Chief Finance & Administration Officer

Description

The Chief Finance and Administration Officer (CFAO) is a senior executive leader responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of the organization’s financial, administrative, and operational functions. Reporting to the President & CEO and serving as a key member of the Senior Executive Team, the CFAO partners closely with leadership and the Board of Directors to ensure the organization’s financial health, operational excellence, and long-term sustainability.

This role combines financial stewardship, operational leadership, and administrative oversight, including finance, accounting, information technology (IT), facilities, and enterprise risk management. The CFAO brings a strategic, business-oriented mindset while remaining aligned with the organization’s mission, values, and commitment to equity and inclusion.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Serve as a strategic partner to the President & CEO and Senior Executive Team in setting organizational vision, priorities, and long-term goals.
• Serve as staff liaison to the Board of Directors, Finance Committee; prepare clear and actionable materials to support governance and decision-making.
• Advise leadership on financial, operational, and legal implications of strategic initiatives, partnerships, investments, and new programs.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration and alignment across departments to drive organizational effectiveness.

Financial Management & Oversight

• Responsible for all financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and financial analysis of NCRC, its affiliates and subsidiaries.
• Ensure the timely preparation and accuracy of financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
• Develop and manage the annual budget; monitor performance and provide monthly and quarterly variance analysis, and regular financial forecasts.
• Manage cash flow, banking relationships, and investment strategies.
• Provide financial insights and analysis to support executive and Board decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with all tax reporting, regulatory requirements, and audit processes; serve as primary liaison with external auditors for NCRC, its affiliates and subsidiaries.
• Oversee grants management, and financial reporting to funders.
• Maintain fiduciary responsibility for retirement plans and organizational assets, including real estate and investments of NCRC, its affiliates and subsidiaries.

Operations & Administration

• Provide leadership and oversight of organizational operations, including facilities, procurement, vendor management, and office administration.
• Develop and implement systems, policies, and procedures that enhance efficiency, scalability, and internal controls.
• Ensure effective infrastructure and operational support for programs and organizational growth.
• Oversee contract management and vendor relationships.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen organizational performance and service delivery.

Information Technology (IT)

• Provide strategic oversight of IT to align with organizational goals and operations.
• Oversee IT infrastructure, including hardware, software, cloud systems, and network security.
• Ensure system reliability, security, performance, and compliance, including data governance and privacy, in partnership with IT leadership, Legal and NCRC programs management.
• Lead technology planning, including upgrades, digital initiatives, and business continuity/disaster recovery.
• Establish and maintain IT policies on usage, security, and access controls with IT leadership.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Identify, assess, and mitigate organizational risks across financial, operational, legal, and technology areas.
• Oversee insurance program including vendor selection, vendor performance and coverage/risk mitigation.
• Establish and maintain strong internal controls and compliance frameworks.
• Safeguard organizational assets, reputation, and mission through proactive risk management strategies.

External Relations

• Serve as the principal liaison with external financial partners, including auditors, investment managers, banks, and regulatory agencies.
• Collaborate with affiliated organizations and external stakeholders on matters of shared interest.
• Represent the organization with professionalism in financial, operational, and legal matters.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10-15 years of progressive leadership experience in finance, operations and administration, preferably within the nonprofit sector. Demonstrated expertise in financial management, GAAP, budgeting, forecasting, audit, and compliance.
• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or related field required; advanced degree (MBA, MPA, JD, or equivalent) preferred. Comparable education and experience may be considered.
• CPA or equivalent professional certification required.
• Experience working with legal counsel and managing contracts, compliance, and regulatory matters.
• Proven experience overseeing operations and IT functions.
• Strong understanding of nonprofit governance and Board engagement.
• Experience managing complex organizations and leading through growth or transformation.

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinking and leadership
• Financial acumen and analytical expertise
• Operational excellence and systems thinking
• Legal and regulatory awareness
• Technology and digital literacy
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Change management and continuous improvement
• Integrity, sound judgment, and high ethical standards
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Ability to balance strategic vision with hands‑on execution