Chief Financial Officer, Children’s Literacy Initiative

Posted by Children's Literacy Initiative on November 6, 2017

Reporting directly to the CEO, and serving as a member of the leadership team, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a critical leadership role that will serve as a strategic thought partner and support CLI as it grows and deepens its impact. The CFO oversees a growing $26M organization with multiple funding sources (federal, philanthropic and fee-for-service), and is responsible for leading financial planning, analysis, reporting, accounting, treasury, compliance and human resources. The CFO manages a team of 6 and is based in the Philadelphia headquarters.

Responsibilities and Duties

1. Strategic Leadership

• Serve as a valued thought partner to the CEO and leadership team in developing and evaluating strategic goals and objectives, with specific ownership of financial and human resources goals
• Work with Board of Directors and act as the primary liaison to the Finance Committee to communicate complex timely information in clear and compelling ways
• Set the strategic direction and provide oversight for the organization’s human capital strategy, including recruitment, retention, compensation practices and benefits management
• Lead analysis and contribute to negotiations regarding potential strategic partnerships, licensing agreements and other potential income streams

2. Financial Management

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, analysis, reporting and long-range planning
• Develop tools and systems to provide internal and external stakeholders with critical reports and analytics to inform decision-making
• Work closely with the leadership team and staff to enhance systems to accurately develop and track expenditures against grant and program budgets throughout the grant/fund period
• Lead the negotiation of cost effective coverage and contracts with multiple vendors, including insurance carriers and equipment vendors

3. Accounting

• Provide oversight of all accounting, payroll and audit activities and reporting; ensure accuracy and compliance with appropriate GAAP standards and regulatory requirements
• Lead cash flow planning and forecasting; oversee cash, investment and asset management
• Establish effective policies and processes and ensure strong internal controls over all of CLI’s accounting procedures

4. Human Resources

• Provide oversight of HR for an organization nearing 200 employees and 65 contractors in multiple states
• Establish CLI’s personnel policies, procedures and practices, as well as compensation structures and benefits programs necessary to hire, onboard, develop and retain a superior workforce
• Oversee the organization’s compliance with federal, state and local legislation pertaining to all personnel matters

5. Team Leadership

• Inspire, mentor and lead the finance and HR teams
• Clarify roles and responsibilities, establish and monitor performance goals and implement professional development to set employees up for success and professional growth
• Collaborate effectively with the leadership team to build and lead an organization that is strong, growing and dramatically changes the literacy outcomes for children
• Core Competencies and Qualifications

Education Required:

Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting with CPA, MBA, CMA or equivalent experience required

Training & Experience

• At least 7 years of progressive finance/accounting experience, with at least 3 years in a management role
• Experience in a complex nonprofit organization with multiple programs is preferred
• An understanding of compliance and reporting of government, corporate and foundation grants is preferred
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as advanced financial modeling skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Proven project management skills with the ability to translate strategies from plans to action, and to implement them with strong attention to detail
• Ability and desire to translate complex financial concepts to individuals at all levels including finance and non-finance managers

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary and benefits will be competitive and commensurate with experience.
• CLI has a strong work/life balance culture — they offer all employees in eligible positions the option to work remotely one day a week, and provide 6 weeks of paid vacation plus 8 paid holidays for all Director-level employees. CLI also offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package which includes an employer paid 403(b) plan (no employee contribution required); professional development, life and long term disability insurance; and full employee health coverage: dental, medical and vision.

Children’s Literacy Initiative is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a strong commitment to diversity in the workplace and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds.

https://cli.org/about/careers/