Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

United Way of Summit & Medina•Akron, OH

16d•Onsite

About The Position

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as a senior executive and strategic partner to the President & CEO, Board of Directors, and community stakeholders. This role provides enterprise-wide leadership to ensure United Way’s financial strategy advances community impact, organizational sustainability, and public trust. The CFO focuses on strategy, external engagement, financial stewardship, and long-term sustainability. The CFO partners closely with Fund Development to assure proper stewardship, transparency, and follow-through on donor intent across all funding streams.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in finance or similar field required.
10+ years of senior level or financial management experience required.
High level of financial literacy, inclusive of extensive experience with U.S. GAAP for not-for-profit entities (FASB ASC 958).
Ability to translate financials into transparent reporting for Board, donors, and external stakeholders.
Skilled in best business practices.
Competent in MS Office products.
Commitment to upholding a culture of belonging and equal opportunity.
Show respect and value in our differences: whether racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, gender or class.
Organizational / Strategic Planning.
Leadership.
High attention to detail on efficient and effective systems and processes.
Catalyst and driver of finance related schedules & processes.
Strict adherence to all deadlines, with proper skills and motivation to plan in advance for complex deliverables.
Ability to work independently with minimum supervision and as part of a high-performing team.
Interpersonal Skills – Builds Relationships.
Collaborator.
Organized, able to prioritize, strategically plans, and meets deadlines.
Strong interpersonal and conflict management skills.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Commitment to excellence and passion for the mission of United Way of Summit & Medina.
Commitment to maintaining an awareness of best practices within the United Way Worldwide Network.
Effectively building and leading a diverse team, while delegating work appropriately.
Communicating to the team and stakeholders the goals, the plan for achieving the goals and performance expectations.
Identifying where improvements need to be made and providing the necessary coaching and feedback while holding the team accountable.
Understanding the organizational dynamics to navigate change and influence others effectively with the department and organization.
Position is primarily a normal office setting, requiring some periods of sedentary work at a desk and computer.
Must be willing to work/attend events occasionally during non-standard work hours including nights, weekends, and other unusual hours.
Some overnight travel may be required.
Ability to routinely travel throughout multi-floor office, walking, climbing stairs.
Must be able to sit, stand, reach with hands and arms, bend and stoop.
Minimal lifting up to 25 pounds occasionally.
Ability to pass pre-employment testing including background check, drug and alcohol screen.
Valid driver license and proof of insurance.
Access to reliable insured automobile to be used for work-related travel in Summit & Medina County area.

Nice To Haves

MBA and / or CPA preferred.
Financial management with Board and Nonprofit governance experience preferred.
Examples include donor-restricted net asset management, contribution versus exchange transaction revenue recognition (including grants), fund accounting, functional expense reporting, and enhanced financial statement disclosures (e.g., liquidity, gifts-in-kind).

Responsibilities

Serve as an active member of the Executive Leadership Team, partnering cross-functionally to align financial strategy with enterprise priorities.
Lead long-range financial planning, forecasting, and scenario modeling to inform strategic decisions and ensure organizational sustainability.
Ensure financial plans and resource allocation decisions advance United Way’s community priorities and measurable impact goals.
Assess and manage efficacy and oversee improvements in financial systems and technology.
Provide financial stewardship for United Way run programs, ensuring resources are deployed effectively, responsibly, and in alignment with intended outcomes.
Partner with Fund Development to uphold donor intent, strengthen stewardship practices, and ensure consistent follow-through across all funding streams.
Oversee tracking, compliance, and reporting for restricted gifts and designations, ensuring timely, accurate documentation for donors, funders, and auditors.
Support fundraising strategy by providing financial insights, stewardship controls, and clear reporting that builds donor confidence and trust.
Champion financial transparency and translate complex financial information into clear, compelling narratives for internal and external audiences.
Engage with board & committee members, donors, funders, and community partners as needed to communicate stewardship practices, financial performance, and the impact of philanthropic investments.
Serve as staff lead to the Board’s Finance and Investment Committees and Audit oversight, preparing materials, guiding agendas, and ensuring timely, informed decision-making.
Engage and maintain trusted relationship with auditors.
Occasionally review audit process and service providers to best fit the needs of the organization.
Position the content and manage completion of public-facing financial documents, including Audit and Form 990.
Elevate Board discussions by connecting financial results and trends to strategic implications, risk posture, and long-term sustainability.
Provide executive oversight of accounting operations, compliance, and internal controls through the Vice President, Controller.
Oversee and assure compliance and proper reporting of multiple streams of state and federal funding.
Lead enterprise risk management, recommending policies and mitigation strategies that protect assets, strengthen controls, and safeguard organizational reputation.