Chief Financial Officer

Chief Financial Officer

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer

Employment Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Location: Atlanta, Georgia

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as a key member of Gateway Center's Executive Leadership Team and strategic advisor to the Chief Executive Officer and Board of Directors. The CFO provides executive leadership and oversight of the organization's financial operations while ensuring long-term financial sustainability, regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and responsible stewardship of organizational resources.

The CFO directs the financial management of Gateway Center's approximately $7 million annual operating budget, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, grant management, cash flow, treasury functions, payroll oversight, procurement, audit coordination, tax reporting, and internal controls.

Working collaboratively with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team, the CFO develops financial strategies that support Gateway Center's Strategic Plan, strengthen organizational performance and ensure the financial capacity necessary to fulfill the organization's mission of ending homelessness through innovative, person-centered services.

The CFO serves as the organization's chief financial strategist, providing timely financial analysis, business intelligence, and recommendations that support informed decision making across all departments.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Executive Leadership

• Serve as a strategic financial advisor to the CEO and Senior Leadership Team.

• Participate in organizational planning, strategic initiatives, and executive decision making.

• Develop financial strategies that support organizational sustainability, growth, and mission impact.

• Evaluate the financial implications of new initiatives, partnerships, contracts, and capital investments.

• Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, continuous improvement, and data-informed decision making.

Financial Management

• Direct all accounting and financial operations in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), nonprofit accounting standards, and applicable federal and state regulations.

• Oversee the monthly financial close process, including reconciliations, accruals, deferred revenue, and general ledger management.

• Ensure the preparation of timely, accurate monthly financial statements and executive financial reports.

• Analyze financial performance, identify trends, monitor budget variances, and recommend corrective actions as needed.

• Maintain accurate accounting for restricted, temporarily restricted, and unrestricted funds.

Budgeting, Forecasting and Financial Planning

• Lead the annual operating and capital budgeting process.

• Develop rolling forecasts and multi-year financial projections.

• Partner with department leaders to develop realistic budgets aligned with organizational priorities.

• Establish budgeting standards and provide financial education to department leadership.

• Assist program directors with financial planning and budget development for grant applications and funding proposals.

Cash Flow and Treasury Management

• Develop and maintain comprehensive cash flow forecasting models.

• Monitor organizational liquidity and recommend strategies to strengthen cash reserves.

• Manage banking relationships and treasury activities.

• Oversee investment and reserve management in accordance with Board-approved financial policies.

• Monitor debt obligations and recommend financing strategies when appropriate.

Grant and Contract Financial Management

• Oversee financial management of federal, state, local, and private grants.

• Ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), grant agreements, and other regulatory requirements.

• Monitor grant expenditures, reimbursement requests, cost allocations, and reporting deadlines.

• Ensure grant revenues are properly matched with program expenditures.

• Support program leadership during grant development by providing financial analysis and budget preparation.

Audit, Tax and Compliance

• Direct the annual independent financial audit.

• Coordinate preparation of IRS Form 990 and all required governmental filings.

• Serve as the primary liaison with external auditors, tax advisors, banks, and regulatory agencies.

• Ensure compliance with all applicable accounting standards and nonprofit reporting requirements.

• Maintain strong internal financial controls and risk management practices.

Financial Systems and Business Operations

• Evaluate financial systems and recommend technology improvements that increase efficiency and reporting capabilities.

• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and internal controls that strengthen financial operations.

• Promote continuous process improvement throughout the Finance Department.

• Ensure financial data integrity and effective utilization of financial software systems.

Board and Executive Support

• Prepare financial reports and presentations for the CEO, Finance Committee, and Board of Directors.

• Present financial information in a manner that supports strategic governance and informed decision-making.

• Provide financial analysis regarding organizational risks, opportunities, and longterm sustainability.

• Support Board committees as assigned by the CEO.

Cross-Functional Leadership and Collaboration

The CFO is expected to build strong collaborative relationships across the organization and serve as a trusted business partner to department leaders.

The CFO will work closely with the Human Resources Director to:

• Develop annual personnel budgets and salary projections.

• Forecast employee benefit costs and related liabilities.

• Support compensation planning and workforce budgeting.

• Ensure payroll processes align with financial controls and reporting requirements.

• Monitor compliance with payroll tax, retirement, insurance, and employee benefit reporting requirements.

• Evaluate the financial impact of staffing strategies, organizational restructuring, and employee benefit initiatives.

• Collaborate on policies and procedures that strengthen organizational compliance and operational effectiveness.

While Human Resources operates independently under its respective leadership, the CFO and Human Resources Director are expected to maintain a close strategic partnership to ensure alignment between the organization's financial objectives and workforce planning.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

The CFO provides leadership and supervision for the Finance Department, including but not limited to:

• Controller

• Accounts Payable Specialist

The CFO is responsible for developing a high-performing finance team through coaching, mentoring, performance management, and professional development.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Strategic Leadership

• Executive leadership

• Financial strategy

• Organizational planning

• Business acumen

• Change leadership

Financial Expertise

• Nonprofit fund accounting

• Financial reporting

• Budget development

• Forecasting

• Cash flow management

• Internal controls

• Grant compliance

• Cost allocation

• Financial analysis

• Enterprise risk management

Leadership Skills

• Team development

• Coaching and mentoring

• Cross-functional collaboration

• Executive communication

• Relationship management

• Problem solving

Technical Competencies

• Advanced Microsoft Excel

• Financial Edge NXT or comparable nonprofit accounting software

• Raiser's Edge (preferred)

• Microsoft Office Suite

• Financial dashboards and reporting tools

• Business intelligence software (preferred)

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• An unwavering commitment to Gateway Center's mission and values.

• High ethical standards and unquestioned integrity.

Exceptional analytical and strategic thinking skills.

• Strong executive presence with excellent written and verbal communication.

• Emotional intelligence and collaborative leadership.

• A solutions-oriented mindset with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Sound judgment and discretion when handling confidential information.

• A commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required.

• Master's degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or Public Administration preferred.

• CPA designation strongly preferred.

• Minimum of 8–10 years of progressively responsible financial leadership experience.

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