Chief Financial Officer

New North Citizens Council Inc•Springfield, MA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) provides strategic and operational financial leadership for New North Citizens’ Council (NNCC), overseeing an annual operating budget exceeding $10 million and a diverse portfolio of government and private funding. As a member of the executive leadership team, the CFO is responsible for financial integrity, regulatory compliance, internal controls, cash flow management, and long-term financial sustainability. The role calls for a hands-on leader who can strengthen financial systems, develop an accountable finance team, and provide the Executive Director and Board with accurate financial information to support sound decisions and organizational stability. The CFO directs accounting and financial operations; leads budgeting, forecasting, reporting, cash management, and grant fiscal administration; and ensures compliance with funding requirements and financial policies. The position supervises Finance Department staff, leads audits and fiscal monitoring, advises executive and Board leadership, partners with program directors, and provides financial oversight and analysis for NNCC’s housing development initiative. This is a full-time executive leadership position requiring regular on-site presence, participation in leadership and Board meetings, and flexibility during audits, budgeting cycles, and other critical financial activities. The CFO is expected to maintain high standards of confidentiality, ethical conduct, financial transparency, and professional accountability.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
At least seven years of progressively responsible financial or accounting experience, including significant leadership responsibility in a nonprofit or publicly funded environment.
Demonstrated experience managing organizational budgets of $5 million or more, including multiple funding sources and restricted funds.
Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, cash flow management, and government grant requirements.
Demonstrated ability to establish, evaluate, and enforce effective internal controls, financial policies, and accounting procedures.
Experience managing audits, financial compliance, reconciliations, and grant-related financial reporting.
Proven experience supervising accounting or finance personnel and holding teams accountable for performance and deadlines.
Strong analytical, strategic planning, problem-solving, and independent decision-making skills.
Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to executive leadership, Board members, and nonfinancial staff.
Proficiency with accounting software, financial reporting systems, and advanced Excel functions.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation or comparable professional credential.
Experience serving as a CFO, Controller, Finance Director, or senior financial executive.
Experience with federal funding requirements, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200).
Experience supporting affordable housing development, capital projects, real estate transactions, or complex project financing.
Familiarity with HUD, Massachusetts housing and community development funding, CDBG, or similar government funding programs.

Responsibilities

Serve as the senior financial advisor to the Executive Director and Board of Directors, providing financial analysis, recommendations, and risk assessments.
Lead financial forecasting, scenario planning, and long-term financial strategies to support organizational stability, program sustainability, and responsible growth.
Evaluate the financial implications of staffing, program expansion, funding changes, and major organizational commitments.
Establish financial priorities, performance expectations, and accountability measures across the Finance Department.
Direct accounting and financial operations, including general ledger oversight, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll-related financial controls, and financial reporting.
Lead the annual organizational budgeting process and oversee monthly budget-to-actual analysis across programs and departments.
Ensure timely and accurate monthly and annual financial close processes, reconciliations, financial statements, and management reports.
Monitor cash flow, reimbursement cycles, receivables, liabilities, and liquidity; develop cash flow projections, reserve recommendations, and strategies to address funding delays or unexpected expenditures.
Ensure the accuracy, integrity, and reliability of financial records and accounting systems.
Oversee fiscal administration of federal, state, local, and private grants and contracts, including restricted funds, cost allocation, reimbursement requests, and financial reporting.
Ensure compliance with applicable funding requirements, governmental regulations, accounting standards, and organizational financial policies.
Establish, strengthen, and enforce internal controls, including approvals, segregation of duties, reconciliations, documentation, and financial oversight.
Monitor grant expenditures, allowable costs, reporting deadlines, and funding utilization in collaboration with program leadership.
Lead annual financial audits and other fiscal monitoring, serving as the primary contact for external auditors and financial reviewers.
Identify financial risks, control weaknesses, and compliance concerns; implement corrective actions and monitor their effectiveness.
Supervise, coach, and evaluate Finance Department staff, establishing responsibilities, deadlines, performance standards, and accountability.
Assess financial procedures, staffing workflows, and reporting systems to identify gaps and implement improvements.
Ensure oversight and continuity of essential functions, including reconciliations, grant billing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and reporting.
Develop staff capabilities, strengthen cross-training, and establish procedures that reduce operational dependency on individual employees.
Promote accuracy, confidentiality, ethical conduct, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Prepare and present timely, accurate, understandable financial reports to the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and relevant Board committees.
Communicate significant financial risks, funding concerns, cash flow issues, and recommended corrective actions.
Partner with program directors to strengthen budget management, grant compliance, financial planning, and fiscal accountability.
Provide financial oversight and analysis for NNCC’s housing development initiative, including project budgets, financial projections, funding commitments, and related risks.
Coordinate with external accountants, auditors, lenders, consultants, government agencies, and development partners as appropriate.