Chief Finance & Administration Officer (Washington)

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