Vice President of Finance

BUCK INSTITUTE FOR EDUCATION•San Rafael, CA

5d•$148,000 - $200,000•Hybrid

About The Position

PBLWorks is seeking a hands-on, collaborative, detail-oriented finance leader to support the organization’s next phase of growth, innovation, and impact. The Vice President of Finance is a key member of the leadership team and serves as a strategic advisor, functional expert, and thought partner on finance and accounting matters. The role partners across the organization to improve processes and systems, support organizational growth, and advance financial excellence in a mission-driven education nonprofit committed to racial equity. The Vice President leads the Finance Team and oversees financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, accounting, cash and fund management, audits, compliance, and internal controls. The role works with organizational leaders, budget owners, the Development team, the Finance Committee, and the Board to provide clear financial insights and support sound decisions. The position reports to the Chief Operating Officer and may be fully remote or hybrid, with on-site meetings in Marin County as needed and travel of 10–20%. This is a full-time, exempt position. Compensation varies by geographic zone, with stated salary ranges from $148,000 to $200,000. Benefits include health coverage, retirement contributions, and life and disability insurance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
At least 12 years of management experience, including at least five years in a senior finance leadership role.
Nonprofit experience required.
Significant experience with nonprofit accounting systems, fund accounting, and government funding compliance.
Prior experience building and scaling financial systems and processes at a nonprofit organization.
Exceptional analytical skills and business intuition; data-driven, with strong project management and problem-solving skills.
Ability to synthesize complex financial matters into clear financial and business summaries that explain business implications.
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including explaining complex financial information clearly.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to accuracy and accountability.
Excellent time management and ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and respond with urgency while maintaining accuracy.
Hands-on approach to solving problems and delivering timely solutions.
Sound, balanced judgment, openness to other perspectives, and ability to recommend difficult decisions when appropriate.
Customer-focused approach and ability to understand business needs and respond proactively.
Excellent interpersonal, facilitation, listening, and buy-in-building skills.
Ability to work inclusively and productively with diverse colleagues, leaders, board members, and external partners.
Flexibility and adaptability in an ambitious, fast-moving environment.
Integrity, self-direction, positive attitude, and commitment to transparency and open communication.
Passion for addressing equity in the workplace and education, and commitment to PBLWorks’ mission and values.
Ability to build trust and serve as an advocate for employees, while contributing effectively to a collegial management team.
Strong work ethic and desire to make a positive difference through education.

Nice To Haves

MBA or master’s degree with a concentration in finance or a similar field.
CPA certification.
Experience in education or familiarity with schools and educational systems.

Responsibilities

Serve as a member of the leadership team and Strategy Execution Team, aligning Finance Team work with organizational priorities and available resources.
Advise the CEO, COO, and organizational leaders by interpreting financial information to support timely, sound decisions.
Attract, develop, and retain a high-performing Finance Team; mentor staff and support their growth in responsibility and impact.
Identify gaps, opportunities, and risks in financial and accounting systems and develop practical solutions.
Build cross-departmental relationships so Finance functions as a business partner.
Lead the annual budgeting process with department leaders and produce a Board-approved budget tied to organizational goals and strategic priorities.
Set, monitor, and manage financial benchmarks, budgets, and reporting standards.
Lead monthly budget-to-actual reviews with budget owners, provide actionable guidance, and proactively forecast variances.
Partner with leadership and budget owners on plans to address shortfalls or pursue investment opportunities.
Build and maintain financial models for strategic planning across products, services, and departments, including curriculum products and the digital platform; use models for forecasting, sensitivity analysis, and scenario planning.
Oversee monthly and quarterly financial reports for senior leadership, the Finance Committee, and the Board, explaining the business implications of results.
Develop internal dashboards and performance metrics and produce timely financial reports, forecasts, and budgets for funders and other external stakeholders.
Lead day-to-day accounting work and oversee monthly and fiscal year-end close, ensuring accurate and timely financial statements.
Oversee accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems and ensure compliance with GAAP, relevant accounting standards, regulatory requirements, and Board policies.
Oversee nonprofit fund, government, and grant accounting, including restricted-fund tracking, reporting, and release.
Work with Development to forecast, track, and plan philanthropic revenue; review grant agreements for budget alignment and reporting deadlines.
Manage cash flow, cash and revenue forecasting, capital planning, liquidity, and banking relationships.
Lead the annual audit and tax filings and maintain relationships with external auditors.
Serve as the primary finance liaison to the Board Finance Committee.
Oversee financial compliance, including insurance, business and tax filings, and multi-state sales tax.
Review vendor and customer contracts for financial terms, risk, and compliance.
Establish, monitor, and enforce internal controls to protect assets, prevent fraud, and maintain accurate records.
Regularly review and improve financial policies, procedures, processes, and systems for efficiency and scalability.
Contribute to PBLWorks’ mission, vision, core values, Racial Equity Imperative, strategic direction, and organizational culture through collaboration and ongoing learning.
Perform other duties as assigned.