TreePeople - Chief Financial Officer

Envision Consulting•Los Angeles, CA

17d

About The Position

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) leads TreePeople’s finance and accounting functions and partners with the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Grants and Contracts Officer, leadership team, and board to advance financial stability, sustainability, and responsible growth. The role combines strategic financial leadership with practical oversight of accounting, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, grants and contracts, and financial systems. TreePeople’s project-based work and complex government grants and reimbursable contracts require a seasoned nonprofit leader who can anticipate funding needs, strengthen infrastructure, and connect financial decisions to program impact. The CFO will improve cash flow visibility, project budget reporting, billing and collections, and long-term financial planning. The CFO will manage and develop the finance team, address audits, and establish clear processes and accountability while building trust across departments through a collaborative, approachable leadership style grounded in TreePeople’s environmental mission. The role also serves as a trusted financial advisor to the CEO and represents finance at Board and finance committee meetings.

Requirements

At least ten years of accounting or finance experience in the nonprofit sector with organizations generating at least $10 million in revenue, including at least five years of senior leadership.
Demonstrated CFO-level leadership of a complex nonprofit finance function, including strategic planning, executive advising, board reporting, and finance team development.
Deep experience with government grants and reimbursable contracts, nonprofit fund accounting, restricted and unrestricted funds, and numerous concurrent awards and reporting obligations.
Strong command of GAAP, audit oversight, internal controls, regulatory compliance, tax filing oversight, and corrective action implementation.
Demonstrated success in annual and multi-year budgeting, project-level analysis, cash flow forecasting, liquidity management, and scenario planning.
Experience strengthening financial infrastructure during organizational growth, documenting processes, improving systems, and guiding collaborative change.
Advanced proficiency with financial systems and analytical tools, including Sage Intacct and Excel, and ability to improve reporting and coordinate data across systems.
Approachable and empathetic leadership style, strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to remain calm and exercise sound judgment under pressure.
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, including the ability to explain complex financial information clearly to staff, executives, and board members.
Strong commitment to TreePeople’s environmental mission and willingness to understand its programs and field-based work.

Responsibilities

Lead short-term and multi-year financial planning aligned with TreePeople’s mission, strategic priorities, and operational needs.
Partner with the CEO and leadership team to assess financial risks, reserves, funding gaps, and scenarios, and recommend options that support resilience and sustainable growth.
Evaluate the financial impact and full costs of new programs, partnerships, and expansion opportunities, including administrative costs not fully covered by grants or contracts.
Lead annual operating and project budget development with department leaders, establishing timelines, assumptions, responsibilities, and budget accountability.
Establish regular monthly budget-to-actual reviews, reconciliations, and updated forecasts with program leaders; explain variances and coach staff on financial planning.
Oversee cash flow forecasting and liquidity management, incorporating project obligations, billing schedules, receivables, reimbursement timing, and operating expenses.
Coordinate with development to align fundraising priorities and restricted funding with program needs and the organization’s financial outlook.
Oversee financial management of government contracts and federal, foundation, and other grants, including restricted and unrestricted funds.
Partner with grants and program leaders to strengthen award budgeting, allowable cost allocation, financial reporting, documentation, and compliance.
Improve billing and reimbursement submissions, coordinate collections and funder communication, and manage receivables and cash flow.
Track funding sources and restrictions, monitor contract and grant financial performance, and communicate financial obligations and risks to leadership.
Oversee daily finance operations, general ledger records, monthly closes, fixed assets, depreciation, and monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports.
Ensure compliance with GAAP and applicable local, state, and federal requirements.
Maintain internal controls, documented accounting policies, and standard operating procedures, and conduct periodic internal reviews.
Coordinate annual audits and audited financial statements, present results to the finance committee and board, and lead corrective actions.
Oversee preparation and timely filing of IRS Form 990 and other required financial filings.
Assess and improve Sage Intacct and related tools to strengthen reporting, forecasting, and access to dependable financial data.
Improve data coordination and appropriate integration among Sage Intacct, ADP, and Salesforce, reducing duplicate entry and manual reconciliation.
Develop accessible project dashboards and timely budget-to-actual reporting, and establish data ownership, reporting standards, review practices, and system training.
Establish meaningful financial and performance metrics to support management decision-making.
Lead, develop, and support the finance team through clear expectations, coaching, professional development, knowledge sharing, and effective onboarding.
Assess staffing capacity and workloads, including billing support, and recommend resources and practices that promote continuity and staff retention.
Build trust across finance, programs, development, grants and contracts, and other departments; clarify responsibilities and promote respectful communication and shared accountability.
Introduce processes and accountability with staff input, clear explanations, and a manageable implementation pace.
Create consistent service and communication standards for approachable, direct finance support, including in remote or hybrid working environments.
Serve as a trusted financial advisor to the CEO and represent finance at Board and finance committee meetings.
Present financial results clearly, linking variances, program performance, cash needs, risks, and recommended actions for audiences with varied financial knowledge.
Provide candid, timely financial communication to leadership and appropriate visibility for staff, and translate board priorities into practical next steps.
Support clear boundaries between Board governance and daily operations while navigating differing perspectives with sound judgment and professionalism.
Perform other duties as assigned.