based on financial analysis, projections, cost allocation, and revenue/expense trends.
• Participate as an integral member of the senior leadership team in the organization's ongoing strategic planning.
• Lead long-term budgetary planning and cost management in alignment with the strategic plan.
• Partner with the Chief Development Officer to align financial management with fundraising and long-term projections.
• Work with the COO and department directors to monitor program spending and advise accordingly.
• Engage the board finance committee on financial trends, risks, and changes to the operating model.

Financial Management and Reporting

• Develop, implement, and manage the annual budget in partnership with the CEO, Treasurer, and finance committee.
• Direct all accounting operations, including the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll.
• Manage cash flow and forecasting.
• Oversee the preparation of accurate, timely financial statements and reports for leadership, the board, and funders on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.
• Review monthly results and report on budget variances.
• Ensure financial records are maintained in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Maintain financial records for each grant and project so that reporting meets funder contract requirements.
• Assist department directors and program managers in preparing budgets for funding applications.
• Manage leases, contracts, and other financial commitments.
• Oversee the acquisition, recording, and disposal of capital assets.
• Oversee payroll administration (ADP), ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time and that benefit and tax remittances are submitted on schedule.
• Evaluate and oversee benefits negotiations to secure competitive packages for employees.

Audit and Compliance

• Coordinate all audit activities and serve as the primary liaison to external auditors.
• Prepare supporting materials for the annual audit and work with the board's finance and/or audit committee as needed.
• Develop, implement, and enforce internal financial policies, procedures, and controls.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, local, and funder financial regulations.
• Oversee timely completion of required filings, including the annual IRS Form 990.

Team Management

• Lead, develop, and coach the finance team, including accountants and bookkeepers.
• Attract, retain, and empower high-performing staff, expanding their responsibility and supporting their growth.
• Foster a supportive environment of continuous learning and development.

Technology and Systems

• Assess and recommend technology to meet the organization's financial processing, control, and reporting needs.
• Oversee the ongoing implementation and use of the Sage Intacct accounting system.

Risk Management

• Monitor risk management policies and procedures to minimize organizational and program risk.
• Advise leadership on appropriate insurance coverage for the organization and board.
• Negotiate banking services and lines of credit as needed.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration/Management required; Master's degree and/or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred.
• Eight or more years of directly relevant experience at the Director or CFO level in nonprofit finance or a related field.
• Nonprofit experience with government and grant funding — including program and organizational budgeting and reporting — strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with financial-management and accounting software, and a solid understanding of GAAP-basis accounting.
• Experience recruiting, managing, and developing a strong finance team.
• Experience working and communicating with state and federal government officials.

Skills and Attributes

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic-thinking skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; able to convey information clearly across formats and audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
• Impeccable integrity and sound judgment.
• Commitment to Prevention Links' mission and the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse colleagues and stakeholders.

• Build trust and strong working relationships across the organization.
• Support others' growth through clear expectations, coaching, and encouragement.
• Communicate proactively and hold yourself and others accountable for results.
• Stay solution-focused and raise concerns in real time.
• Be generous with positive feedback and make others feel welcome.
• Arrive early and prepared for meetings with funders, partners, and stakeholders.
• Maintain a clean, professional workspace.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Sensitivity and responsiveness to people of all backgrounds, including race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, socio-economic status, and sexual orientation.
• Authorization to work in the U.S. and New Jersey.
• Valid New Jersey driver's license and an independent mode of transportation.

• Full-time, 35 hours per week, salaried and exempt.
• Local and domestic travel required, including frequent travel within and around Union, Middlesex, and Hudson Counties; mileage reimbursed.
• Occasional evening and weekend availability required for meetings and events.

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization, and this description may be revised periodically.

Prevention Links provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Prevention Links complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the organization has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Prevention Links expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.