Chief Financial Officer

Company Save the Sound Hybrid Hybrid Location New Haven, CT Employment Type Full‑time Overview Save the Sound leads environmental action throughout the Long Island Sound region, focusing on Connecticut, Westchester County, New York City, and the North Shore of Long Island. It restores healthy waters to bays, harbors and rivers; builds resilient communities; saves endangered lands; and brings people together in a united effort to protect and steward the Sound and its watershed. The organization engages in legislative advocacy, legal action, engineering, environmental and water‑quality monitoring, and hands‑on volunteer efforts. For over 50 years, Save the Sound has ensured people and wildlife can enjoy a clean, thriving environment for generations. Program Areas Clean Water Science and Law Ecological Restoration Climate and Resilience Policy and Legislative Advocacy Environmental Justice and Community Engagement Position The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) reports to the President and is responsible for all finance functions—planning, operations, reporting, budgeting, audits, risk management, and accounting—while supervising 3–5 staff and 2–4 consultants. The CFO also oversees Human Resources, Administration, and Information Technology. Responsibilities Oversee all financial operations, including budgeting, reporting, audits, tax filings, and compliance with grant requirements. Provide actionable financial reports to communicate the organization’s overall health, assess and communicate financial risks and opportunities, model future plans, and develop financial scenarios based on past performance and the Strategic Plan. Lead, under the President’s direction, the preparation of the annual budget. Manage budgeting processes, financial systems, and scenario planning to ensure efficiency and compliance. Lead the evaluation, implementation and administration of financial systems to optimize departmental efficiency and compliance with grants, including federal and state governmental grants. Ensure compliance with private and government grant spending stipulations; lead foundation and government grant financial management and manage government grant drawdowns. Provide monthly analysis of budget status and any needed action items to the President and executive team, and monthly budget reports and financial guidance to project budget managers. Oversee banking, including monitoring and managing bank accounts and financial transactions, and planning and monitoring cash flow. Prepare annual financial statements and lead the annual audit process with external auditors, providing all schedules and materials requested by the auditors. Supervise accounting functions (general ledger, AP/AR, payroll, reconciliations) and ensure strong internal controls. Develop, recommend and implement sound fiscal and accounting policies, procedures and controls, including internal control compliance. Accurately track and report restricted and unrestricted assets. Oversee IT systems management and IT professionals. Oversee HR and office management requirements. Serve as a senior staff member contributing to organizational strategy and decision‑making. Qualifications and Desired Characteristics Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance or MBA is required; CPA is strongly preferred. At least 8 years’ experience in a similar role is preferred. Experience working at a non‑profit organization that receives substantial federal and state government funding is strongly preferred. Ability to maintain confidentiality of information and records. Excellent communications and interpersonal skills to enable productive relationships with finance department staff and with development and program departments. Ability and desire to work in a collegial and collaborative fashion with staff and board. Strong collaboration and follow‑through in identifying procedural problems or inefficiencies, recommending improvements, and implementing cross‑departmental solutions. Demonstrated commitment to training staff, and ability to work with program leaders. Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment, under the pressure of tight deadlines. Ability to lead with minimal supervision while juggling multiple tasks and responsibilities. Highly organized and systematic in approaching systems and tasks. Suitable professional writing skills. High proficiency with Microsoft Office as well as financial management software. Positive outlook, energy, and diplomacy; openness to learning new skills; flexibility in the face of changing priorities. EEO Statement Save the Sound is an equal opportunity employer. It prohibits discrimination based on age, color, disability, marital or parental status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other legally protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Hybrid Work Arrangements Save the Sound currently has a hybrid in‑office/remote work arrangement. Staff are expected to report to either of its offices at least one day per week (unless the position requires otherwise). Details of this arrangement are determined upon hire and employees must notify their manager of any necessary changes. Adjustments are at the manager’s discretion, depending on business needs or performance. Computer and IT Save the Sound will provide a laptop and desktop computer, access to the company server, and remote IT support as needed. #J-18808-Ljbffr Grassi